Worldview with Suhasini Haidar

Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | U.S.-Iran talks stall: What it means for the Indian Ocean region

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 05:54:00 -0000

U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan have ended inconclusively, but there is still hope that the ceasefire can be saved. Reporting from the Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, Suhasini Haidar takes a look at how the see-saw in the West Asia war is impacting countries across the Indian Ocean region — from energy and trade to security and tourism, and what it means for India and its neighbours.

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Worldview with Suhasini haidar | West Asia war & India | Time for a foreign policy reset?

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 07:59:00 -0000

This week on Worldview, India braces for impact — what are the ways in which the West Asia war is affecting India’s growth and foreign policy? And amidst the uncertainty two weeks into the war, and New Delhi’s outreach to the Gulf, Iran and Russia, is there a foreign policy reset?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Bangladesh elections: What does BNP’s win mean for India?

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 05:31:00 -0000

In Bangladesh’s big election, the BNP scores a major win against the Islamist Jamaat in coalition NCP Gen Z party that ousted Sheikh Hasina. Muhammad Yunus delivers on his promise of elections, but without the Awami League, can the results from Bangladesh’s poll be politically sustainable? And what does it mean for India? We will get you ground reports from The Hindu’s Kallol Bhattacherjee in Dhaka.

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Worldview with Suhasini haidar | What does the latest U.S. National Security Strategy mean for India?

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 03:19:00 -0000

With greater focus on domestic threats, while downplaying challenges from China and Russia and discounting European allies—is the U.S. Trump administration signalling a major geopolitical shift in its latest National Security Strategy? After a year of tensions with Washington, how should New Delhi interpret the references to India, and how do they compare with previous NSS documents?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | After the Delhi and Islamabad blasts, is a fresh conflict brewing in the region?

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:06:00 -0000

After the deadly bomb blast in Delhi, a blast in Islamabad. Six months after Operation Sindoor was launched, are tensions in South Asia rising again? And what are the diplomatic impacts of the investigation’s international trail?

Editing: Vishnoo Jotshi

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Japan’s new PM and ASEAN summit | What’s at stake for India’s Look East?

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 08:55:00 -0000

In this episode of Worldview, we explore what Japan’s first woman Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi’s election, means for Japan-India relations, the Quad alliance, and for Japan. We also look at what’s behind PM Modi’s decision to skip the ASEAN and East Asia summits, and what this could mean for India’s engagement with the region.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | A fragmented world | Is it time for the UN to retire?

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 12:19:00 -0000

The United Nations turns 80, but who is celebrating? Amid unending wars, global trade turmoil, growing polarization, the collapse of SDG goals and stalled reforms, is it time for the UN to retire- and how would India be affected?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | How will Israel’s strike on Qatar and Saudi Arabia-Pakistan defence pact impact India? | Worldview

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 12:03:00 -0000

Days after Israel bombs Doha, Gulf leaders vow a joint defence mechanism - and Pakistan and Saudi Arabia sign a mutual defence pact - is the war on Gaza and the turmoil in the Gulf coming to a head, and could the impact damage India’s careful balance with the region?

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Wang Yi visit : Is the rift with U.S. bringing India-China closer?

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 12:50:00 -0000

This week on WorldView, US tariff tantrums give the India-China reset a boost- as PM Modi prepares to travel to Tianjin for the SCO summit, can India put the LAC clash, Operation Sindoor and other tensions behind it ?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar| Trump shocks | Are India-U.S. ties in jeopardy? | World View

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 10:39:00 -0000

The Modi government goes into Trumpshock with the US’s 50% tariff announcement this week- NSA Doval in Moscow to prepare for a Putin visit, and Modi speaks to Lula, plans a trip to China. What made trade ties sour, and have US penalties on Russian oil turned India’s foreign policy calculus around?

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Worldview with Suhasini haidar | Trump’s warnings | Are India-U.S. ties in trouble?

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 13:06:00 -0000

The Trump administration bowls another googly with threats of Russia sanctions. Given differences over tariffs, Operation Sindoor and the ceasefire, immigration and deportations… is the India U.S. relationship in trouble and will a mini trade deal fix it? Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | BRICS vs Trump | How should India react to US’s threats?

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 06:34:00 -0000

Despite the odds and absentees, BRICS puts up a united front, but the 10-nation grouping of emerging economies comes into Trump’s cross hairs for extra tariffs. As India prepares to host BRICS next year, what are the benefits of being in BRICS and what are the costs. We have A special interview with Brazil’s Ambassador to India up ahead.

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Dalai Lama succession | India-China on collision course?

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 08:22:00 -0000

The Dalai Lama marks his 90th birthday with a statement asserting sole control over his succession and reincarnation. As New Delhi moves to support the Tibetan spiritual leader living here in exile, and Beijing says it will enforce its approval over a successor, could India and China’s new found road to normalcy turn rough? And given the US’s position - what are the geopolitical effects of the succession debate? We have exclusive impressions from my trip to Lhasa.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Israel-Iran conflict | Should India play a more proactive role?

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 08:54:00 -0000

Israel’s attack on Iran sets off strikes and counter-strikes, and sets not just the region but the world on edge over worries of a nuclear crisis. While the US backs Israel, Russia and China come together on Iran’s side- With thousands of Indians in both countries, Can India keep its West Asian balance, or does it have a moral responsibility to weigh in?

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini haidar | Russia-Ukraine escalates | What is India’s position?

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 07:32:00 -0000

Ukraine’s spider web attack shocks Russia, but doesn’t change the course of the war or of talks in Istanbul. On June 1, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that they had taken out dozens of Russian strategic fighter jets in a coordinated drone attack.

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Justifying Operation Sindoor | Was multi-party delegation a success?

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 07:47:00 -0000

This week on Worldview, as the government builds its international narrative post Operation Sindoor, how high did political diplomacy score? We will take a closer look at the mandate for Multi-party delegations abroad, and whether it was mission accomplished?

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Operation Sindoor aftermath | What are India’s diplomatic challenges?

Sat, 17 May 2025 05:58:00 -0000

After the military success of Operation Sindoor, what are India’s diplomatic challenges? How should it deal with countries that supported Pakistan during the 4-day conflict, and how damaging to bilateral ties are Trump’s claims of mediating a ceasefire despite the MEA’s denials?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Pahalgam response: Will de-escalation calls deter Delhi?

Sat, 03 May 2025 05:28:00 -0000

After diplomatic measures against Pakistan for the Pahalgam Terror attacks- PM Modi gives the army a free hand to prepare a military response. As the US, UK Saudi Arabia and other countries call Delhi and Islamabad to try and defuse rising tensions, can international diplomacy deter delhi – and what are India’s options and challenges ahead?

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Pahalgam terror attack | Is a military confrontation likely?

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 06:07:00 -0000

As terrorists carried out the worst such attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir – New Delhi unleashed a number of diplomatic measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), downsizing high commissions further and closing the border. With reprisal measures from Islamabad that include closing down its airspace – will the escalation over Pahalgam now become a military confrontation?

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini haidar | U.S. crackdown on students | What are New Delhi’s options?

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 07:18:00 -0000

The U.S.’s crackdown on students, visitors and illegal immigrants is beginning to test America’s ties with the world. As the Trump administration rolls up the welcome mat, how will it affect U.S. soft power in the world, and what can countries like India do?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haider | Tahawwur Rana extradited | Justice for 26/11 closer?

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 07:01:00 -0000

India prepares to put 26/11 accomplice Tahawwur Hussain Rana on trial for the Mumbai terror attacks, after the U.S extradited him. 17 years later, is justice for the victims of one of India deadliest terror strikes a little bit closer, and what still needs to be done?

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Trump’s tariffs: Is a wait and watch approach good for India?

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 05:53:00 -0000

U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff rollout earlier this week has terrified global markets. What does it mean for America’s ties with the world?

Amongst dozens of countries slapped with tariffs, how has India responded and what are the diplomatic upsides and downsides of its relative silence on the issue?

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | India-China talks | Can Delhi put Galwan behind?

