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Thanks Pranay - the India/China comparisons are a nice way to look at low hanging fruit. I wonder if any of these 6 areas are intentionally being worked on. And if not, why not?

To complete the assessment though, I think its also worth looking at the flip side i.e. sectors where India has a comparative advantage say services exports - ensuring that the policy environment remains supportive to sustain this advantage is as important as working the low hanging fruit.

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Agree. There are many places where India performs better in terms of outputs even if it is disadvantaged in terms of inputs. I guess it will be a 2x2. These were just the six from one of those quadrants that I could think of. Are there any more?

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The critique of the Prime Minister's visit to Moscow reflects a profound bias towards Americanism, lacking a nuanced understanding of India's strategic imperatives and long-standing diplomatic relationships. Firstly, dismissing the visit as merely a "policy WTF" undermines the complex calculus that underpins India's foreign policy decisions. The assertion that the timing of the visit, coinciding with a NATO summit, signals a rift with the West is simplistic. India's foreign policy operates on the principle of multi-alignment, balancing relationships with major global powers to safeguard its national interests.

The writer's expectation for India to align unequivocally with the West ignores the geopolitical realities and the historical context of India-Russia relations. For decades, Russia has been a reliable partner, particularly in defense cooperation. This relationship cannot be reduced to immediate transactional gains or the lack thereof in a single visit. Moreover, criticizing the absence of terms like "Indo-Pacific" and "territorial integrity" in the joint statement reflects a superficial understanding of diplomatic negotiations, which are often influenced by the broader strategic context and ongoing dialogues.

The commentary also disregards India's sovereign right to pursue an independent foreign policy. Suggesting that India's outreach to Russia is a mere signal to the West undermines India's agency and strategic autonomy. It is crucial to recognize that India's engagement with Russia is not solely about what Russia offers in the present but also about maintaining a diversified foreign policy portfolio to avoid over-reliance on any single bloc.

Further, the writer's fixation on strained India-US relations due to transnational repression allegations misses the broader picture. India and the US share a robust strategic partnership that transcends temporary disagreements. The realpolitik of international relations involves managing differences while continuing to cooperate on shared interests, such as countering China's rise.

Finally, the critique's pessimistic view of Russia's current economic state and its implications for India is myopic. Strategic partnerships are not only about immediate economic benefits but also about geopolitical stability and long-term strategic interests. India's increased oil imports from Russia, for instance, reflect a pragmatic approach to energy security amid global volatility.

In sum, the commentary reflects a one-dimensional perspective that prioritizes alignment with the West at the expense of a more balanced and strategic approach to India's foreign policy. The complex interplay of global diplomacy demands a more nuanced understanding that transcends binary narratives of alignment and opposition.

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India has never has never shown strategic independence it is a pienindia tells itself since independence india criticized usa for Vietnam war but kept it mouths shut against chekoslovakia india is hypocritical and an idiot it does not realize russia has nothing to over but still like a kid with daddy issues copies up to Russia jut to piss usa pathetic to say the least .

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Re setting up practice in the hinterlands: a common complaint I have come across is the lack of resources and support that is present in rural hospitals. Often, doctors have to grapple with factors that they shouldnt be dealing with, like politics and goons, which addes undue stress.

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