A year after the Balakot strikes, do you notice any change in Pakistan’s terror policy?
International pressure has been built on Pakistan. It is forced to take action against homegrown terror outfits. [The Jamaat-udDawa chief] Hafiz Saeed has been given a prison sentence. Action has also been taken against Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.
Will Pakistan ever give up using terrorism for strategic advantage?
If this is Pakistan’s strategy, then it is a failed strategy. It is due to terrorism that it is facing so many problems at the international level. The Financial Action Task Force has kept Pakistan on its grey list and warned that it can go into the blacklist soon. It is proving to be a disadvantage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that if a war takes place, India can defeat Pakistan in 7-10 days. On what basis does he say that?
That question would arise only if Pakistan had ever won a war. All four times—1948, 1965, 1971 and in the Kargil War of 1999— Pakistan lost to India. So where is the doubt whether India will win? Today, we have moved much ahead in capabilities. I would say the result is pre-declared. This is not just my claim, the international community agrees with it.
How is the preparedness of our armed forces?
The morale is upbeat. Their biggest strength is that they are upbeat and rational at the same time. On both India-China and India-Pakistan borders, they maintain a rational approach. Whenever there is a face-off on the India-China border, the Chinese army and our own forces do not allow the confrontation to escalate. Even during ceasefire violations on the India-Pakistan border, our instructions are clear. The first bullet will not be fired by us; but if we are shot at, the forces are free to fire. They do not have to wait for directions from the government.
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A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict
SAHEB LOSES STEAM
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