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 08:51:00 -0000

This week on Worldview, there’s a sudden spate of India China meetings as the two countries prepare to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties- and issue statements about resuming normal dialogue. As Delhi and Beijing discuss putting travel trade and visas back on track, Is India also prepared to put the LAC standoff and Galwan killings behind ?

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Raisina Dialogue | 5 key takeaways

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 06:59:00 -0000

This week, Worldview comes to you from the Raisina dialogue. PM Modi and chief Guest New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon inaugurated it. How is India navigating Trump turbulence over tariffs, a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, and a global realignment for the transatlantic alliance and possibly the Indo-Pacific one?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | 3 years of Russia-Ukraine war | Will U.S. u-turn bring EU-India closer?

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 05:06:17 -0000

Three years since the war in Ukraine began the U.S. sides with Russia at the UN, and Zelenskyy agrees to accept a compromise mineral deal with Trump, a major European Union delegation makes an outreach to Delhi, seeking to de-risk ties with China. Is the end of the Russia-Ukraine war in sight, and will that lead to a total reshuffle of traditional alignments?

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | U.S.-World relations | How will the global churn affect India?

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 05:30:00 -0000

The US’s Gaza proposal and talks with Russia threaten to turn the template of global alignment. Is the Transatlantic alliance at an end, or is Trump simply bargaining for a better deal with Europe?

And how should India react to this global churning?

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | PM Modi meets Trump | Good signs and warning signs

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 07:36:22 -0000

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris and then Washington, sent out distinctly separate, but equally significant messages on India’s worldview.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Trumperica 2.0: What should India prepare for during PM Modi visit?

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 07:31:44 -0000

After targeting Mexico, Canada, Panama, and Greenland, putting tariffs on China, and staking a claim to Gaza, what should Prime Minister Narendra Modi expect during his visit to Washington next week?

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Highs and lows in neighbourhood ties: Is Delhi softening tone? | Ep #178

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 07:54:13 -0000

Is New Delhi making a subtle strategic outreach to its south Asian neighbourhood this season? Bhutan’s King, Sri Lanka and Maldives’ presidents, Nepal’s Foreign Minister received warm welcomes in Delhi.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Adani U.S. indictment | What is the diplomatic impact? | Ep #176

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 06:30:00 -0000

It’s been more than a week since the US Department of Justice, FBI and the Securities and Exchange Commission issued indictments- charging the Adani group, its top leadership including Gautam Adani of a conspiracy to bribe Indian government officials for contracts, and defrauding US investors by raising capital through bonds issues.

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | 100 Days since Hasina | Can Yunus handle Bangladesh turmoil? | Ep #175

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 06:30:00 -0000

Bangladesh’s interim government, that was formed after protesting mobs forced former PM Sheikh Hasina to flee the country, says it has brought law and order under control and started a reform process for a number of institutions, including electoral reforms, in its first 100 days in office.

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Trump’s Cabinet choices | What are Trump 2.0 priorities? | Ep #174

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 08:13:45 -0000

Within a week of being elected the next U.S. President, Donald Trump has wasted no time in choosing his team. What do his top ten cabinet picks say about the next four years in the U.S., and what will they mean for India?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Trump 2.0: What should India watch out for? | Ep #173

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 09:02:17 -0000

The world view of many countries, especially the U.S. has definitely changed with this week’s election results. Donald Trump, U.S.’s 45th President will now also be its 47th President come January. We will discuss the broad shifts we expect, and how India will be affected by them.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Jaishankar in Pakistan | An ice-breaker for ties? | Ep #171

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 07:39:27 -0000

This week WorldView comes to you from Pakistan. S. Jaishankar travelled to Islamabad for the SCO and meetings with Pakistan's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Jammu and Kashmir elections: What message does New Delhi want to send? | Ep #170

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 09:46:14 -0000

This week, we are speaking about Jammu Kashmir, where voters have now participated in 3 phases of polling for the first state elections in a decade and the message New Delhi is sending out over it.

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Israel attacks Lebanon: Has India’s position on West Asia shifted at all? | Ep #169

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 09:25:32 -0000

Israel broadens the war in Gaza with an air attack on Lebanon, is the crisis in West Asia about to escalate? And as the one-year mark since the October 7 terror attacks approaches, PM Modi meets the Palestinian President. Has India’s position shifted at all?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | P.M. Modi in U.S. | Is Trump or Harris better for India? | Ep #168

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 09:22:22 -0000

The timing of PM Modi’s visit to the UN makes it even more interesting—this is the 4th time Mr. Modi has travelled to the UN during what’s called High-Level Week—after 2014, 2019 and 2021., although he will not address the UN General Assembly this year.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Russia-Ukraine conflict | Can India be a peacemaker? | Ep #167

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 07:07:29 -0000

Two weeks after we reported on PM Modi’s mission to Kyiv, the NSA and EAM were travelling – and the flurry of activity has sparked speculation about an Indian role in ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict- is it likely? Possibly effective or even feasible given the latest escalation in the war.

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | India’s ASEAN outreach | Importance of PM Modi’s SE Asia visit | Ep #166

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 03:34:58 -0000

This week we are going to look at India’s ties with its near neighbours to the East- ASEAN countries, and particularly his visits this week.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | PM Modi in Ukraine: Will it change India’s stand on Russia conflict? | Ep #165

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 10:58:45 -0000

Six weeks after his Moscow move, PM Narendra Modi arrived in Kyiv. Was the Prime Minister’s mission in Ukraine just about geopolitical balancing, or does New Delhi now essay a more ambitious role in mediating in the Russia-Ukraine war?

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Harris vs Trump | Does Desi card make a difference? | Ep #164

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 10:04:00 -0000

Where does the Indian diaspora stand on Kamala v Usha, and is Desi heritage now a fixture in U.S. politics?

Feisty messages coming in from the Harris and Trump campaigns in the U.S. in those latest ads.

Less than a month since U.S. President Joseph Biden bowed out of the Presidential race- and we had spoken about the possibilities in WorldView on June 19, just 2 days before he withdrew his nomination- the U.S. elections race has dramatically changed.

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | New regime in Bangladesh | Lessons for India & South Asia | Ep #163

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 10:28:33 -0000

As Bangladesh boiled over-

-Its Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Dhaka after being in power for 15 years- she is now at an undisclosed location in India after landing at the Hindon airbase on Delhi’s outskirts,

- Days of protests and violence, then saw mobs ransacking Hasina’s homes and Mujib’s memorial. Attacks on Hasina’s Awami League supporters and their properties have seen minorities, particularly Hindus being targeted.

- The military moved in to stabilize the situation and a new interim government headed by Professor Muhammad Yunus has now taken charge.

His priority, he said, was “save the country from anarchy”, and warned protestors against attacking any minorities.

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Haniyeh killing | How West Asia assassinations can impact India | Ep #162

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 06:42:07 -0000

The news could not have been more dramatic- just hours after Palestinian leader and Hamas Political chief Ismail Haniyeh had met with the new Iranian President, and attended President Pezeshkian’s inauguration, the Iranian guard IRGC announced he had been killed- while there is still some confusion over how he died- with Iran blaming Israel for a missile strike, while US and Israeli news reports pointed to a delayed bomb smuggled in months ago- the impact of his assassination will be felt deeply across the region.

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Bangladesh protests: The trouble ahead for Hasina government | Ep #161

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 10:19:49 -0000

Nearly 200 are dead from violent student protests and firing by forces in Bangladesh – is PM Sheikh Hasina, who won elections just a few months ago, losing her grip on gen-next, and will the unrest India’s closest neighbour is grappling with, spill over?

Read more here.

Listen to the Hindu's In Focus podcast episode on Bangladesh protests here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Trump rises, Biden shaky :Why India should pay attention | Ep #160

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 07:27:44 -0000

The US election campaign takes a deadly turn- with Trump and his new Vice President choice surging in the polls after the assassination attempt, and pressure building on President Biden to step aside for another candidate- what are the major issues for voters, and what will decision 2024 in the US mean for India?

