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 

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...

Boost deterrence to subdue China

Boost deterrence to subdue China

Thursday, 07 March 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

Calling China a bully and seeking support from the US is likely to further strain relations with Beijing Earlier this month former Army Chief Gen Naravane at a literary festival in Ajmer called China India’s primary threat adding confrontation along the LAC was a good thing as it exposed this ground...

India is on the right track in Nepal

India is on the right track in Nepal

Wednesday, 21 February 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

Prachanda's adept balancing act and strategic positioning continue to shape the trajectory of Nepal's political future, with implications that extend beyond its borders Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) has completed 13 months of his third term, by far the most successful in leading Nepal with the Maoist party with just...

Unravelling colonial legacy in army heritage

Unravelling colonial legacy in army heritage

Wednesday, 07 February 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

Gradually, the military traditions are being overshadowed. The Republic Day Parade has transformed from a military display to a political and cultural event with military elements Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mere mention during the tri-service Commanders’ conference in 2022 on the ‘rich heritage of ancient Indian strategic thinking’ as part of...

LAC: Putting together the jigsaw puzzle

LAC: Putting together the jigsaw puzzle

Wednesday, 24 January 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

The Government's secrecy and censorship cast shadows on the true story of LAC, leaving critical gaps in the nation's defence narrative Unlike soldiers, diplomats and government officials are like the three wise monkeys. One such person not in that league I met more than a year ago told me about Chinese...

Thai Generals  bidiñg their time

Thai Generals bidiñg their time

Wednesday, 10 January 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

The Thailand military has re-written the Constitution and ensured the formation of a constitutional court and senate, without whose approval no elected Government can function This New Year, it was a toss-up between Goa and Thailand to escape the harsh Delhi winter. I first visited Thailand in 1989 from Sri Lanka...

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