युक्रेन. पूर्व युरोपातील जागतिक राजकारणातील एक प्यादं. युक्रेनच्या पूर्वेला अजस्त्र असा रशिया आणि पश्चिमेला युरोपियन युनियनचे सदस्य देश .युक्रेनमधील सध्या जी तणावपूर्ण परिस्थिती उद्भवली आहे ती उलगडण्यासाठी हा भौगोलिक पट खूप महत्त्वाचा ठरतो .
एकीकडे रशियाच्या धोरणांबाबत युरोप आणि अमेरिकेत असलेला आकस आणि खुद्द युक्रेनमधील अंतर्गत कलह यामध्ये युक्रेनची जनता भरडली जाते. रशियाने पुतिन यांच्या राजवटीमध्ये नाटो (NATO) पूर्व युरोपात होणाऱ्या विस्तारास पायबंद घालण्यास सुरुवात केली. 2008 मध्ये जॉर्जिया नंतर 2014 मध्ये क्रिमियावरील आक्रमण ही त्याची ठळक उदाहरणे.
रशियाच्या प्रांगणात सामरिकदृष्ट्या महत्त्वाचे असलेले हे भाग अमेरिकेला आपल्या प्रभावाखाली आणायचे आहेत. नाटोचे विस्तारीकरण आणि त्याला युरोपीय देशांचा पाठिंबा अशा दृष्टिकोनातून युक्रेन मधील परिस्थिती पाहता येईल. नाटोचे ओपन डोअर धोरण जे मागच्या आठवड्यात अमेरिकन परराष्ट्र मंत्री ॲथनी ब्लिंकन यांनी देखील अधोरेखित केले त्यानुसार कोणत्याही पात्र युरोपीय देशात नाटोमध्ये मध्ये सामील होता येते.
यक्षप्रश्न हा आहे की युक्रेन नाटो कराराचे सर्व निकष पूर्ण करू शकत नाही. सगळ्या युरोपियन युनियनच्या सदस्यांना युक्रेनचे नाटो सदस्यत्व मान्य आहे असेही नाही. युक्रेन नाटो मध्ये जाणार ही शक्यता पुतीन रशियाच्या सुरक्षेला संभाव्य धोका वाटते. आज जवळपास लाखभर हून अधिक रशियन सैनिक युक्रेनच्या सीमेवर हल्ला करण्याच्या पावित्र्यात आहेत नाटो कराराचे कलम 5 सांगते की एका सदस्यावर झालेला हल्ला हा सर्व सदस्यांवरील हल्ला मानण्यात येईल.(प्रिन्सिपल ऑफ कलेक्टिव डिफेन्स)
युक्रेन आज तरी नाटोचा सदस्य नसले तरी जर युद्धास सुरुवात झाली तर अमेरिका युक्रेनला सदस्यत्व घ्यायला भाग पाडू शकते. तरच अमेरिका आणि युरोपीय देश त्यांच्या मदतीला जाऊ शकतात. याचा दुसरा अर्थ असा कि रशियाने युक्रेन वर केलेला हल्ला हा अमेरिका आणि इतर नाटो सदस्य जसे फ्रान्स, जर्मनी, ब्रिटन आणि एकंदर संपूर्ण युरोप यांच्याविरुद्ध युद्ध ठरेल.
अशा परिस्थितीत बायडन- पुतीन आणि अनेक उच्चस्तरीय बैठका आणि राजनैतिक प्रयत्न विफल ठरले आहेत. अशीच परिस्थिती जेव्हा 2014 मध्ये आली होती तेव्हा मिंन्स्क
करारांमुळे वातावरण तात्पुरते निवळले होते. आजच्या घडीला रशियाने शीतयुद्धाच्या समाप्तीनंतर युरोपच्या सीमांवर सर्वात जास्त मोबिलायझेशन म्हणजेच सर्वात जास्त प्रमाणात सैन्य तैनात केलेले आहे. युद्धाचे ढग जमा झालेले असताना तात्पुरती का होईना पण युद्धजन्य परिस्थिती निवळणे आवश्यक ठरते .जागतिक राजकारणाच्या चालीरीती प्रमाणे प्रमाणे दोन्ही बाजूंवर तातडीने आंतरराष्ट्रीय दबाव टाकण्यात गरजेचे आहे.
