Indira Gandhi, India’s first and only woman prime minister to date, continues to occupy a significant place in the country’s political history, with her legacy marked by major policy decisions, military achievements and one of the most controversial periods in Indian democracy. Gandhi, who served as prime minister from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984, played a decisive role in shaping India’s domestic and foreign policies. While her supporters credit her with strengthening India’s international position and pursuing economic policies aimed at social equality, critics point to the Emergency imposed in 1975 as a defining example of the dangers of concentrated political power.

One of the most significant moments of her political career came in 1971, when India’s military intervention in the Bangladesh Liberation War contributed to the creation of an independent Bangladesh. The outcome strengthened Gandhi’s political standing and reinforced India’s position in South Asia. Her government also introduced major economic measures, including the nationalisation of 14 major commercial banks in 1969. The move was intended to expand access to banking and direct financial resources towards agriculture, small businesses and development priorities. Gandhi also campaigned on the promise of Garibi Hatao, or the removal of poverty, making economic inequality a central theme of her political message.

The implementation and long-term effectiveness of these policies remain subjects of debate. Although her government expanded the role of the state in economic planning, poverty, unemployment and inflation continued to pose significant challenges. The most contentious period of Gandhi’s tenure began on June 25, 1975, when a national Emergency was declared. The decision followed mounting political opposition, public protests and a court ruling concerning her 1971 election. During the Emergency, opposition leaders were detained, press freedoms were restricted and civil liberties came under severe pressure.

The period also witnessed controversial forced sterilisation campaigns and demolition drives that disproportionately affected vulnerable communities. These actions contributed to widespread criticism of the government and raised serious questions about democratic accountability. Gandhi called a general election in 1977, giving voters an opportunity to assess her government’s record. The Congress Party suffered a major defeat, and Gandhi lost her parliamentary seat in Rae Bareli. The Janata Party subsequently formed India’s first non-Congress government at the national level, demonstrating the electorate’s ability to remove a powerful incumbent.

She returned to power in 1980 after political divisions weakened the Janata government. Her second tenure was marked by growing regional tensions, particularly in Punjab. In June 1984, the Indian Army carried out Operation Blue Star at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar to remove armed militants. The operation resulted in deaths and damage to the sacred site, leaving a lasting impact on Sikh communities and Indian politics.

On October 31, 1984, Gandhi was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards. Her death was followed by widespread anti-Sikh violence, particularly in Delhi, in which thousands of people were killed. The violence remains a deeply painful chapter in India's history and continues to raise questions about justice and accountability.

Gandhi’s political legacy remains relevant to discussions about leadership, nationalism, economic policy and democratic institutions. Her supporters highlight her role in the 1971 war, her economic initiatives and her ability to command a nationwide political following. Critics argue that the Emergency exposed the risks of weakening institutional checks and concentrating authority in the hands of a single leader. The period also contributed to subsequent efforts to strengthen constitutional safeguards. The Forty-fourth Constitutional Amendment, enacted in 1978, introduced changes intended to make the declaration of a national Emergency more difficult and strengthen protections against the misuse of extraordinary powers.

Political analysts and historians continue to assess Gandhi’s record through these competing perspectives. Her career illustrates the complex relationship between decisive leadership and democratic accountability, particularly in a diverse country where political authority must operate within constitutional limits. More than four decades after her death, Indira Gandhi remains an influential figure in debates over India’s political direction. Her legacy reflects both the capacity of political leadership to reshape national affairs and the lasting consequences when civil liberties and democratic safeguards come under pressure.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s second visit to India in 2026 has highlighted Washington’s efforts to strengthen economic and strategic cooperation with New Delhi amid continuing differences over trade tariffs, Russian oil imports and regional security. During his October visit, Rubio held discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mumbai, with trade negotiations and energy cooperation among the key issues on the agenda. His itinerary also included a planned visit to Reliance Industries’ refining complex in Jamnagar, Gujarat, drawing attention to the growing importance of energy in India-US relations.