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Modi-Putin meet- What is India’s message from Moscow? | Ep #159

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 06:30:00 -0000

There were many firsts to PM Modi’s two day visit to Russia, his first since the invasion of Ukraine, and his first destination for a bilateral summit in his 3rd tenure in office, the first time they held the Annual Summit since 2021, and the first time an Indian leader was awarded Russia’s . While officials billed it as a purely bilateral visit, it won attention internationally, and censure from western capitals.

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Global election season: How will results in U.K., others impact India? | Ep #158

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 07:32:13 -0000

Elections herald change in UK with a Labour landslide, but also France and Iran, while the campaign trail hits a shocking turn in the US- Should New Delhi worry about losing friends in high places and how will results change the geopolitical landscape for India?

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Nijjar killing - Pannun case: How should India manage diplomatic fallout | Ep #157

Sat, 22 Jun 2024 05:50:27 -0000

You could call it the Tale of two trials:

With the extradition of an Indian Nikhil Gupta to the US, and the arrest of 4 Indians in Canada, India is expected to face a number of questions over its operations on targeting Khalistani separatists in the west.

This week marked many anniversaries

- A year since Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist wanted on terror charges in India, was gunned down outside a gurudwara in Canada’s Surrey

- A year since the US FBI and Drug Enforcement Agency stopped what it calls an assassination plot under way against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York

- And a year since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US

This week also saw a flurry of activity linked to those 3 events.

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | 3rd term for Modi -Will the coalition govt impact foreign policy? | Ep #156

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 07:23:00 -0000

As PM Modi picks the same team for diplomacy and national security- will there be any changes in Indian Foreign Policy in his third term with a coalition in charge ? What’s on his agenda for travel, and what are the foreign policy priorities for the new NDA government?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Israel’s attack on Rafah: What is India’s position? | Ep #155

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 07:17:55 -0000

We return to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza- now nearly 250 days of it- in retaliation for the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas- the latest civilian casualties, after Israel Defence Forces launched strikes on a refugee tent city in Rafah, an area designated a safe zone by Israel itself- killing about 45, many burnt to death while asleep and injuring 200.

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Gelephu megacity dreams | Bhutan PM interview | Ep #154

Sat, 25 May 2024 08:29:01 -0000

This week we are looking at Bhutan, India’s smallest and most reclusive neighbour, that rarely gets spoken about.

But now, with an announcement made in December by the Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is hoping to make a big splash, with the creation of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) to its south bordering Assam.

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Chabahar deal | Could U.S. play spoiler in India-Iran ties? | Ep #153

Sat, 18 May 2024 06:06:08 -0000

This week marked a new chapter in India’s 20 year old interest in a port in Iran- Chabahar. On a visit to Tehran, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and his Iranian counterpart oversaw the signing of an agreement to develop the Shahid Beheshti terminal- one terminal in the warm water port just off Iran’s Sistan Baluchistan province.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Campus protests in U.S. | Will it impact presidential elections? | Ep #152

Sat, 04 May 2024 05:34:35 -0000

We are about 2 months from the Republican National Convention- despite cases against him, Mr. Trump seems set to be the candidate

About 3 months from the Democratic Convention- where despite concerns about his age and health, Mr. Biden is the confirmed candidate

And about 6 months to go to voting day on November 5- which appears to be a rematch of the election in 2020

However, what is different at this point in the campaign is that Foreign policy issues are also dominating the discourse.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Foreign interference in elections | Is there a basis for India’s fears? | Ep #151

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 04:59:00 -0000

As election season takes off in India, allegations by PM Modi and EAM Jaishankar of foreign interference from the West heat up the campaign – we will look at the history of such allegations worldwide, and whether there is a basis for New Delhi’s present concerns.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Israel-Iran strikes | Can India escape being caught in conflict? | Ep #150

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 03:41:37 -0000

News breaking now of multiple strikes by Israel on bases and nuclear facilities in Iran are further driving up tensions in the region- while the two countries have had a shadow war between them for 45 years, we have not seen such openly direct strikes on each other thus far. Up ahead we will look at how this new turn will change the west Asian landscape, and seven ways India is impacted.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Transnational killings | The legal rights and wrongs | Ep #149

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 06:00:04 -0000

This week, we are looking at the legal wrongs and rights of transnational killings- and the sometimes confusing stand of the government. To recap the developments this week:

British Newspaper Guardian reported this week that Indian intelligence agents are believed to have orchaestrated up to 20 killings of alleged Khalistani separatist and Jihadist terrorists in Pakistan. In the article the MEA denied the charge, and cited External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s previous statement that “targeted killings is not India’s policy”

However, in campaign statements and an interview by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the government appeared to be accepting the charges

PM Modi also repeated his 2019 slogan of “Ghar mein ghus ke marenge” for terrorists- or “We will kill them in their homes”

Read more here.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Katchatheevu | Impact of foreign policy issues during election season | Ep #148

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 06:02:00 -0000

It isn’t often when a foreign policy issue generates as much heat within India’s polity, but this week both the PM and the EAM set off a debate over a 1974 agreement with Sri Lanka that quickly saw pushback from the opposition, and some concern in Colombo.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Ukrainian FM in India | Could it change India’s position on the war? | Ep #147

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 07:26:30 -0000

Two years After the Russian war in Ukraine began, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is finally invited to India- does the visit signify a u turn, a rethink or simply rebalancing by New Delhi and Kiev? And given close India Russia ties, What is on the Ukrainian wishlist for India?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Arunachal border tussle | India’s diplomatic challenges on LAC | Ep #146

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 07:17:40 -0000

As China’s claims over India’s easternmost state of Arunachal Pradesh get shriller, and what the MEA calls more absurd, the US wades in, says it backs India’s territorial sovereignty in Arunachal? Is Beijing preparing for a bigger confrontation over the boundary, and how do Bhutan-China boundary talks fit in?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Trade diplomacy | What’s the status of India’s Free Trade Agreements? | Ep #145

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 06:45:00 -0000

As India signs a Free Trade Agreement with 4 European Nations, is there hope for other negotiations- from the UK and EU to Oman, Gulf and Eurasian countries? Do FTAs help increase trade substantially? And are they a challenge to the global economic order under the WTO- In this episode, an interview with Irish Trade minister on whats delaying the India EU FTA.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Biden vs Trump | What do Super Tuesday results mean for U.S. and India? | Ep #144

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 05:28:15 -0000

As U.S. democrats and republicans each hand U.S. President Joseph Biden and former U.S. President Donald Trump wins in the Super Tuesday votes, a rematch between the two seems likely. What does that mean for U.S. Foreign Policy, for geopolitics and for India? We will weigh up the differences.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Israel and Russia wars | Can India help end the conflicts? | Ep #143

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 06:39:29 -0000

We are looking at two separate aspects of the MEA’s role – one on mediation, the other on how to protect emigrants. But first, the latest in the Israel war on Gaza that is entering its sixth month shortly. The condition of about 2 million people in Gaza, crowded into the Southern part of the strip gets more direct by the day- with homes bombed, no access to food or clean water, and no way out. This week, 112 people were killed as crowds awaiting aid thronged trucks and Israeli soldiers manning the convoy opened fire on them.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Two years of Russia-Ukraine war: Has India’s foreign policy changed at all? | Ep #142

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 07:00:55 -0000

Ahead of the 2-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a barrage of European Foreign Ministers are in Delhi for the annual Raisina Dialogue. Is Ukraine in danger of losing land annexed by Russia permanently? And has the needle of Indian Foreign policy moved at all since 2022?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haider | Naval officers released by Qatar | What are the diplomatic lessons? | Ep #141

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 07:31:03 -0000

This week brought good news- 7 of 8 released Indians, former naval personnel returned to their families, as the Amir of Qatar decided to free the men. The outcome, that followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal intervention in December with his counterpart Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, was a big relief for the families and a big success for Indian diplomacy, and PM Modi, who was visiting the UAE this week made a previously unannounced visit to Qatar, to express his gratitude.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haider | Pakistan elections | A new dawn or more of the same? | Ep #140