काही तासांपूर्वीच पुतीन यांनी रशियास युरोपमध्ये युद्ध नको आहे अशी पत्रकार परिषदेत घोषणा करून वादावर पडदा टाकण्याचा प्रयत्न केला आहे. काही रशियन फौजा परत जातील असेही सांगण्यात आले आहे . युक्रेन सारख्या प्रश्नांवर दीर्घकालीन उपाययोजना करणे आवश्यक ठरते नाहीतर असे धुमसते प्रश्न आगीचे गोळे बनू शकतात.
4th January 2021. India began its eighth tenure at United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a "non-permanent" member for two years. As 2021 is almost ending, it's pertinent to take a look at India's UNSC journey in this year, its strategic permutations and combinations and the song and dance of Indian diplomacy at the United Nations.
UNSC is known to be the only global body to have a tooth to bite, having wide powers to impose sanctions and to hold the breath of a member's economy and also to order military intervention in political crises under Chapter VII of UN Charter. The global scenario of trending US-China rivalry with deteriorated security situations in Afghanistan, Myanmar and many other places, the challenge of the Covid pandemic, increasing severity of disasters induced by climate change has added much more glamour to UNSC seat with less concrete substance on actual action agenda. In this context, India, a leader of the developing world, getting elected to UNSC becomes important in itself.
India campaigned for itself during UNSC elections with 5S i.e Samman, Samvad, Sahyog, Shanti, Samriddhi promoting responsible and inclusive solutions to international peace and security. Reformed Multilateralism involving the participation of the developing world in security affairs was major agenda. India got 184/192 votes to secure its bid. Against this backdrop, New Delhi started to unfold its stances on the global highest platform.
India "condemned" the violence that erupted in Myanmar at the beginning of this year in the Security Council Meeting. However, it also called for greater engagement with the military regime in Myanmar contrasting views of US when it was issuing statements supporting punitive actions and sanctions through UNSC. This strategic choice of words and deeds reflect India's interests in Myanmar and need to adjust with the current establishment for its ambitious Act East policy.
A few months later, the Afghanistan theatre opened up rapidly. India assumed the Presidency of UNSC in August 2021 when US withdrew and Taliban came at the helm. Resolution 2593 was adopted under India's presidency condemning attacks on airports in Afghanistan and vouching for humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan. The resolution also demands assurances that Afghan soil will not be used for any kind of terrorism. India's focus remains on the people of Afghanistan whether its handling Afghanistan at UNSC and also at bilateral and regional levels. The security implications for investments India made in Afghanistan are not so favourable and hence, insisting that the Taliban have to pay attention to humanitarian issues becomes a natural choice.
UNSC also passed the first of its kind Presidential statement on maritime security while India was at the chair. PM Modi laid out five principles on maritime security related to trade, connectivity. peaceful settlement of disputes, disaster management and non-state actors. India's growing convergence with US on Indo Pacific and its maritime interests in supply chains and energy resources bring the maritime security agenda at the centre of India's contemporary foreign policy along with China front.
Lastly, India successfully thwarted an attempt to bring climate change issues under the UNSC wing. India's Permanent Representative at UN, Amb. T.S. Tirumurti argued that "The reality is that developed countries have fallen well short of their promises. This is particularly important to recognise because today's attempt to link climate with security really seeks to obfuscate the lack of progress in critical issues under the UN FCC (Framework Convention on Climate Change) process." "India had no option but vote against (such resolution).", he added. India's demand for 'climate justice' at COP 26 has again underlined the longtime debate on Global North vs Global South. Global North consisting of the developed world have resisted the transfer of technology and finances to tackle climate change leading to a global divide on the same issue.
On these lines, India stood firm at the UNSC table with resolve to act whenever the situation demands shedding hesitance to take clear stands on global issues. The change in approach is also related to enhanced diplomatic resources and multilateral links. India's consistent push for a "reformed multilateral" world signifies its commitments to small developing nations as well as desire to be in good books of existing permanents with Veto powers- USA, UK, France, Russia and China.
Although the very relevance of United Nations and UNSC acts have been debated as constraints of great power dynamics tighten, a seat at UNSC does give prestige and power necessary to be a great power at high tables. India's quest for a permanent seat at UNSC is long pending. India has sent solid signals in this one year UNSC tenure that it wants to engage with the world in a more firm way. Let's discuss what does this quest for a permanent place at a powerful horseshoe table and a reformed United Nations implies and what lies ahead.
