Vappala Balachandran
The writer is a former special secretary, cabinet secretariat.
Articles By Vappala Balachandran
RN Kao, RAW’s first chief, laid the foundations of Indian espionage
Kao founded the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) in 1968 and headed it till 1977. Within a short time after setting it up, he was able to recruit a large number of persons with special skills, not available through normal bureaucratic channels, with great results.
Centre’s Kashmir policy ignores that prolonged exposure to insurgency situations takes its toll on military personnel
The BJP government has landed us at the other end of the spectrum in Kashmir by putting the army directly against the public, thereby exposing them to unending strain
Securing India
A decade after 26/11, terrorist methodology has changed, state response remains woefully same.
Nothing to hide
Look back at the Narasimha Rao government for lessons on how to handle the current controversy over human rights in Kashmir.
Blind To The Valley
Central government seems to be misreading the crisis in Kashmir
Overtaken by terror
Another 26/11 anniversary has come and gone. We need to think about why terrorists appear to be out-thinking counter-terrorism machineries.
Before The PM’s Visit
Much was gained by India and Israel, even before the two forged full diplomatic ties
London Bridge’s Chinks
MI-5’s rising workload has jeopardised the UK’s successful anti-terrorism project
Behind Obama’s Waiting Game
US president can now use Russia’s alleged interference in US polls to corner Trump.
Black Money And Terror
Quality of counter-terrorism, not currency crackdown, will prevent terrorism.
US presidential elections 2016: Last-minute twists have caused upsets in the past
NBC News had in fact forewarned on July 27, 2016 itself that Hillary Clinton’s chances of winning elections could be sunk due to an “October Surprise”.
The Kao files
Government must publish the official chronicle of the role of intelligence before and during the 1971 war that was prepared under R.N. Kao.
Terror versus what?
Post 13/11 sloganeering at Antalya and Kuala Lumpur won’t be enough.
Don’t Blame The ISI
It didn’t create the Taliban. The elected government of Pakistan did
The Rao breakthrough
Former PM’s meetings with Isak and Muivah broke the ice, laid the ground for subsequent Naga peace talks
