Rajiv Kulkarni has covered Indian politics for three decades, moving between Delhi's corridors and the country's state capitals. His column is read for its institutional memory — the ability to place today's political contests inside longer arcs that most daily reporting cannot see.
Recent work
Ram Mandir Donation Row Exposes the Governance Gap in India's Religious Trusts
Allegations of donation misappropriation at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust have triggered a political storm, with Opposition parties demanding an independent probe and BJP accusing its rivals of targeting Hindu faith. The trust convened an emergency meeting at 3 pm on July 6 inside the temple complex. Beyond the political theatre, the episode surfaces a structural problem India has deferred for decades: the absence of a unified, enforceable governance framework for large religious endowments.
Guardian of the Blue Horizon: How Seychelles Validated India's Indian Ocean Strategy
Prime Minister Modi received Seychelles' highest environmental honour, the 'Guardian of the Blue Horizon', during a three-day state visit. The award recognises his climate and sustainable development leadership. Beyond the ceremony, it marks a meaningful validation of India's sustained engagement with Indian Ocean island states — and raises the question of whether New Delhi can convert symbolic capital into durable maritime governance architecture.
Modi-Macron Partnership Advances India's Innovation Sovereignty Through Strategic Alliance
Prime Minister Modi and French President Macron jointly inaugurated the Bharat Innovates 2026 conclave in Nice, marking a significant milestone in India-France technological cooperation. The three-day event brings together startups, innovators, and investors from across the globe, underscoring India's strategy to position itself as a global innovation hub while deepening partnerships with key Western allies.
Trump Immigration Surge Targets New York as World Cup Approaches
The Trump administration plans to flood New York City with immigration enforcement agents, escalating federal-state tensions as the city prepares to host World Cup matches. The move threatens to disrupt established immigrant communities and raises questions about enforcement priorities during major international events.
India's Power Grid Stabilises as Monsoon Onset Promises Agricultural Relief
India's power demand has cooled significantly following pre-monsoon showers and receding heatwaves, with peak demand dropping from over 260GW to 242GW. Power shortages have fallen from 16 million units to nearly zero, easing strain on the national grid ahead of the expected June 4 monsoon onset.
Netanyahu Singles Out India as Israel's Most Loyal Global Partner
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu described India as providing 'absolutely crazy love' for Israel, highlighting the country as his most supportive global audience. The remarks underscore the strategic partnership between the nations while raising questions about India's diplomatic positioning in West Asia.
India Reinforces BRICS Counter-Terror Framework as Platform Matures Into Decade-Long Institution
India hosted the 11th Annual BRICS Counter Terrorism Working Group meeting in New Delhi, marking 10 years since the framework's establishment. The gathering brought together senior counter-terrorism officials from all ten BRICS member countries to discuss emerging challenges and strengthen multilateral cooperation against terrorism.
India's Fuel Price Surge Exposes Energy Security Cracks as Iran Crisis Deepens
Indian oil marketing companies raised petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre for the first time in four years as global crude prices surge past $100 per barrel due to US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Further increases of ₹2-4 per litre are expected as refiners face mounting losses.
India's BRICS Chairship Tests Multipolarity Ambitions With Iran, UAE Participation
India hosts BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting on May 14-15, 2026, with participation from Iran and UAE as new partners. The gathering focuses on global governance reforms and multilateral system restructuring, marking a key test of India's leadership in promoting multipolarity.