India 'achieved' its freedom and independence in 1947. The big and foremost question was- what to do with this freedom? Fortunately, over the decades and years, some kind of common stands and strands had been evolved. Among those voices, one of the prominent was of Jawaharlal Nehru. "A moment comes rarely in history when we step out from old to new when an age ends and when the soul of a nation- long suppressed finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment, we take the
pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity."
Through these quotations from Tryst with Destiny speech of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister pointed towards the most crucial aspect freedom could have given- supremacy and sovereignty to the people of India.It's fitting to take a glance at Nehru's role in building post-independent, post-colonial India and its foreign policy as we celebrate the 75th year of Independence and the 132nd birth anniversary of India's first PM. Although times have changed much and it's public debate whether Nehru's legacy in itself have any relevance, it's pertinent to understand democratic, pluralist India and its roots.
If one look towards India in 1947, it was a country torn by Partition, where acute poverty prevailed, numerous ethnicities, castes, language groups wanted their demands to be fulfilled first. It was in this context Nehru took over as the Prime Ministerof Independent India. The prominent task was to build a nation, steer it towards a staunch and robust democracy with "commanding heights of the economy."
Nehru's contribution lies in he didn't turn into an autocratic dictator when he had every chance to assume unbridled power. By writing we want no Caesarscriticising himself in an anonymous article, he clearly demarcated his democratic credentials. This respect for democracy and INSTITUTIONS was also significant for India's parliamentary democratic tradition and its guardian, Judiciary. The tussle between his government and Supreme Court over Land reforms has been foundational for tug of war between fundamental rights and directive principles of state policy giving space for interpretations for constitutional values.
Nehru took over the task of integrating Unity in Diversity by having secularism as its base. The Indian model of secularism which talks of Sarva Dharma Sambhav - equal respect to all religions have been a guiding light to many third world countries. The ethos of the constitution on social matters was largely preserved in the Nehruvian era starting what Granville Austin talked of as 'constitutional Social revolution.'
The mixed model economy of the Nehruvian era was dominated by Five-year plans and heavy industries. A mixed model was suitable for countries like India where large scale poverty and illiteracy prevailed. However, it came with banes of its own which later revealed themselves. The mixed model didn't give the pace to the Indian economy which was expected. On one hand, Public Sector Units(PSUs) were ravaged by bureaucratic red-tapism and on the other, the private sector didn't have any incentive to grow in License Quota Permit Raj.
Nehru years also saw the emergence of India's brainpower in science and technology. Atomic Energy Commission, IITs, Nuclear reactors, establishing TERLS for space research were all products of Nehruvian vision of science and technology for developing countries and make life easy.
Any talk about Nehru would be futile without discussing the non-alignment policy. In an era dominated by two camps- USA and USSR, Nehru wanted India to stay out of block politics. Not only Nehru but there was Pan Party consensus on Non-alignment as nascent nation's priority was economic development than playing a game of thrones on the world chessboard. Non-alignment was strategic autonomy, the shield of sovereignty and independence, and economic benefits from both camps.
Nehruvian outlook on the world and his internationalism was a quest for establishing India on the global map very firmly. While the Non-Alignment Movement became the moral voice of the third world, it also gave the opportunity to India to diversify its relationships. Nehru's respect for United Nations and calls for disarmament were also for purpose of boosting the stature of India as a nation that can speak up for itself. He saw the UN as a force to bury colonialism. It was supposed to be a force of peace that would allow India and its counterparts in the developing world to engage fully towards economic development rather than engaging in wars.
Along with achievements, Nehru also failed on various counts. It's beyond debate that the debacle of 1962 with China was Nehru and his government's failure to play Realpolitikin the actual sense. He institutionalized democracy but failed to bring efficiency in economic arenas. The growth stagnated for decades after his death. Although he largely respected opposition, few criticized him for having a self-centred authoritarian personality.
