Good article about under-appreciated India's place in the world.

Interesting about:

"With the US and the NATO forces already deciding on an exit strategy in Afghanistan, Indian officials are worried as to the grave implications it would have for security in the region, especially India’s security, particularly because the idea of reconciliation with the Taliban is a frightening prospect for India."

I recognise that India sending CT/counter-insurgency troops to fundamentalist Muslim (and partly Pak influenced) Afghanistan might ignite a larger India-Pak conflict. However, just as the Saudis and Japanese have "peacefully" subsidised the Western war effort in Iraq and Afgh (and Saudi support for the Taliban/AQ effort... ;) India could also supply money to keep Western troops in Afgh.

Re: "Second, the EU also needs to overcome its China fixation...However issues like human rights, democracy and workers’ rights have been pushed to the background as the EU courts a rising China."

Basically India needs to outbid China in India's trade with the EU and also with Autralia if India wants the "China fixation" kicked. India is probably not well placed to preach regarding worker's rights given disparities in income among workers and urban/rural. There is of course, the totally discriminatory (by international standards) caste system in India as well to sort out.

So on Afghanistan and relative trading position money speaks louder than moralising.

Pete
(pro-Indian but also plain speaking)

Planta

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaePT2uYMB8

might find it entertaining :)

This one too

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMEXWPb7AEY doncha luv them crying babies :)

I'd be in no hurry to cosy up to the EU,pal. It brings you too close to the terminal disease that the US has become. Keep them at arms length whatever you guys do.

socratease