The decision to rename a prominent square in Lahore after Shaheed Bhagat Singh could go a long way in focusing on the joint history of India and Pakistan in the struggle for freedom from the British rule. I have always held that relations between our two countries cannot be repaired without an honest recollection of history, at the core of which should be an objective appraisal of our respective national icons. Read more

It’s encouraging that India and Pakistan continue to talk. But while they engage, they’d have to be careful about each other’s sensitivities on issues influencing popular support for peace between the two sub-continental rivals. Read more

It’s about time the UPA began worrying— not as much for its own survival but that of India. One doesn’t really care who spread the rumors that made people from the north east return home in panic from across India. Read more

President Barak Obama’s intervention in the ongoing debate on the pace of reforms in India is unlikely to help the US big business achieve its objectives. It will at once create problems for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in forging a political consensus around such initiatives as opening the pension sector and permitting FDI in multi-brand retail. Read more

On weekends I have some fun on twitter and get in return a sense of the popular mood. So this Sunday when I tweeted in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s defense against charges hurled at him and some of his cabinet colleagues by “Team Anna”, the response was overwhelmingly negative. Read more

What should be India’s response to Pakistan Army Chief Ashfaq Pervez Kayani’s statement emphasizing peaceful coexistence and dialogue for resolution of outstanding issues between our two countries? Read more

Comparisons are odious. But this one seems irresistible without meaning to equate parliamentary democracy in India and Pakistan. Read more

So much has already been written about Dev Anand that I felt a trifle diffident adding my bit to it. But as a diehard fan, I couldn’t resist the urge to pay homage to the man who entertained three generations of Indians. Read more

Can’t really say how long the bonhomie would last. But a good start has been made by India and Pakistan at Maldives. At the crux of the renewed hope is the most favoured nation (MFN) status Islamabad has belated granted to New Delhi to promote trade between the two neighbours. Read more

The people of India have once again demonstrated their native wisdom in the recently concluded elections to five state assemblies. The DMK and the Left parties have been roundly defeated in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Read more