(Source)- The Dilemma of Nehru on China (Nehru famously said to Shankar,the cartoonist who caricatured Nehru like this- "DON'T SPARE ME")
His ideas and policies did face criticism. Alternative paths were suggested by stalwarts such as Ram Manohar Lohia. Nehru's strategy to deal with these was to engage in dialogue and debate rather than belittling opposition. He enjoyed huge respect and following from all parties of the time. Its succinct to quote Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a staunch critique of Nehru's policies on opposition benches, who mourned Nehru's death with following words- "with the
prime minister’s passing ‘a dream
has remained half fulfilled, a song has become silent, and a flame has
vanished into the Unknown. India's beloved Prince has gone to sleep. "
Nehru's policies went to burial slowly after his death. Times have much changed now. The non-alignment has been turned into 'issue-based alignments' and multi alignment in the contemporary world. India is a thriving capitalist economy for the last 30 years, far from Nehruvian socialism. However, the institutions nurtured in the first decade of independence under Nehru's leadership when a nascent nation was in turmoil have been crucial to giving required flexibility and fluidness to adopt these changes. That's why the Nehruvian legacy has to be continued through dialogue, democracy, its institutions including a free press, pluralism and a quest for an egalitarian social order based on justice.
Hello friends, Celebrations of India's Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav are about to begin. The journey from the struggle against Viceroy's House to independent India's powerhouse- Rashtrapati Bhavan has been fascinating only. "Jan Gan Man" underlines this with a plethora of challenges India and its people have in its present and future. As we enter into the 75th Year of Independence, let's look at why India as a nation survives and thrives as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic with such diversity. This becomes even more important in three contexts.
First, India's most of the other neighbors who became got independence along with India especially Pakistan has crumbled as a failed state while India continues to be a democracy. Second, Indian independence was a crucial moment for the World. In 1945, World War II ended. The Cold War was about to start. In such a confusing atmosphere, the wave of decolonization began with Indian independence. Third, the current atmosphere of majoritarian populism, religious fundamentalism is giving a sense of turning back the clock from where the seeds of Indian nationalism sprouted.
It was the Indian Renaissance that awakened "Indians as Indians." There can be debate about the concept of India as such existed before the British sword ruled this country. Likes of Raja Rammohan Roy and many others who were products of English education, English ideals of liberty and equality started efforts to reform medieval Indian society bound by chains. Chains of castes, languages, customs, regions, the list goes on. This was complemented by efforts by the British to further colonial interests. The British policies to recruit Indians into colonial bureaucracy created the English-speaking upper-middle class of upper castes. British brought Railways, telegraph into the country which in a way helped to connect remote corners of the subcontinent. On the top, the development of the Indian press, both in English as well as native languages helped to share the ideals of Self Determination of Europe to the hinterland.
Against this backdrop, the Indian political struggle for Independence began. It was spearheaded by Indian National Congress and joined by many others- women, peasants, workers, revolutionaries, tribals, socialists, and social reformers. These efforts made India - a nation in progress. The means were numerous but sharing of ideas, thoughts awakened the country to fight oppressive colonialists.
Gandhian methods of Satyagraha and Ahimsa were notable not only because of their morality but they helped to bring common masses into the national discourse and attempted to build a harmonious society that will strive for Swaraj. The phase lead by Tilak and Gandhi shaped the political culture of post-Independent India. On this backdrop, India as the largest democracy began to shape.
The Constitution of India binds the country into a rule of law. It has established institutions expecting them to carry forward the democratic spirit of our national struggle. The three-tiered elected governments with strong Centre attempt to run the country based on law and the Constitution. This structure provides a space for people to express their demands before legitimate authorities elected by themselves.
This political culture is distinguished for its diversity and general emphasis on cordial, negotiated efforts to put demands forward. Leaving out a few exceptions, people in India will not protest with arms. Thali Bajao Andolan, Dharanas, Gheraos are pretty common. Let's imagine what happens in African countries or other former colonies. Coups, mutinies, and riots- instability. The Indian state is strong-armed with every power to suppress people. However as explained above, it's expected to create a space for active civil society and free press.
Along with that, the philosophical base of the Indian nation is in Vasudhaiv Kutumbkam and Bhakti Sufi traditions. Here the peace and harmony even matter in everyday life while taking a meal, in relations. Quarrels do happen but everybody prioritizes solving them amicably. The numerous divisions disappear at least for a moment when Neeraj Chopra brings Olympic Gold at home.
This unique mixture of traditions with modernity has inspired anti-colonial struggles in Africa. It has produced Non-Alignment Movement when the world was expecting Third World War. The leaps of the Indian economy since reforms have generated the economic well-being of many.
Though India is not a perfect nation or society to compare it with its neighbors, most of the former colonies have been suffered from autocratic, dictatorial regimes after their independence. Indian democracy and its vanguards, the people of India have set an example before such countries.
