India's strongman Narendra Modi.
That was how the leader of the world's biggest democracy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, summed up a virtual summit with the leader of the world's second-biggest democracy, US President Joe Biden.
The two men were in full agreement on most things, including the need to end the horrors in Ukraine. But Modi refused to accuse Russia of war crimes, instead calling for an independent inquiry.
This is part of a pattern. India has abstained 11 times on United Nations resolutions criticizing Russia. It has continued to buy Russian oil, at a discount, and Russian weapons.
The world's largest democracy has not joined other democratic nations in coming to the aid of Ukraine.
India's military is reliant on Russian spare parts and it has a long tradition of neutrality in global conflicts. Modi's policy of defying pleas from the US to boycott Russia is popular at home.
Denne historien er fra May 14, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra May 14, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.