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 05:30:11 -0000

Pakistan prepares for political chaos as election results suggest a surge in favour of Imran Khan’s candidates- but with no clear winner yet, can the man seen as the military’s choice- Nawaz Sharif still forge a government?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Israel-Hamas | As conflict spreads, where does India stand? | Ep #139

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 05:38:21 -0000

We return to the conflict in Gaza this week- where despite talks for another ceasefire, the bombardment of Gaza by Israeli Defence Forces who are on the ground in the territory continued for a fourth month.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haider | India-Maldives tensions | 5 flashpoints and what are India’s options? | Ep #138

Sat, 27 Jan 2024 06:35:38 -0000

Not a week has gone by since November 2023, when Maldives elected a new President Mohammad Muizzu- pushing out the previous pro-India Ibu Solih, where there isn’t something that puts India-Maldives ties on edge.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haider | Mega election year | How will it affect India’s foreign policy? | Ep #137

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 08:05:00 -0000

Take a look at that map of the world and you can see just why this is being called the year of elections- 64 countries in all will hold major presidential or parliamentary elections in 2024.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haider | Yearender 2023 | 5 big tests for global diplomacy | Ep #136

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 05:26:00 -0000

Let’s start with this week, and the end of the CoP 28, Climate Change summit held in Dubai, ended with a final document called the UAE consensus that agreed to a number of actions.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haider | COP28 Summit and India | Is climate fatigue setting in? | Ep #135

Sat, 09 Dec 2023 05:40:00 -0000

We are half way through the CoP28 being held in Dubai – with half a million registrations, 77,000 delegates, 189 countries– that will end next week. Many controversies have roiled the UAE Presidency, but they have also been able to clear quite a few agreements.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Alleged plot to kill Pannun | Where do India-U.S. relations stand? | Ep #134

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 05:59:10 -0000

This week on WorldView, the US Department of Justice‘s 15 page indictment in the alleged plot against wanted Khalistani separatist leader Pannun opens a whole new can of worms for India’s ties with the US and Canada. Is there a double standard at play and how can India now navigate the diplomatic fallout? We will tell you how the MEA, Trudeau an Blinken reacted.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Khalistani separatists issue: Its impact on India’s ties with West | Ep #133

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 06:07:00 -0000

After Canada’s allegations over Nijjar, the US raises new concerns over targeting a Khalistani separatist on its soil- how will New Delhi walk the tightrope between its own national security concerns and its growing strategic partnership with western countries?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Xi and Biden meet: How does it affect India? | Ep #132

Sat, 18 Nov 2023 06:10:16 -0000

This week on WorldView- As XI Jinping and Joe Biden meet, US and China decide resume military communications and aim to work together on artificial intelligence, climate change & countering narcotics- Despite the bonhomie, Biden calls Xi a dictator- how does the unstable relationship between the world’s biggest powers affect India, and what are takeaways for New Delhi from the Summit in San Francisco?

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | One month of Israel-Hamas war | 10 outcomes the conflict could have on the world | Ep #131

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 06:46:00 -0000

One Month into Israel’s reprisal on Gaza for the October 7 attacks by Hamas- international diplomacy flounders over differences on whether there should be a ceasefire. US top envoy Blinken is on a whistle stop tour of Asia, including in Delhi….Are there any endgames to the incessant suffering, and is there any role for India? We will tell you the 10 big outcomes that the Israeli war on Gaza could have on the world.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Pakistan announces polls: Will the military still exert power? | Ep #130

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 06:27:02 -0000

This week, after months of some dire predictions about whether they would be held at all, Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi announced that general elections would be held in the country on February 8. The announcement came after the Supreme Court, that has been hearing petitions against the delay—the previous Shahbaz Sharif government handed over to a caretaker government on August 9, and elections were due to be held with 90 days of that—pushed the Election Commission on a date.

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Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Qatar court hands death sentence to 8: What are India’s options now? | Ep #129

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 06:12:00 -0000

The government says it is shocked by the verdict in the case against 8 men, all formerly with the Indian Navy who have been convicted in a Qatari trial this week, and sentenced to death. Before we go further, let’s tell you about this case, that has after the case of Commander Jadhav in Pakistan, has become one of the Modi government’s biggest diplomatic challenges.

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Israel-Hamas conflict | Is there a chance of ceasefire? | Ep #128

Sat, 21 Oct 2023 10:30:00 -0000

Israel’s bombing of Gaza in the aftermath of the October 7 terror attacks sees mounting casualties and destruction- is there any chance of a ceasefire? We ask the Israeli Ambassador. And after its support to Israel on the terror attacks, is India walking the balance with support to Palestine, marking a return to a more traditional position by New Delhi?

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The Israel-Gaza conflict | What line is India taking? | Ep #127

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 13:26:00 -0000

After the brutal massacre and terror attacks by Hamas, Israeli PM Netanyahu has launched an all-out blockade and war against Gaza. How will the war in West Asia impact geopolitics, will it divide the world on old traditional Arab vs Israel lines, and what’s the line New Delhi is taking?

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Muizzu’s win | How will it impact India-Maldives relations? | Ep #126

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 17:09:00 -0000

Maldives’ new President-Elect says he wants to end the presence of Indian troops in the islands- is the election upset for New Delhi, and what is expected in the next few months in ties with the Indian Ocean neighbour?

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Jaishankar in U.S. | Where do India and Canada stand now? | Ep #125

Sat, 30 Sep 2023 15:26:01 -0000

As External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made his way to New York for the UN General Assembly and Washington DC for meetings with the U.S. this week, was Canada the new elephant in the room, as China and Pakistan often are?

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India-Canada tensions | Fallout of the Canadian PM’s allegations | #Ep 124

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 17:11:00 -0000

Overnight- ties between India and Canada, already quite tense, took a turn for the worse- within days of returning from Delhi where he attended the G20 summit, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a startling announcement in parliament.

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G-20 Summit | The big wins and the takeaways | Ep #123

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 16:12:28 -0000

Here are the big takeaways from the 18th G20 Summit in Delhi

1. New Delhi Leadership Declaration

2. Ukraine Paragraphs

3. African Union membership

4. Climate Change

5. Bio-fuel alliance

6. IMEC

7. Review meeting of G20

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G-20 Summit | Key takeaways India will be looking for | Ep #122

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 13:45:49 -0000

This week on WorldView- India’s G20 Moment is finally here- what do you need to know to get through the big weekend of India’s international diplomacy?

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China map moves | What India should watch out for | Ep #121

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 17:42:29 -0000

China’s map triggers strong reactions from India and other Chinese neighbours, how much is this a part of a larger strategy for land-grab and what it does it mean for ties- and will the map, coming days after a Modi-Xi meeting and days before the G-20 summit mean more trouble for the India-China relationship ahead?

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BRICS Summit | What could the group’s expansion mean for India? | Ep #120

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:43:31 -0000

This week on Worldview, the BRICS summit in Johannesburg ended with a bang, both multilaterally, and bilaterally- between India and China. Will the Modi-Xi meeting make peace at the Line of Actual Control, and what are the big messages that the BRICS expansion, taking in 6 more members going out to the world?

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2 years of Taliban | Is India and the world enabling their regime? | Ep #119

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 16:14:52 -0000

2 years after the Taliban took control of Kabul- is the international community and India simply enabling their regime but abandoning the Afghan people?

While New Delhi. supplies food and medical aid, and sent diplomats for a technical mission – why is it so hard for India to issue visas for students, businesses, activists and even Afghan spouses of Indian citizens?

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Imran Khan’s arrest | What’s next for Pakistan politics? | Ep #118

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 17:18:35 -0000

Pakistan that seems to be in a state of “permanent uncertainty” had another dramatic week in politics:

1. To begin with, a court in Islamabad sentenced former Prime Minister Imran Khan to 3 years in Jail for misappropriation of official gifts, or what was called the Toshakhana case. The 3 year term also disqualifies him from standing for elections for the next 5 years.