And then come challenges of our own before becoming more confident on our Vishwaguruness. India is still a caste-ridden society where hierarchy matters against the spirit of equality. As Dr.Babashaeb Ambedkar had said, 'the unity of India will be like summer sampling which will blow away if this caste disease doesn't go away." Patriarchy, Populism, superstitions, hate campaigns against a particular religion, a majoritarian polity, "chalta hai" attitude for traffic rules, corruption is taking a heavy toll on wanna be Ignited Minds of India.
Freedom came with numerous sacrifices. The Constitution came into existence after the huge efforts of the likes of Dr.Ambedkar. To fulfill those dreams, India needs a reimagined politics, a reformed economy,, and a redefined rational society. All these will need a fresh approach to look towards facts and philosophy. It will require an impartial analysis of where do we stand as we sing our beloved national anthem.
Jan Gan Man reminds us what India represents as a nation and what it means to every Indian life. It's an insignia of better opportunities, enriched lives, and spreading love. It's a heart that runs democratic polity. It's in our hands to keep this heart healthy and functional for long life.
Hello friends, as newspaper columns are filling up about the Afghan situation, let's bring it to our attention as well. As we discussed previously, the US has announced its withdrawal. It was clear that US troops will leave Afghan land by September 11, twenty years after 9/11. However, the pullout began early. As the US claims that 90% of its troops have left Afghanistan, the Taliban is claiming to hold 85% of the ground in the graveyard of empires. Let's hope others learn lessons from the USA.
On the 6th of July last month, the headline of all international dailies was the same. "USA has left Bagram airbase in secret!" The very base from where it planned its Afghan adventure. They simply left it without even warning Afghan authorities giving the reason for a possible attack on the base by the Taliban. No wonder it was vandalized later, allegedly by the Taliban to get some weapons. The one thing that is getting clear from events like this is that the Taliban has been gaining significant tangible ground in Afghanistan.
The corollary of this is there is a power vacuum of legitimate force in Afghanistan. The elected government and its leaders are coming under pressure by repeated violence committed by the Taliban. Whether it's Kabul and Kandahar, the Taliban has been increasing its scale and pace of violence.
Now, the question is who is there to fill this vacuum created by early US withdrawal. Internally, the Afghan government has to consider the Taliban as a major power. Otherwise, the Taliban have ever strong reason to overthrow the government. Externally, the US could be only seen as an influencer in Afghanistan for now. So that tool is also not sharp as President Biden is definitely not willing to send boys again in Afghan for now. The only thing the US tangibly can do is actively coordinate various efforts other stakeholders are making.
A strong consensus is emerging for regional solutions and peace in Afghanistan. Major players are Pakistan, Russia, China, Iran, and India. Pakistan has been a half-brother to the USA in its Afghan gamble. As the US leaves, Rawalpindi must be calculating its potential of investments in terms of money and muscle in Afghanistan. However, the Taliban has been a vocal critique of Pakistan. Hence, the Pakistani establishment also needs some handholding.
Two potential hand-holders are Russia and China. China is already concerned about Xinjiang Uyghur connections with the Taliban. It has been engaging with the Taliban for the last few years through channels in Doha. Recently 9 Chinese workers were killed in the Dusa region in Pakistan. China has decided to get directly involved in talks with the Taliban after this. Its position for Taliban is "I will support your house, will not meddle in its affairs, but warning you, if you do something to my house (Xinjiang), it will be not taken lightly."
Chinese neighbor Russian bear is getting concerned about its backyard of Central Asia. Taliban effect could hurt its vital interests especially gas fields in Central Highlands. It's getting involved with other actors in the region. Iran will be happy about US withdrawal as both are right now hard enemies. As it's a Shia country, it's worried about the Taliban's potential Sunni order in Afghanistan.
In this backdrop, India also is facing a conundrum about Afghanistan. It had already closed down the Kandahar consulate in the last month. Salma Dam, a billion-dollar investment of India has also come on the Taliban's radar. As India is entering into direct negotiations with the Taliban, few options New Delhi can consider along with regional powers to solve potential trouble on its northern borders.
