Vijay Makes His Choice

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) decision to participate in the proceedings of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc in Chennai ends speculation over whether the party would maintain a degree of neutrality despite Congress being a partner in the state government. The TVK chief seems to have decided to formalise the arrangement with Congress and other partners who are also part of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. While this has been interpreted as Vijay “shelving” prime ministerial ambitions, the more significant fallout is that DMK is clearly out of the picture, strengthening possibilities of cooperation with BJP in Parliament where the Dravidian party has 22 seats in Lok Sabha and eight in Rajya Sabha. The DMK factor is crucial for the Modi government’s political agenda related to Bills for delimitation and implementation of reservation for women in legislatures. Meanwhile, no I.N.D.I.A. bloc party has endorsed Congress’ claim that Rahul Gandhi is the prime ministerial face.

Akhilesh's Compulsion

Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav’s comment that the I.N.D.I.A. bloc should focus on winning the Uttar Pradesh election rather than seat-sharing is unlikely to convince Congress, which knows SP is under pressure to ensure “secular” unity despite the ally’s poor electoral record in the state which goes to polls in February. The SP chief will be forced, like RJD was in Bihar, to part with a substantial number of seats in order to fully consolidate the Muslim vote.

Time out on US deal

Both US and Indian negotiators have called time over the long-pending bilateral trade agreement, admitting no further progress is likely unless the two sides resolve the tariff rate to be set for Indian exports to the US. As politics hots up in the US ahead of the midterms, India has made it clear that the use of tariffs as a trade weapon is past its use-by-date even if the Trump administration finds it expedient to brandish the option as Republicans face a tough electoral test in November.

Naval Punch

India’s first indigenous fleet support ship Surya launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh displaces 43,500 tonnes and can do 20 knots flat out. Designed for being at sea for long periods, Surya and others that will follow, are designed to traverse the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond. They carry eight 20-foot containers, 20,000 tonnes of high speed diesel, 2,500 tonnes of aviation fuel and 1,000 tonnes of fresh water. The ship’s defence systems can counter missiles, mines and torpedoes. The ships can replenish several vessels with ship-to-ship and chopper transfers.

BJP’s Mission UP

BJP’s decision to field Rajya Sabha candidates with a local connect in polls to the Upper House in Uttar Pradesh reflects a strong focus on the upcoming state election. While this meant Union ministers Hardeep Singh Puri and BL Verma were not renominated, renewed speculation of a ministerial reshuffle may yet again prove premature.

Pargat is neutral umpire

Congress matters in Punjab have reached a quietus with the installation of former India hockey captain and MLA from Jalandhar Cantt Pargat Singh as state party president. He is a relatively neutral figure acceptable to former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and other discontented leaders as they can also fancy a shot at the top job.

Home Alone

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s description of the US as having become a “lonelier power” by choice is another turn of phrase from the cerebral diplomat. It was a polite way of conveying that other nations, including partners like India, will do well to look out for their interests. It is also a suggestion that America’s inward turn is much more pronounced than the periodic bouts of exceptionalism that have marked its history. The implications are not simple as there is a near-permanent disequilibrium and no nation considering anything beyond short-term interests with the US.