Unlike 3 months ago, when he was last arrested for another corruption case that he was charged in however, this time, his party workers did not come out on the streets.

2. The arrest was significantly timed, as it is also time to head towards the next elections in Pakistan

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif stood up for one last time for a farewell address to the Pakistani parliament, after which the President dissolved the assembly

3. Another big moment this week- the publication of this article in US website The Intercept- that put out the text of a diplomatic telegram dated March 7,2022 that detailed how a senior US State department official conveyed deep concerns to the Pakistani Ambassador about then Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ties with Russia – indicating that if Khan was voted out in the confidence vote , the US and Europe would be willing to “forgive” Pakistan for the visit to Moscow by Imran Khan right as the invasion of Ukraine was launched. When he was ousted, Imran Khan had alleged that it was the Pakistani military who had helped push him out at the US’s behest, a charge they all denied.

So three interconnected, but equally important events in Pakistan’s politics- and we will try and pull all the threads together.

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Baby Ariha case | What can govt. do when Indians are in custody abroad? | Ep #117

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 14:04:02 -0000

Two years after an Indian baby was taken from her parents by German Youth Services after allegations of abuse, the government is taking political heat, with the opposition calling for her return to India. What are the government’s diplomatic options when Indians are kept in custody of different kinds abroad?

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50 days to G20 Summit | Is there still hope of a joint communique? | Ep #116

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 15:42:29 -0000

This week marked an important moment in the G20 Presidency of India-

-With a crucial Sherpa Meeting held in Hampi and the last Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governers meeting in Gandhinagar being held back to back. Remember these are the two twin tracks of any G20 Presidency: The Sherpa track and the Finance Track.

-The two tracks also preside over about 13 working groups between them, and then finally present a Leader’s Declaration that would be put up for adoption on September 9-10, when the Summit is held in Delhi.

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PM Modi in Paris | Why India-France ties are stronger than ever? | Ep #115

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 14:24:37 -0000

Marching in step, Indian and French troops took part in France’s National Day or Bastille day parade, an event where PM Modi was invited as Chief Guest by French President Emmanuel Macron. Along with the tri-services marching down the Champs Elysee, Indian airforce Rafale fighter jets were in the flypast, and the INS Chennai docked at France’s Brest port. The occasion also marked 25 years of the France-India Strategic Partnership.

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SCO Summit | Missed opportunity for India? | Ep #114

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 15:53:27 -0000

Last year, WorldView came to you from Samarkand- and a grand summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO there with Putin, Xi, Sharif, Central Asian Leaders and Prime Minister Narendra Modi . This year, the comparison was stark- as India hosted its first SCO summit, online.

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Wagner Group vs Putin | How does India see the fallout of failed mutiny? | Ep #113

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 12:10:38 -0000

Russia is rocked by a short-lived rebellion as the Wagner group chief goes rogue- how does India see the fallout of failed mutiny? It’s been a dramatic week in Russia, with what some called a coup against Russia’s top military leadership contained- what’s clear is that the failed mutiny by the Wagner group militia chief had reverberations around the world, not the least in Moscow, where Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

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PM Modi in US | A major leap forward for India-US ties? | Ep #112

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 17:17:31 -0000

This week we are looking at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington, which saw US President Joseph Biden roll out the red carpet for him. PM Modi’s visit included a private dinner at the White House, a ceremonial welcome, a state banquet, an address to the US Congress joint session and lunch at the State Department.

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9 years of Modi govt. | The successes and failures of India’s foreign policy | Ep #111

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 16:40:29 -0000

This week, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the media about what he saw as the key achievements of the Modi government’s foreign policy since 2014. Now in India, foreign policy has traditionally been a continuum, not something ascribed just to one government or another, so just the fact that the EAM put out these pointers is a significant change. However, it should be remembered, that Mr. Jaishankar was formerly Foreign Secretary from 2015-2018 and has been Minister from 2019 to date, so except for about two years in total, he has been at the helm of Indian FP for the past 9 years.

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India-Nepal ties | The HITs and misses of PM Prachanda’s visit | Ep #110

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 09:57:34 -0000

India and Nepal announce a slew of projects with the HIT formula of Highways, I-ways and Trans-ways during PM Prachanda’s first official visit in this tenure, but do big brother dynamics, border sensitivities and suspicions over China still stall plans to power ties to Himalayan Heights?

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PM Modi in Australia | Do diaspora issues overshadow bilateral ties? | Ep #109

Sun, 28 May 2023 16:23:23 -0000

The visit marked exactly 1 year since Albanese was sworn in, and if you thought the relationship between PM Modi and former Conservative Party PM Morrison was intense.

Modi has met his successor from the Labour Party Anthony Albanese six times in that one year- at Last year’s Quad Summit in Japan, at former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe’s funeral in Japan, and then in India in March when he came for a bilateral visit, the Quad in Japan again and then in Sydney.

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PM Modi’s Indo-Pacific tour | Will Biden’s pullout be India’s gain? | Ep #108

Sun, 21 May 2023 15:41:20 -0000

We normally look at what’s already happened in the world, but given how much is expected in the week ahead, we wanted to give you a primer on what to expect and to look out for.

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Imran Khan saga | How will Pakistan’s political chaos impact the region? | #Ep 107

Sat, 13 May 2023 16:39:20 -0000

As Pakistan’s former prime Minister Imran Khan's arrest and then his surprise release order brought thousands of supporters onto the streets, and into an unprecedented confrontation with the military- what’s at stake for the country already on the brink of economic collapse- and what does it mean for the region including India?

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SCO FM meet | India’s bilateral tensions vs multilateral ambitions | #Ep 106

Wed, 10 May 2023 16:13:53 -0000

Ahead of its big summit in July, is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation setting itself up as a counter to the Western narrative in the world- or will bilateral ties like India’s tensions with China over the boundary or India-Pakistan tensions over terrorism and Jammu and Kashmir overshadow multilateral talks?

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Sudan conflict | Global fallout and impact on India | Ep #105

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 17:00:52 -0000

As Indian forces and diplomats race against the clock to bring back Indians safely from Sudan- what’s the story behind the conflict and fight between two generals? And how could India be impacted by its fallout?

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European leaders in China | How should India view Macron’s visit? | Ep #104

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:31:44 -0000

As European leaders make a beeline for Beijing to seek support for Ukraine, is French President Emmanuelle Macron out of line with the West on Taiwan and what do the latest developments mean for India?

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LAC standoff | Are China’s Arunachal moves cause for alarm? | Ep #103

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 16:14:51 -0000

On the face of it- the situation at the Line of Actual Control seems frozen – but ties between India and China appear to worsen by the day. The past few weeks saw a number of headlines.

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The year ahead | What do Russia-China and Saudi-Iran deals mean for India? | Ep #102

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 14:32:46 -0000

As Russia-China bolster ties further, Saudi Arabia and Iran strike a deal, and the US calls for a rival front of democracies. India’s tightrope walk through these developments gets tougher ahead of a number of crucial meetings- G7 G20 SCO and Quad.

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Khalistan protests | What are India’s options? | Ep #101

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 16:33:04 -0000

The raids and arrests on a group suspected of extremist violence and Khalistani separatism in Punjab- Waaris Punjab De, and the hunt for its leader Amrit Pal Singh this week, saw repercussions for Indian diplomacy around the world.

Here’s how these protests have played out and how the Government and the Ministry of External Affairs in particular has dealt with them

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Q&A | International diplomacy and India’s foreign policy | Ep #100

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 16:23:08 -0000

Each week at WorldView, we take a different subject for discussion on how international developments shape Indian Foreign Policy. WorldView has been shaped by your feedback each week, but for our special 100 th episode we asked you to decide what we would speak about – thank you for your questions!

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Sri Lanka’s recovery | The significance of India’s support | Ep #99

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 14:42:32 -0000

After months of bad news, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that Sri Lanka had cleared the last hurdles to being approved for a $2.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund- the IMF. While a final decision is expected to be announced during the IMF Spring Session next month, the news is expected to boost creditor confidence in the country that has been reeling from the covid crisis, economic mismanagement by the Rajapakse regime, and mounting debts.

