615: Modi’s Masood Azhar ‘Coup’ With China’s Help: A Political Bargain?

The most important question that comes to mind after China has lifted its hold on Masood Azhar’s designation as a terrorist under UN rules is: Why now? Why plumb in the middle of the general elections? The simple answer would be: to oblige Narendra Modi, whose government has assiduously campaigned to have this done. But that would be too simplistic. This is a political bargain, plain and simple.