Rudra Bhatt writes on Indian politics, foreign policy, and the pressures on the press at the intersection of the two. His column is read closely by those who disagree with it and those who rely on it.
Recent work
The Satluj Takedown: India's OTT Regulation Void Comes Into Sharp Focus
The Union government's directive to ZEE5 to remove Diljit Dosanjh's film 'Satluj' — invoking national security grounds under Section 69A of the IT Act — has brought India's unresolved OTT regulatory architecture into sharp public relief. The film, which depicts the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra during Punjab's turbulent 1980s and 1990s, had earlier been denied CBFC theatrical clearance under the title 'Punjab 95'. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has now constituted an inter-departmental committee to examine the content, setting a precedent that the streaming industry, legal community, and diaspora audiences are all watching with unusual attention.
US-Iran Peace Deal Opens Energy Gateway as India Eyes Strategic Revival
A 14-point US-Iran draft peace deal includes permanent ceasefire, naval blockade lifting, and sanctions relief on Iranian oil sales. The agreement would restore India's access to its third-largest oil supplier and revive the strategic Chabahar Port project, significantly strengthening India's energy security and Central Asian connectivity.
Britain's Defense Pivot Signals Shifting Western Priorities Amid NATO Pressures
The UK government plans to slash £6 billion in hospital and school funding over four years to finance a £15 billion defense spending increase, raising the military budget from 2.3% to 3.5% of GDP by 2035. The move reflects broader Western military prioritization amid NATO pressures and global tensions.
India's Ebola Biosecurity Rules Reinforce Health Sovereignty Leadership
The Indian government has banned cross-border transportation of Ebola-infected human remains and mandated strict handling protocols including double packaging and cremation. These biosecurity measures position India as a proactive global health leader while protecting domestic public health infrastructure.
India Shapes Eastern Mediterranean Diplomacy Through Strategic Cyprus Engagement
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Cyprus as a special invitee, conducting bilateral meetings with European and regional counterparts. The visit reinforced India's strategic partnership with Cyprus and demonstrated India's deepening engagement with smaller EU member states.
India-US Strategic Partnership Gains Momentum as Rubio Briefs Modi on Regional Dynamics
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's meeting with Prime Minister Modi reinforced bilateral cooperation across defense, strategic technologies, and trade while discussing regional challenges including West Asia tensions. The engagement underscores India's growing strategic importance in U.S. calculations as both nations navigate complex geopolitical terrain.