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G20 Ministerial Meetings | Does India have a rocky road ahead? | Ep #98

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 19:48:36 -0000

Foreign Ministers at the G20 don’t normally seek to negotiate a joint statement. But last week, the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting that was held in Bengaluru also ended without a joint statement, for only the second time in history- the last time being last year, in Bali last year.

It is now clear that the differences over the war in Ukraine are a serious threat to consensus in the G20 process.

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One year of Russia-Ukraine war | What are endgame scenarios? | Ep #97

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 14:57:33 -0000

This week counts one year since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered attacks across Ukraine, actions that have triggered the biggest military faceoff in Europe since the second world war and has changed the global political and economic landscape.

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BBC-Adani | Is Indian diplomacy on the defensive? | Ep #96

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 11:44:42 -0000

In this episode we are trying to dissect official speculation that has now become a part of Indian diplomacy- on an alleged foreign hand at work to run down India’s development- So while in previous episodes we have spoken about Disaster diplomacy, Diaspora diplomacy, Neighbourhood diplomacy etc, this week we will focus on Defensive diplomacy, which is a big part of what the MEA and Indian diplomats in Embassies worldwide have to do.

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Turkey - Syria earthquake | Why India’s relief efforts matter | Ep #95

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 14:50:40 -0000

A global rescue effort is underway for Quake hit Turkiye and Syria- where the deathtoll is in the thousands already- Will India’s assistance be a diplomatic gamechanger?

On February 6, an earthquake measuring a massive 7.8 on the Richter scale hit Southern Turkiye or Turkey and parts of Syria, followed by a second quake of the same magnitude a few hours later.

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Water wars | Why does India want to renegotiate the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan? | Ep #94

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 14:54:20 -0000

India issues a notice to renegotiate the 62-year-old Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan- could this mean another flank opened in already tense India-Pakistan ties, as well as trouble in India’s cooperation with the World Bank?

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India’s neighbourhood outreach | What lies ahead for South Asia in 2023? | Ep #93

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 16:12:48 -0000

India begins the year with an outreach in the neighbourhood- with visits to Sri Lanka, Maldives and Bhutan, and even an invitation to Pakistan- what lies ahead for 2023 in South Asia?

This is going to be a particularly interesting year for India as President of G20 and it is significant that the year began with a newly powered push in the neighbourhood.

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Afghanistan under Taliban | What do non-Taliban leaders expect from India? | Ep #91

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 17:09:21 -0000

This week on WorldView- is the Taliban running out of time to keep its promises on inclusive government and women’s rights? Or is the world going to continue to engage with the Taliban without conditions? And where does India stand with the Taliban and with non-Taliban leadership today? We will hear from the chief of the National Resistance Force- Ahmed Shah Massoud’s son Ahmed Massoud.

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Protests in China | Is the Zero-COVID strategy backfiring on the government? | Ep #90

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 14:27:51 -0000

Just weeks after what seemed to be a grand celebration of the Chinese Communist party’s achievements, came protests in several Chinese cities and many college campuses, calling for an end to the government’s Zero- Covid restrictions, to brutal lockdowns and crackdowns, and even some calling for Xi Jinping to step down. Finally, in what seemed to be a softening of tone, Vice Premier Sun Chunlan chaired a meeting where she indicated covid protocols could now be reviewed.

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Climate Change Conference | Are rich and poor countries divided on COP27 outcomes? | Ep #89

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 15:12:52 -0000

Another climate change summit has ended- COP27 in Egypt’s Sharm el Sheikh nearly ended last weekend without a deal. But on Sunday, it came out with progress on a long-pending agreement to set up a loss and damages fund to help the world’s most vulnerable countries hit by climate change.

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Bali Summit | What does the G20 presidency mean for India? | #Ep 88

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 08:51:03 -0000

India takes charge of the G20 process after a summit in Indonesia marked by crises and sudden consensus for a joint communique- how hard will hosting the summit next year in Delhi be?

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Iran protests intensify | Why is India opting to stay quiet? | #Ep 87

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 15:43:55 -0000

Two months after the death of Iranian woman Mahsa Amini, protests against the regime continue, and grow in other parts of the world- are the anti-Hijab protests at a tipping point, or will they peter out as others have?

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Attack on Imran Khan | Why Pakistan’s neighbours should be concerned | Ep #86

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 14:43:26 -0000

An attempt to assassinate Pakistan’s former PM Imran Khan during a rally throws Pakistan into further turmoil as his supporters blame the military, demand elections

On Nov 3, Opposition leader and former PM Imran Khan, who has just launched a Haqeeqi Azadi or real freedom movement- calling for immediate elections, was shot at in both legs during a rally in Wazirabad, about 100 km from Lahore- he is now stable, and recovering from his injuries in hospital- at least 1 person was killed in the shooting and several others, including Khan’s aides, were injured.

Imran Khan is not just a former Cricket Captain and former PM but an international personality, and statements have come in from the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the OIC, condemning the attack- this is clearly an event the world is watching closely, as is India

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Rishi Sunak as UK PM | Will the India-UK FTA finally happen? | Ep #85

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 16:10:09 -0000

It has been a week of change in UK’s 10 Downing Street, and a week of celebration for many in India as Rishi Sunak became the country’s new Prime Minister.

This is the first time that a non-white, Asian immigrant of Indian ancestry has done so. Liz Truss, the incumbent who lasted less than 45 days, threw in the towel recently.

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China’s Communist Party Congress | Why should India pay attention? | Ep #84

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 14:55:28 -0000

As China’s 20th party congress gives Xi Jinping an unprecedented third term, what will his plans for the future entail Will China’s fighting spirit mean more conflict in the region?

The 20th Party Congress is significant for a number of reasons which is why there was such international attention given to it

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UN votes against Russia | Can India continue to abstain? | Ep #83

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 15:42:21 -0000

Russia rains missiles on 40 Ukrainian cities after an explosion on a Crimean bridge that Putin blames Ukrainian special forces for. As the War in Ukraine continues for the eighth month and the death toll rises, more than two-thirds of the UN votes against Russia’s annexation- can India continue to abstain?

Read more here

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Indians abroad attacked | How does it impact bilateral ties? | Ep #81

Sat, 08 Oct 2022 17:48:55 -0000

The MEA steps up its responses to reports of hate crimes against the Indian diaspora abroad: Riots in the United Kingdom, vandalism and attacks in Canada...and the government issues strong demarches against the US and other countries for long visa delays for Indians. How does this impact India’s bilateral ties?

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USA-Pakistan F-16 deal | Will it affect India-USA relations? | Ep #81

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 12:02:34 -0000

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s 10-day visit to the United State included an intense week in Washington, marked by many official meetings and areas of agreement- but the US’s decision to offer Pakistan a maintenance package for fighter aircraft became a flashpoint- why is the F-16 such a thorn in the side of India-US ties?

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Is UN Security Council seat a possibility or a pipe dream for India? | Ep #80

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 17:37:35 -0000

The annual gathering of the UN General Assembly, of leaders of 193 member nations in New York is underway this week, and with it come the annual calls for the 77-year-old body to consider reforming its structure and revising who should be at the high table. This year, the calls seem louder, much of it due to the idea that Security Council leaders have ensured a logjam in any forward movement with their veto power of any resolution- primarily in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

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Samarkand SCO: Can India straddle West and East? | Ep #79

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 13:45:36 -0000

Uzbekistan, historically the crossroad of different Silk roads, is today the venue of the Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended with a host of leaders who are regional strongmen.

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India and Bangladesh | Are they ideal neighbours? | Ep #78

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 13:32:02 -0000

This week saw the Bangladesh PM in Delhi, and she also travelled to Ajmer to offer prayers. This could also be her last visit to India before elections- due at the beginning of 2024, at the end of her third consecutive tenure as PM.

