Ashok K Mehta

Ashok K Mehta

 

Ashok K Mehta is a retired Lt General of the Indian Army. He writes extensively on defence matters and anchors Defence Watch on Doordarshan 

Domestic tensions add to Oli’s predicament

Domestic tensions add to Oli’s predicament

Wednesday, 13 November 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

Amid a mounting internal criticism, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Oli faces daunting challenges, from managing a coalition to dealing with China My Diwali and Tihar vacation in Nepal is continuing.  Here is a flash report from Pokhara. After a turbulent 18-month rule, in which former Prime Minister Prachanda had to seek...

India backs Philippines in South China Sea standoff

India backs Philippines in South China Sea standoff

Wednesday, 24 July 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

As China continues its aggressive tactics, the Philippines, bolstered by international alliances, stands resilient against Beijing's coercion My enemy’s enemy is my friend is a fitting adage for India; 's support to the Philippines which is fighting a battle royale in the  South China Sea with China. Chinese Coast Guards have...

The Garhwal Regiment’s glorious military heritage

The Garhwal Regiment’s glorious military heritage

Wednesday, 12 June 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

Lansdowne, steeped in military tradition since the establishment of the first Garhwal Battalion in 1887, tells a tale of valour and colonial legacy The still air in June over the Bhawani Dutt Joshi Parade Ground carved out of Kaludanda (renamed Lansdowne after the then Viceroy) converts into an air pocket when...

India needs substantial defence investment

India needs substantial defence investment

Wednesday, 29 May 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

The BJP’s defence manifesto, dubbed ‘Modi ki guarantee,’ pledges robust security measures but faces criticism for overlooking persistent threats and insufficient defence spending India’s Twin Challenges Warrant Active Deterrence: Achievable through Investment in Defence BJP’s defence and national security manifesto is  Modi ki guarantee for Surakshit Bharat.  It launched a massive 15-day...

Regime change on cards in Nepal?

Regime change on cards in Nepal?

Tuesday, 14 May 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

Amid strained India-Nepal relations, speculation swirls around a potential regime change in Nepal Nepal’s late Foreign Minister Rishikesh Shah would say that Kathmandu is the rumour capital of the world and also the fount of speculation.  Our own Madhuri Dikshit once hailed Nepal as a beautiful country adding: “We’re lucky it...

Why is the BJP avoiding China in campaigning?

Why is the BJP avoiding China in campaigning?

Wednesday, 01 May 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

The BJP’s election focus has shifted away from recent China tensions, opting instead to highlight Nehru’s actions during the 1962 conflict China has been generally missing from election manifestoes and campaigning so far. Former Army Chief Gen Naravane at a literary festival in Ajmer recently called China India’s primary threat adding...

Ignoring neighbours to embrace the world

Ignoring neighbours to embrace the world

Wednesday, 17 April 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

The BJP Government has put Neighbourhood First Policy on backburner, leaving it underperforming amid rising anti-India sentiments in the region BJP government has made foreign policy  a key election issue: Prime Minister Modi has stated, ‘Neighbour first and Act East second.’  Foreign Minister S Jaishankar is campaigning how G20 has enhanced...

Political seesaw in Nepal

Political seesaw in Nepal

Wednesday, 03 April 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

As Nepal navigates through these uncertain times, the future of its leadership and the direction of its governance hang in a delicate balance Many Nepalese see second time Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane Rashtra Swatantra Party as a future Prime Minister . With Bell as its election symbol it became the fourth...

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