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 

Debate on India’s defence doctrine

Debate on India’s defence doctrine

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 | Ashok K Mehta

The larger question looms: Can India afford costly engagements with transient outcomes, without a comprehensive reimagining of its military doctrine, defence spending and national security policy? CDS Gen Anil Chauhan has made the startling comment that costs don’t matter, outcomes do. He was answering questions from Bloomberg in Singapore about the...

Bangladesh wipes out history, shuns India at its own peril

Bangladesh wipes out history, shuns India at its own peril

Wednesday, 19 February 2025 | Ashok K Mehta

With opposition forces emboldened, Bangladesh appears to be at a turning point, grappling with a shifting political landscape and growing internal discord As a Mukti Jodha (freedom fighter – that’s what Bangladeshis call Indian Army personnel who fought the Liberation War), I’m appalled at the recent turn of events, the mayhem...

Imbuing warrior ethos through strength

Imbuing warrior ethos through strength

Wednesday, 05 February 2025 | Ashok K Mehta

In Narendra Modi’s cabinet, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh enjoys the optics of seniority, but not necessarily the authority that should come with it In Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is de jure numero uno. He sits next to him at meetings and in Parliament and like most...

Why new generation may force change in Thai politics

Why new generation may force change in Thai politics

Wednesday, 22 January 2025 | Ashok K Mehta

The nation grapples with economic challenges, political turbulence and the enduring influence of its old guard monarchy-military alliance The tourist-undiscovered jewel is Siracha in the Gulf of Thailand, 90 km southeast of Bangkok and 30 km north of Pattaya. Ascott Group’s Oakwood Hotel is your strategic compass to assimilate Siracha as...

India’s Gorkha Brigade: A legacy at crossroads

India’s Gorkha Brigade: A legacy at crossroads

Wednesday, 08 January 2025 | Ashok K Mehta

The iconic Gorkha Brigade faces an uncertain future with the freeze on Nepal domiciled Gorkha recruitment under the Agnipath scheme The press and media are flooded with stories about Nepal Domiciled Gorkha soldiers and their imperiled future in the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme. With the last NDG in India’s...

India recalibrates Myanmar strategy

Wednesday, 25 December 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

The stakes are high for India, balancing its Act East policy, border security and competition with China, all against the backdrop of a fractured Myanmar After four years of civil war in Myanmar, India has quietly changed its policy towards the Junta from one of total and unfailing support following its...

Philippines confronts Chinese assertiveness

Wednesday, 11 December 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

The South China Sea remains a flashpoint of escalating tensions as China intensifies its aggressive maritime activities, targeting nations like the Philippines CNS Admiral Dinesh Tripathi during his customary briefing of media before Navy Day last week expressed concern about Chinese maritime activities in the South China Sea, all of which China claims....

K P Sharma Oli walks a tightrope on China

Wednesday, 27 November 2024 | Ashok K Mehta

Will Oli’s stance on the BRI and his decision to prioritise China over India define his political legacy or deepen Nepal’s internal divides? In  Kathmandu, I observed that Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli’s visit to China has become a hot potato in the chilly Kathmandu valley. The China visit is being...

State Editions

LG, CM review security, infrastructure, amenities in MAMC

20 June 2025 | Pioneer News Service | Delhi

QS Rankings: DU secures 30th spot globally in employment outcomes

20 June 2025 | Pioneer News Service | Delhi

Man held for murdering cousin’s lover

20 June 2025 | Pioneer News Service | Delhi

Three held for Rs 15.8 Lakh online scam linked to Chinese handlers

20 June 2025 | Pioneer News Service | Delhi

District magistrates directed to fix 71 waterlogging spots

20 June 2025 | Pioneer News Service | Delhi

Sunday Edition

The Amrit Kaal Chronicle: Eleven Years of Empowered India

15 June 2025 | Rekha Gupta | Agenda

Democracy in Retreat: The Real Legacy of Modi’s Rule

15 June 2025 | Pawan Khera | Agenda

Renaissance or a Reckoning

15 June 2025 | Team Agenda | Agenda

Glorious 11 years: Civilisation Course Correction

15 June 2025 | Vijender Gupta | Agenda

Narendra Modi, the Crusader and Conqueror

15 June 2025 | Dr Harsh Vardhan | Agenda

Nature in a photo frame

15 June 2025 | SAKSHI PRIYA | Agenda