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6 months of Russia-Ukraine war: Has India shifted its stand? | Ep #77

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 05:15:51 -0000

6 months later- the war in Ukraine continues, and as global polarisation between the US-EU western coalition and the Russia-China led combine grows, diplomats fight it out in Delhi. Has the Modi government shifted India’s stand?

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5 years of Rohingya exodus | Should India’s refugee policy change? | #Ep 76

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 07:11:46 -0000

This week marks the 5th anniversary of the biggest migration of Rohingya refugees who faced what the UN calls state-sponsored ethnic genocide in their homes in Rakine state, as more than 700,000 fled to neighbouring Bangladesh and other countries around the world.

The issue has reopened the debate over India’s refugee policy, especially after a tweet by Minister for Urban Development praising India’s decision to house Rohingyas, which was quickly cut down by the Minister for Home Affairs.

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One year of the Taliban | How far has Afghanistan fallen behind? | Ep #75

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 07:59:57 -0000

August 15 marked a somber anniversary for Afghans- one the Taliban celebrated, but hundreds of thousands of Afghans in exile mourned as the day they lost their country to the terrorist group. Inside Afghanistan, the story is more complex.

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UNSC terror designations: Why did India lash out at China? | Ep #74

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 08:01:31 -0000

The scene that played out in the UN Security Council seemed eerily familiar- after India and the US brought a joint proposal to designate Rauf Asghar, deputy chief of the Jaish e Mohammad and brother of its chief Masood Azhar, as a global terrorist under UNSC resolution 1267, China placed a technical hold on the listing.

In that speech, Ambassador Khamboj hit out at:

- China- for blocking terrorist designations

- Pakistan- for harbouring terrorists, and for glorifying their acts

- Afghanistan- for the Taliban regime’s support to terror groups

- even the United Nations Secretariat itself, for not including Indian inputs on these groups in its latest situation report that the UNSG presented.

Ruchira Khamboj speech at UNSC:

“An effective functioning of the Sanctions Committees requires them to become more transparent, accountable and objective. The practice of placing holds and blocks on listing requests without giving any justification must end. It is most regrettable that genuine and evidence-based listing proposals pertaining to some of the most notorious terrorists in the world are being placed on hold. Double standards and continuing politicization have rendered the credibility of the Sanctions Regime at an all-time low.”

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Taiwan tensions: How serious could the US-China standoff get? | Ep #73

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 10:44:52 -0000

The past week saw a dramatic scale up in tensions in the Taiwan Strait- after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi went ahead with the visit of the congressional delegation to Taipei- to meet the leadership and many civil society representatives in the island.

The visit went ahead despite several warnings from China that this would destabilize the region, and even a disavowal of the trip from the US government, that said Ms. Pelosi’s plans were not helpful, and even an appeal from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who said humanity is one miscalculation away from annihilation.

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UK Prime Ministerial race | What does it mean for India? | Ep #72

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 11:02:31 -0000

This week, at least 160,000 British Conservative party members will begin to receive ballots for the election to decide between Liz Truss, former Trade and Foreign Minister and Rishi Sunak, former Chancellor of the Exchequer or Finance Minister- as the next party leader, and the next British Prime Minister.

An election within the UK’s Tory party- as the Conservative party is known should not, in the normal course, mean much for the rest of the world- but there are several reasons why it has caught global attention, and more importantly for WV, India’s attention.

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Biden and Putin in West Asia | How does it impact India? | Ep #71

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 08:13:44 -0000

Both US President Joseph Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin made their way to different parts of West Asia or the Middle East as it is called in the past week. Both visits were important signals, meant to strengthen ties that have been historically strong, but the underlining theme was a way to shore up support during the Russia-Ukraine war for Washington and Moscow respectively. We are going to take a look at how both worked out, and how it all could impact India. Of course, the I2U2 summit which Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in, was among those meetings.

But the big snapshot of the visit was this fistbump between Mr. Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman- whom he once threatened to treat as an outcast.

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Gotabaya resigns | What’s next for Sri Lanka? | Ep #70

Sat, 16 Jul 2022 08:53:50 -0000

Let us get up to speed with all that happened- much of it on live cameras, in a country that saw change in its highest office through the power of people taking to the streets

- In the past week, those protests grew louder, and more violent. Despite much of the cabinet having stepped down as they demanded, crowds stormed the Presidential palace, burned down PM Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private home. The visuals were unprecedented for a country with high security and very heavy handed security forces.... as the protestors occupied the president's rooms, the gym, even the swimming pool.

- On Monday, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who had tried to leave the country over the weekend but failed, flew to the Maldives- and after protests followed him there, took a commercial, Saudia flight to Singapore. The Singapore Foreign Ministry said he had been allowed entry as a visitor, not granted asylum. His brother former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa has not left the country, and is overseeing party strategy, but other members of the family are reportedly trying to leave as well.

- On Thursday, after missing several deadlines, Gotabaya finally resigned, nominating Wickremesinghe as the Acting President, pending an election in Parliament. The SLPP is still the largest party in parliament- and will be important in an all-party government likely to follow.

- The Presidential election is expected in the next week- where Wickremesinghe, Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, as well as former Minister Dullas Alahapperuma, who could stand, are being seen three as main contenders.

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Democratic freedoms: Should India worry about international criticism? | Ep #69

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 12:22:56 -0000

With increasing regularity, India is facing comments from abroad expressing concern and criticising the government for failing to keep its commitments on democratic freedoms, religious freedoms, media freedoms, and so on.

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What were the outcomes of the G7 Summit? | Ep #68

Sat, 02 Jul 2022 12:08:30 -0000

The Summit of G-7 leaders, the group of the world’s “most industrialised economies”, was held in Germany this week, where India along with Indonesia and a few other countries, was a special invitee. Last week, we told you about the BRICS summit of emerging economies, that was once seen as a complementary and now a potentially competitive grouping to the G-7. What they have in common is that the agenda is driven by the economy.

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What are the key takeaways from the 14th BRICS Summit? | Ep #67

Sat, 25 Jun 2022 17:30:15 -0000

Is BRICS, a grouping of once emerging economies from Asia, Africa and South America an effective anti-thesis to the developed world’s most industrialised nations led by U.S. and Europe at the G-7? More importantly, how does India navigate its role in the grouping, given BRICS’ clear criticism of the west’s economic domination of the world, the current standoff between Russia and the west, along with India’s problems with China?

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Two years after Galwan: How much has changed in India-China ties? | #Ep 66

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 17:31:42 -0000

The second year anniversary of the Galwan clashes- that occurred on the night of June 15-16, 2020 passed quietly- no memorials, no speeches-- a tweet from the defence minister. 20 Indian soldiers were killed brutally that night, in fighting with PLA soldiers using clubs with spikes, and rocks, and even drowned in the Galwan river. China has only admitted to 4 of its soldiers being killed, but there are believed to be many more casualties at Galwan- which marked the first deaths in clashes along the India -China boundary since 1975, and since the 1962 war at the LAC along Ladakh.

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Prophet comments: Why the diplomatic storm should bother India | Ep #65

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 16:43:17 -0000

This week, the government dealt with a sudden diplomatic storm- one which it clearly didn’t expect, as a flurry of countries across the gulf and other parts of the world picked up on statements made about Prophet Mohammad by spokespersons of the ruling party here more than a week ago. While there have been protests in India for some days, the government had not reacted to them- and the MEA seemed unprepared for what followed.

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India’s engagement with the Taliban: what’s next? | Ep #64

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 17:15:06 -0000

In a sudden move, the Modi government sent a senior M.E.A. official and diplomat to Kabul on Thursday, to meet with the Taliban regime’s acting foreign minister Amir Khan Mottaqi. Thus far, Delhi, which doesn’t have an embassy in Kabul and like other countries doesn’t recognise the Taliban regime had not sent a former delegation, which many countries have.