Rubio’s return to India, following his earlier visit in May, came at a time when both countries were seeking progress on a proposed trade agreement. The negotiations have faced challenges over tariffs, market access and other commercial issues, although public statements from the US side indicated optimism about reaching an understanding.

A trade agreement could create new opportunities for businesses in both countries by improving market access and providing greater certainty for exporters and investors. India is seeking better conditions for its exports, while the United States is looking for expanded commercial opportunities in the Indian market. Energy cooperation was another important element of the visit. The Jamnagar refinery complex is a major part of India’s oil-processing infrastructure and has the capacity to handle different grades of crude oil. Discussions surrounding energy supplies have gained significance as Washington encourages closer commercial cooperation and India seeks to maintain secure and affordable sources of fuel.

India’s purchases of Russian crude remain a sensitive issue in bilateral relations. New Delhi has defended its energy decisions on the grounds of national interest and affordability, while Washington has sought to limit the revenues available to Moscow amid the war in Ukraine. Any shift towards alternative suppliers will depend on commercial terms, shipping costs, refinery requirements and the reliability of supplies. The two countries also have shared interests in defence cooperation, advanced technology and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Both governments have sought to deepen collaboration in areas that could strengthen industrial capacity, encourage investment and support regional stability.

However, differences over economic policy and international affairs continue to present challenges. India’s emphasis on strategic autonomy means it is unlikely to align with Washington on every issue, while changes in US trade policy can affect Indian exporters and businesses. Rubio’s decision to conduct his meetings in Mumbai rather than New Delhi also attracted political attention, with questions raised about the diplomatic significance of the itinerary. Mumbai’s position as India’s financial centre and the relevance of Gujarat’s refining industry offered commercial and energy-related reasons for the locations, although the scheduling became part of the wider public discussion.

The outcome of the visit will depend on whether the discussions lead to concrete progress on trade negotiations, energy partnerships and defence cooperation. While both countries continue to regard each other as important partners, resolving outstanding differences will be essential to building a more predictable relationship. Rubio’s second visit therefore underscored Washington and New Delhi’s interest in sustaining engagement despite disagreements. The next phase of the relationship will be shaped by the extent to which both sides can translate diplomatic discussions into practical economic and strategic outcomes.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has gained greater international attention following its reported use during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, with BrahMos Aerospace chief Jaiteerth R. Joshi highlighting the operation’s role in strengthening the weapon system’s global reputation. The missile’s operational deployment has added to its appeal among potential international buyers as India seeks to expand defence exports and strengthen its position in the global arms market.

BrahMos, jointly developed by India and Russia, is a supersonic cruise missile designed for precision strikes against land and maritime targets. Its high speed, operational flexibility and ability to be launched from different platforms have made it an important component of India’s conventional military capabilities. Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack, brought renewed attention to India’s precision-strike capabilities. The reported use of BrahMos during the operation has provided additional visibility for the missile as countries assess modern weapons systems for their defence requirements.

BrahMos had already secured international interest before the operation. India signed its first export agreement for the missile system with the Philippines in January 2022, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to become a major defence equipment supplier. Subsequent export agreements involving countries in Southeast Asia have further strengthened its international presence.

The growing interest comes as India works to increase domestic defence manufacturing and reduce its dependence on imported military equipment. Expanding BrahMos production could also create opportunities for Indian companies involved in precision engineering, electronics and other specialised manufacturing sectors. Alongside export expansion, BrahMos Aerospace is pursuing the development of the smaller BrahMos-NG variant. The next-generation missile is intended to offer greater integration flexibility, particularly for aircraft, although its final capabilities and operational readiness will depend on further development and testing.

The company is also examining future missile technologies, including a proposed longer-range variant. Such projects would require additional research, engineering work and cooperation between the Indian and Russian partners. Despite the increased attention, converting international interest into additional contracts will depend on several factors, including pricing, production capacity, delivery schedules and long-term maintenance support. The growing profile of BrahMos highlights India’s broader ambition to establish itself as a reliable exporter of advanced defence technology. With operational experience adding to its international visibility, the missile could play an increasingly important role in the country’s defence export strategy.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from India Today.

