Putin's India visit: Defence, dialogue and diplomacy to take center stage

This special report examines the strategic shifts in India’s global diplomacy highlighted during the 77th Republic Day celebrations. It underscores the presence of European Union leaders as chief guests at the Kartavya Path parade, reflecting a strengthening partnership at a time of global trade uncertainty.  The upcoming India-EU free trade agreement is presented as a landmark deal that could unify a market of around 2 billion people and account for about a quarter of global GDP. The programme also highlights India’s growing defence capabilities through the domestic production of military hardware such as the Tejas aircraft and BrahMos missiles, illustrating the country’s evolution from a defence importer to an innovator. In addition to these developments, it touches on international events, including the recent fatal shooting of a US citizen by immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis, which has sparked national controversy and calls for accountability. The report also notes a high-profile corruption probe into a senior Chinese military official, providing a broad overview of key geopolitical issues shaping the current global landscape.

In this special edition of To The Point, the programme spotlights the display of ‘Operation Sindoor’ at the Kartavya Path parade and the conferment of the Ashok Chakra on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla during the Republic Day celebrations. A debate between BJP leader Rakesh Sinha and Congress’s Vivek Tankha examines key political flashpoints, including the seating arrangement for Opposition leaders and claims that the Constitution is “under threat.” The discussion also takes up allegations of the ‘electionisation’ of the Padma Awards 2026. Data cited by Praveen Chakravarty shows that 37 per cent of the 131 Padma awardees — including prominent figures such as Mammootty and the late Dharmendra — hail from five states headed for assembly polls, including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. While the Opposition labels the civilian honours as tools for electoral messaging, BJP leader Khushboo Sundar defends the awards as recognition for long-neglected contributors to society. Overall, the show presents a measured analysis of how the Constitution and national honours have emerged as central themes in India’s political discourse ahead of crucial state elections.

Launched on May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor signalled a decisive shift in India’s security doctrine, underscoring a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and a resolve to respond with force that leaves a lasting message for adversaries. Its prominence during the 77th Republic Day parade and celebrations at Kartavya Path in New Delhi marked a defining moment, reflecting India’s growing military confidence and its march towards self-reliance.

On this edition of News Track, Maria Shakil examines two major political and social controversies. The programme first addresses the BJP's criticism of Rahul Gandhi for allegedly refusing to wear a traditional 'patka' during an 'At-Home' reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma termed the act 'deeply insensitive and insulting to the people of entire Northeast'. The second segment focuses on the new University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines aimed at curbing caste discrimination on campuses. Maria Shakil interviews Dr. Suraj Yengde, Professor Chandra Bhushan Sharma, and student Alokit Tripathi on whether these rules ensure equity or deepen divisions. Dr. Yengde notes, 'This new directive, I think we should welcome it simply because it really covers, it backs its policy with data.' The discussion highlights concerns over potential false complaints and the lack of general category representation in equity committees, following the resignation of Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri in protest against the regulations.