News for 'Soviet Union'

How the Soviet Union Helped India Win the 1971 War

How the Soviet Union Helped India Win the 1971 War

Rediff.com9 Aug 2021

It is a timely reminder that when faced with twin threats, India has succeeded by wisely choosing allies, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Food Bill: Lessons India should have learnt from Soviet Union

Food Bill: Lessons India should have learnt from Soviet Union

Rediff.com10 Sep 2013

By throwing food at poverty that is result of faulty economics and lack of jobs, one is only trying to suicidal path.

What Is The Thucydides Trap That Xi Warned Trump About?

What Is The Thucydides Trap That Xi Warned Trump About?

Rediff.com14 May 2026

An explainer on the 'Thucydides Trap' and its relevance to current tensions between the United States and China, as discussed by President Xi Jinping.

'Beginning of end' of war: Trump announces 3-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire

'Beginning of end' of war: Trump announces 3-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire

Rediff.com9 May 2026

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, noting that the temporary truce coincides with Russia's Victory Day celebrations commemorating the then-Soviet Union's role in World War II.

Modi stopped Putin from using nuclear weapons on Ukraine in 2022: Polish min

Modi stopped Putin from using nuclear weapons on Ukraine in 2022: Polish min

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Poland's Secretary of State, Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski, has credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with preventing Russian President Vladimir Putin from using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine in late 2022, highlighting Modi's significant influence on the Russian leader.

Dhanush, Nicholas Cage, Rafa Arrive On OTT

Dhanush, Nicholas Cage, Rafa Arrive On OTT

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Spiders, spies and sleuths on OTT this week, Sukanya Verma lists your top picks.

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Modi working to protect India's prestige on global stage: Sharad Pawar

Rediff.com20 May 2026

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has acknowledged that despite political differences with Narendra Modi, the prime minister is working to uphold India's prestige internationally. Pawar emphasised the importance of collective effort for national interest and cited examples of past leaders who prioritised the country's reputation.

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Khamenei Funeral Signals Shift In India-Iran Relations

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

It is an unusual choice to depute a retired general for the funeral of a revered religious figure but a thoughtful one in an attempt to inject verve into the bilateral relationship and restore the equilibrium in India's West Asian policies, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'Best of the West' Dutch GM Timman dies at 74

'Best of the West' Dutch GM Timman dies at 74

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Dutch chess Grandmaster Jan Timman, known as "the best of the West" in a time when chess was dominated by players from the Soviet Union, has died at the age of 74, the Dutch Chess Federation said on Thursday.

Ended nine wars, would 'love to' make Russia-Ukraine 10th one: Trump

Ended nine wars, would 'love to' make Russia-Ukraine 10th one: Trump

Rediff.com9 May 2026

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) touted his claims of ending multiple global conflicts after he took charge of the White House and expressed hope that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war could become the next one resolved, saying he would "love to" make it the tenth.

Why Sea Chokepoints Have Become The New Battleground

Why Sea Chokepoints Have Become The New Battleground

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

If Iran and Oman choose to charge a fee for rendering services to vessels using their territorial waters, so be it. The US is indulging in an irrationally self-destructive act, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Rs 3000 cr cap on nuclear liability: Very sensitive legislative policy issue, says SC

Rs 3000 cr cap on nuclear liability: Very sensitive legislative policy issue, says SC

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Supreme Court is reviewing a plea challenging the 2025 SHANTI Act, which caps liability at Rs 3,000 crore for nuclear plant incidents, raising concerns about victim compensation and operator accountability.

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The United States' historical strategic alignment with Pakistan, dating back to the Cold War, has consistently aimed to create a political and military parity with India, despite India's significantly larger size and resources. This long-standing relationship continues to influence regional dynamics, particularly in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

'Pakistan Threatened India With Nuclear Weapons Three Times Before 1998'

'Pakistan Threatened India With Nuclear Weapons Three Times Before 1998'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'We were in a heavily nuclearised environment. China had tested for Pakistan in the 1980s and helped their missile programme stay just one step behind us.'

Moscow Expresses Concern Over Possible US Control of Bagram Airbase Amid Tensions

Moscow Expresses Concern Over Possible US Control of Bagram Airbase Amid Tensions

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

A senior Russian diplomat has expressed apprehension over the possibility of the US attempting to regain control of the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, amidst escalating military tensions in the region.

When US Invaded Countries In The Americas

When US Invaded Countries In The Americas

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

That a country thinks it has the right to randomly invade another country has repercussions that will for sure be played on the global arena in the years to come.

Spies, Biryani, Indira Gandhi In Georgia

Spies, Biryani, Indira Gandhi In Georgia

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

We were talking to a real-life spy!! Wow!

'Pakistan Has Been Betraying Everyone'

'Pakistan Has Been Betraying Everyone'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

If Trump wants peace with Iran, Pakistan will offer to help. If Trump seeks Pakistan's aid to spy on Iran, then too Munir will not hesitate to chip in. At the same time, the ISI will not hesitate to tip off Iran now and then, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

'Gorbachev let the Soviet empire die'

'Gorbachev let the Soviet empire die'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2022

'It would be a huge mistake to think that Gorbachev's reforms did not achieve anything.' 'We all live in the world, which is in many respects a result of Glasnost and Perestroika.'

War Reveals Brutal Math Of Cheap Drones Vs Missiles

War Reveals Brutal Math Of Cheap Drones Vs Missiles

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The modern war is about quality over quantity, points out Mihir S Sharma.