Student leaders who once fought for freedom of expression and the right to question authority must uphold the same principles when they move into positions of power, highlighting the importance of democratic values and accountability in India’s educational institutions. Student politics has historically played a significant role in raising concerns over university policies, students’ rights and broader social issues. Campus movements have provided young people with opportunities to challenge decisions, demand transparency and participate in democratic debate.

Concerns arise when individuals who previously supported protests and questioned authority become less tolerant of criticism after gaining influence. The contradiction highlights a key challenge for democratic leadership: ensuring that the right to express disagreement remains protected regardless of who holds power.

Universities are expected to encourage independent thinking and open discussion. Students often raise questions about academic policies, campus administration, discrimination and other issues affecting their education. Allowing peaceful disagreement can help institutions identify problems and improve decision-making.

Freedom of expression, however, does not mean that all forms of protest are unrestricted. Educational institutions have a responsibility to maintain safety, prevent violence and ensure that academic activities continue without unnecessary disruption. The challenge is to distinguish peaceful dissent from conduct that genuinely threatens the rights or safety of others.

Transparent rules, fair disciplinary procedures and proportionate responses can help universities balance these responsibilities. Students should be able to express their concerns without facing arbitrary punishment, while institutions should retain the authority to address legitimate violations of established rules.

The debate also carries implications for political leadership. Student organisations often serve as training grounds for future politicians and public representatives. Those who build their public identities around demands for accountability are expected to demonstrate the same commitment when they become decision-makers. Democratic principles lose their credibility when freedom of expression is defended only when it benefits a particular political group. Leaders must be willing to hear criticism even when it challenges their own decisions or questions their authority.

The right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression remains an important part of democratic participation in India, subject to constitutional and legal limits. Protecting these rights requires consistent standards from political leaders, university administrations and student organisations alike. The credibility of former student leaders depends not only on the causes they championed in the past but also on how they exercise authority in the present. Preserving space for peaceful disagreement is essential to maintaining trust, encouraging independent thought and strengthening democratic institutions.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

A new round of demonstrations led by India’s youth-driven Cockroach movement has faced a government crackdown under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside the closure of a long-standing protest venue in Delhi. Two prominent leaders of the movement have reportedly been jailed for five days over alleged violations of restrictions on protests. Initially sparked by concerns over education and unemployment, the demonstrations have expanded to focus on voting rights. The government rejects allegations that it intends to exclude millions of people from the electoral process. However, its handling of the protests has drawn criticism from the United Nations and Amnesty International, prompting broader concerns about democratic freedoms in India. In this report, Lucy Hough speaks with South Asia correspondent Hannah Ellis-Petersen about the protests and their wider political implications.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced a broad set of initiatives covering family support, housing, technology and Singapore’s national resilience. Hairianto Diman and Justine Moss speak to SMU School of Law Associate Professor Eugene Tan about the major measures, their significance for Singaporeans and what they reveal about the Government’s priorities for the country’s next stage of growth.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Myanmar's military government has released rare images of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi meeting a Red Cross official, marking her first known contact with the outside world since the 2021 coup. The photos were released just ahead of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing's first official visit to Thailand, prompting speculation about their political significance.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

In a conversation with political editor Tom McIlroy and chief political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy during the 50th Labor conference in Adelaide, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas discussed his state’s political battle with One Nation. He said progressive groups should avoid dismissing or talking down to Pauline Hanson’s supporters, arguing that their concerns need to be understood rather than ignored. Addressing the ongoing debate over the AUKUS submarine deal, Malinauskas acknowledged concerns after the US revealed that Virginia-class submarine production rates had not improved. However, he maintained that walking away from the agreement would create greater strategic risks than the challenges surrounding the controversial defence partnership.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.