There are many Taliban within the Taliban. India has been talking to good Taliban. It has to have to keep in mind the influence others have on the Taliban ladder. Intensive talks might bring some bilateral settlements which would protect investments such as schools, hospitals, etc. Here the idealist posture of not talking to the Taliban because they are fundamentalist and India is secular will not work. India has committed the same mistake earlier and was left out by all powers in the Afghan peace process.
This has to happen along with other regional powers. As the SCO meeting in Dushanbe reflected, Afghanistan is the only menu on the immediate agenda for all central Asian, South Asian, and West Asian especially Iran-like countries. India's External Affairs Minister, Dr.S.Jaishankar had made his Afghan counterpart first, showing India's agenda priorities. The regional solution can be acted upon only variants of strategies of each player are moderated upon. Otherwise, Pakistan will obstruct India in every manner to get involved and many possible scenarios.
Hannah Ardent had said that Power is like acting in concert with others. To set Afghan concerts right, regional powers have to develop a common minimum program for a better future for Afghan people and the region.
The perennial question is, "should India get militarily involved in Afghanistan?" What do you think? Do post in the comment section.
26 July. On this day, India recaptured all the Indian posts in the Kargil area from Pakistan twenty-two years ago. The day has been known as Kargil Vijay Diwas since then. As the nation pays tributes to all brave souls who helped India to win Kargil, let's give attention to the broader geopolitical background in which war was fought.
India raised a flag on Siachen Glacier in 1984 under Operation Meghdoot. Since then, Pakistan had been searching for opportunities to occupy northern heights in Kashmir. Fourteen years later in May 1998, India tested its nuclear weapons in the Pokharan II mission. Nuclear tests of Pakistan followed 15 days later. On this backdrop, the nuclearisation of the Indian Peninsula and South Asia at large took place.
As international criticism subdued by the end of 1998, then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee initiated 'bus diplomacy' between two nuclear neighbors to ease the heat. The atmosphere was gradually becoming positive as civilian PM of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif was also responding cordially.
However, at the same time, the Pakistani Military and Mujahideens were planning to capture those northern heights. This was supposedly happening under the guidance of General Pervez Musharaff with Sharif in the dark. As May 1999 approached, it was revealed that Pakistanis have infiltrated deep into the Line of Control. They had occupied strategically advantageous positions which could be easily used to target Indians and Indian Infrastructure below including NH-1, the national Highway connecting Srinagar to Leh.
As events unfolded, the war began on hilltops, on ice caps, in the dark hours of the night. Operation Vijay under the Indian Army began action on the ground. Indian Air Force under Operation Safed Sagar started bombing hilltops under a highly challenging atmosphere in high altitudes. On the naval side, Operation Talwar was launched by both Eastern and Western fleets to cut off Pakistan from its trade and oil supplies primarily carried out through Port of Karachi.
The all-out efforts paid fruit when India captured several positions during the Battle of Tololing. Pakistani troops and the government came under heavy pressure to withdraw troops to avoid further escalation and casualties. On July 26,1999, the Indian government declared the operation as a success and the war came to end.
India had come under the international scanner since nuclear tests. The tensions were gradually going away. By the time the war began, India- USA relations were improving especially since breakthrough talks of Jaswant Singh, then Foreign Minister, and Strobbe Talbott, US State Secretary. Bill Clinton, US President had asked Nawaz Sharif to take back troops in June itself. Sharif tried to lobby Clinton against India. However, in utter failure, it was Pakistan who came under pressure from the USA, Russia, China to withdraw.
The Kargil War was the first of its kind for many reasons. Given the high terrain and altitude of more than 7000 M, it was probably the first war to be fought on such heights. Usage of artillery, air force proved crucial for India. Given the nuclear backdrop, the whole world was fearing of escalation scenario. Also, it was the first large-scale televised war. People actually saw glimpses of attacks by artillery, air force, etc on television.
After the war, General Pervez Musharraf deposed PM Sharif in a coup. Pakistan again came under military rule after Zia Ul Haq. It also suffered heavy setbacks economically.
The official casualty count from the Indian side was 527 dead and 1363 wounded. Indian government cut off ties with Pakistan. It immediately enhanced the defense budget in the next year. Kargil commission was appointed under K.Subrahmanyam (see who he was!) to suggest reform in intelligence mechanisms of India.
Twenty-Two years later, India celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas.Kargil Heros including legendary Capt. Vikram Batra and those brave hearts who sacrificed their lives for us stand tall in our national memory including their victory for peace.