The India-Russia Defence Link That Lasts

The India-Russia Defence Link That Lasts

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Russia, being bogged down by the Ukraine war and prioritising the requirements of its own armed forces, along with India's consistent diversification policy, will remain a major challenge to the bilateral partnership, note Harsh V Pant and Aleksei Zakharov.

15 Things You Must Know About Rakesh Sharma

15 Things You Must Know About Rakesh Sharma

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to travel to space in 1984. Here's what you should know about the national icon.

'Trump Has Shredded Decades Of Efforts With His Disastrous Tariff Policy'

'Trump Has Shredded Decades Of Efforts With His Disastrous Tariff Policy'

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

'The longer India hangs out to dry, the worse the New Delhi-Washington relationship gets.'

What If Lal Bahadur Shastri Had Not Died In 1966

What If Lal Bahadur Shastri Had Not Died In 1966

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

He chose what was best for India, not for himself. Few can deny that when god took Shastri away so soon, they did India an injustice, points out Harishchandra.

Russian intelligence deputy chief hurt in Moscow assassination attempt

Russian intelligence deputy chief hurt in Moscow assassination attempt

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Alekseyev, deputy chief of Russian military intelligence (GRU), has been involved in Russia's military campaigns in Ukraine and Syria. He's also been sanctioned by the US and EU for his role in malicious cyber activities and the nerve agent attack in Salisbury, England.

Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev dies at 91

Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev dies at 91

Rediff.com31 Aug 2022

Gorbachev was the last leader of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

Shaheed Diwas 2026: PM Modi Leads Tribute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev

Shaheed Diwas 2026: PM Modi Leads Tribute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Shaheed Diwas 2026: India observes Martyrs' Day on March 23, marking 95 years since Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged by the British in 1931. PM Modi leads tributes. History, significance, quotes and how the nation is remembering the martyrs today.

White House pushed Modi closer to Russia, China: Ex-Trump aide

White House pushed Modi closer to Russia, China: Ex-Trump aide

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Bolton slammed Trump's tariff policy, asserting that it has "shredded" decades of Western efforts to align India away from its Cold War ties with the then Soviet Union (Russia) and address the growing threat from China.

'Israeli Assassinations In Iran Will Continue'

'Israeli Assassinations In Iran Will Continue'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'Much will depend on the position of the United States.' 'It will have to be seen to what extent the US will be more interested in achieving some form of a deal and to what extent Israel will be allowed to continue to carry out both airstrikes and the killing of Iranian officials.'

The Putin Visit: The US-Pakistan Connection

The Putin Visit: The US-Pakistan Connection

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Luckily for us, a Russia that is desperate to stay relevant in an emerging multipolar world finds in India a reliable geostrategic partner. The Russian proximity to India also keeps China from exploiting its economic dominance vis a vis Russia, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

How India Got The MiG-21 63 Years Ago

How India Got The MiG-21 63 Years Ago

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The MiG-21 episode demonstrates that procurement is always strategic.
Choices about what aircraft to acquire, who builds them, who supplies the spares, who trains the pilots and technicians are decisions with political consequences lasting for decades.

The Secret US Hand In 1962 War

The Secret US Hand In 1962 War

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

India emerged from the war militarily bruised and strategically altered. The United States, under the guise of friendship, had succeeded in achieving what open alignment never could: The psychological and political repositioning of India within the Cold War order, points out Dr Kumar.

'Indira Gandhi Stood Up To The Americans'

'Indira Gandhi Stood Up To The Americans'

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

'She was brave. She didn't care a hoot. And India was not the strongest of nations as it is now.'

'Indira Gandhi Stood Up To The Americans'

'Indira Gandhi Stood Up To The Americans'

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

'She was brave. She didn't care a hoot. And India was not the strongest of nations as it is now.'

History in Minutes: When Nehru's Kerchief Became Sudan's Flag

History in Minutes: When Nehru's Kerchief Became Sudan's Flag

Rediff.com27 May 2025

On Jawaharlal Nehru's 61st death anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra recalls how India's first prime minister cultivated a unique role for the newly independent country on the world stage.

Trump-Putin Bonhomie: Checkmate Xi?

Trump-Putin Bonhomie: Checkmate Xi?

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

The US move to align with Russia is prompted by fear of a Sino-Russian joint threat. Russia, fully aware of its military vulnerability vis a vis China may cautiously welcome the American move, assesses Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

'Venezuela's Current Leaders Gave Maduro As A Trophy To Trump'

'Venezuela's Current Leaders Gave Maduro As A Trophy To Trump'

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

'Trump had done a deal with the current regime minus Maduro. The current regime is giving Trump entry into Venezuelan oil. They are obeying him and doing whatever he says.' 'They are happy because they have saved their heads by sacrificing only two, Maduro and his wife. Thousands of Venezuelan military leaders would have been jailed or killed in American action had Maduro stayed in power.'

Stop fuelling terror next door, Jaishankar tells Poland

Stop fuelling terror next door, Jaishankar tells Poland

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed a strong message to his Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski regarding terrorism and the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for zero-tolerance towards terrorism and criticizing the selective targeting of India.

'Light at the end of tunnel': Putin optimistic on Russia-US ties

'Light at the end of tunnel': Putin optimistic on Russia-US ties

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed optimism about Russia-US relations, citing potential cooperation in the Arctic and Alaska. He acknowledged the current low level of relations but sees improvement with President Trump's administration. Putin also emphasized the importance of Russia's sovereignty and the role of its nuclear industry.

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

In a culture where children take up the profession of their father, her becoming a politician was seen as natural and acceptable.