Due to unprecedented rise and global reach of China today, India and Russia are faced with some pertinent challenges. Some of the key issues are: How best to deal with China? Will the Cold War policy of containment work in case of China as mainstream communist ideology has failed for the most part in the post-globalised and post-Cold War phase? Or, simply a bland policy of engagement with China will work as China has adopted a more muscular approach in its conduct of foreign policy?

In a surprise move, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj undertook a two-day official visit to Kathmandu, Nepal from February 1, 2018. The visit took place at a time when Nepal is preparing to hold the National Assembly (NA) elections (slated on February 7) under the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led caretaker government. A new government is set to be formed by the left alliance under K P Sharma Oli’s leadership.

"Palestine was ‘twice-promised’ to Jews - first by the Bible and another by the Balfour Declaration".
 

Great leap forward for Indian defence necessitates resolute action from the apex.
 
A decade proves to be a short time for reforms in military affairs while a week is a long time in politics. However, surprise elements in Indian politics (the latest reshuffle in cabinet) notwithstanding, India appears to challenge conventional notions about military reforms, at least in initiating realms, if not in implementation and results thereafter. Results may vary but intents transcend regimes.
 

As India tries to stem the flow of citizens joining the self-proclaimed Islamic State, the state of Kerala, on the southern coast, has emerged as an area of special concern. According to government statistics, more citizens have been arrested for Islamic State ties in Kerala than in any other state.