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Quad Meeting: What did the leaders agree upon? | Ep #63

Sat, 28 May 2022 17:08:54 -0000

This week, the four leaders of the Quad- US President Biden, Japanese PM Kishida, Australian PM Albanese and PM Narendra Modi met in Tokyo for the 2nd time in person for the Quad Summit. In the past year, the Quad has clearly undergone a change, from a largely strategic, theoretical grouping based on ensuring “a Free and Open Indo-Pacific”, to one with a number of specific practical tasks- on Covid, technology, climate change and infrastructure, space and cybersecurity- and we will tell you more about each.

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How does the wheat export ban affect foreign policy? | Ep #62

Sat, 21 May 2022 13:57:05 -0000

This week the UN takes up global food security on a war footing- the Ukraine war, that is, which has led to a slump in wheat production from a region known as the world’s bread basket- Russia and Ukraine together account for 25% of the world’s wheat exports. India is the world’s second-largest wheat producer and one of its biggest consumers- when the government decided last week to ban wheat exports in the face of climbing prices, there were many protests from the international community.

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Lessons from Sri Lanka’s crisis | Ep #61

Sat, 14 May 2022 14:53:01 -0000

As Sri Lanka’s crisis continues to spiral out of control, the country gets a new Prime Minister: what are the lessons from India’s neighbourhood?

After weeks of turmoil on the streets of Colombo, citizens’ protests, fatal police shooting of a protester, violent assault on peaceful protesters by Rajapaksa supporters, and incensed mobs burning down property in retaliation, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa stepped down this week, paving the way for opposition leader and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe to be appointed in his place.

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Modi’s Europe tour: High on symbolism, what about substance? | Ep #60

Sat, 07 May 2022 17:08:19 -0000

3 days, 3 countries and meetings with 7 heads of government- PM Narendra Modi certainly packed some pace in his tour of Europe- but did the meetings lack punch? We are going to tell you about the agreements and the areas of disagreement during his visits to Germany, France, and Denmark. Remember, the visit also took place just after European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen visited Delhi last week for the Raisina Dialogue (Ep 59) and held talks with the PM.

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Jaishankar’s strategy: Is Non-Alignment back in India? | Ep #59

Sat, 30 Apr 2022 12:56:39 -0000

Sparks flew across the Raisina sessions, where a number of European Foreign Ministers and officials, led by European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen hardened positions on Russia, and called on India to reconsider its position on the conflict in Ukraine.

During the EU President’s speech, and when the Foreign Ministers came face to face at a town hall with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, many questions were asked.

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Decoding India and US’s 2+2 dialogue | Ep #58

Sat, 16 Apr 2022 17:23:09 -0000

India and US receive a reality check as they intensify talks in Washington: agree to disagree on Ukraine, announce agreements on other fronts.

This week saw high-level, intense meetings between India and the United States- as PM Modi and US President Biden announced a surprise virtual summit to take place just before talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and their American counterparts US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Gen (Retd) Lloyd Austin. While Austin and Blinken have visited Delhi in the past year, this is the first 2+2 Ministerial held since the Biden administration took over, and the fourth such meeting ever. At present India holds a 2+2 with only 4 countries: the US, Australia, Japan, and Russia, which are seen as a productive way to discuss Diplomatic, Military and Strategic issues altogether. And the 4 meetings they held yielded some agreements, although the talks focused for a considerable part, according to both sides, on the situation in Ukraine.

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How can India help Sri Lanka? | Ep #57

Sat, 09 Apr 2022 17:38:53 -0000

Scenes from Colombo just outside the President’s House stunned all last week- as protesters vented their anger over the economic situation they blame the Rajapaksa government- led by President Gotabaya and his brother Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. The worry for both Sri Lanka, as well as India and the regional economy- is Sri Lanka’s economy headed for a crash?

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Why won’t India budge on Russia? | Ep #56

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 17:02:00 -0000

Amidst a diplomatic downpour in Delhi from Western countries urging sanctions against Russia, we look at 10 reasons why the Modi government hasn’t budged on ties with Moscow.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was in Delhi at the very end of a deluge of envoys and ministers from countries pushing sanctions against Russia. In Delhi, he met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval and PM Narendra Modi.

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Decoding Wang Yi’s visit to India | Ep #55

Sun, 27 Mar 2022 11:22:04 -0000

On March 24, the Chinese Foreign Minister made a short trip to Delhi. Not only were his official meetings just a few hours, but the visit was also completely unannounced, and there was no build-up of expectations. Wang Yi flew into Delhi after visits to Islamabad and Kabul and held a one-hour meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, followed by a three-hour meeting and lunch with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar before he left for Kathmandu.

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Pakistan Political Turmoil | Ep #54

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 08:26:55 -0000

In this episode, we look at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s no-confidence vote and its impact on India. Opposition leaders in Pakistan have come together to present a no-confidence resolution against PM Imran Khan’s PTI government, which is now set to be taken up on March 28th.

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Sanctions on Russia, what is the impact on India? Ep #53

Sun, 13 Mar 2022 12:21:33 -0000

Since February 21, when Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the recognition of sovereignty of two Ukraine states and February 24, when he announced military operations on Ukraine, a number of countries have announced a massive list of sanctions against Russia, aimed at “isolating” the Russian economy and cutting off their financial connections entirely.

Read more here

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How important are evacuations in Ukraine to Indian foreign policy? | Ep #52

Sat, 05 Mar 2022 06:20:00 -0000

In today’s episode, we look at India’s evacuation policy for the diaspora, as the government tries to complete Operation Ganga, its mission to bring home about 20,000 Indian citizens, mostly students, who have managed to come out of the warzone in Ukraine to four neighbouring countries.

Read more here.

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Ukraine crisis: Can India keep walking the balance? | Ep #51

Sun, 27 Feb 2022 07:15:21 -0000

Two months after the U.S. first warned the world Russia was planning to invade Ukraine, and after weeks of denying he had any plans to do so, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a military operation on Ukraine, one which could change the course of the world, or simply end up repeating history.

What was the sequence of events that led to this? What do Putin and his government say they want? What are India's stakes? Read more here.

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India-UAE FTA: What does it mean for bilateral ties? | Ep # 50

Sat, 19 Feb 2022 06:28:29 -0000

India and the UAE announced the launch of their free trade agreement or Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the UAE Deputy Commander, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed held a virtual summit on Friday. PM Modi was due to visit Abu Dhabi in January, a trip that cancelled due to the Omicron wave of COVID - and while he still might go next month, before the Dubai Expo ends on March 31, the two sides decided to delay the launch of CEPA no further.

The agreement is a first in many ways. Read more here.

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Quad meet: differences between India and others | Ep #49

Sat, 12 Feb 2022 06:36:28 -0000

The Foreign Ministers of India, Japan and United States met in Australia for the Quad ministerial, which is preparing the way for a meeting between Prime Minister Modi, U.S. President Biden, Australian PM Morrison, hosted by Japanese PM Kishida in Tokyo in the next few months.

Read more here.

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Russia-Ukraine crisis: how is India affected? | Ep #48

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 13:45:28 -0000

This week on Worldview, we discuss Russia-NATO tensions over Ukraine — how close is the world really to open war in Europe, does diplomacy have a chance and how is India affected?

If you thought we could start a new year without COVID or an impending international conflict, think again.

As we speak, Russia has reportedly amassed about 100,000 troops at its border with Ukraine, and another 30,000 are in Belarus for massive war exercises. NATO- the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries are also deploying troops to their Eastern flank countries- like Romania and Poland- the U.S. is sending 3,000 more troops. Meanwhile, diplomacy to avert a full crisis is on as well- and amidst visits including U.S. officials in Europe, the British PM in Ukraine, the Hungarian PM in Moscow and another possible Biden-Putin calls….all eyes on the next round of Normandy talks, expected in Berlin- where Russian and Ukrainian security advisors will meet, along with German and French advisors for talks on de-escalating the situation.

Read more here.

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Top 10 foreign policy events in India | Ep #47

Sun, 02 Jan 2022 09:46:00 -0000

A year of continuing coronavirus worries, some hope and a lot of despair worldwide, is ending. What does 2022 have in store for Indian Foreign Policy?

1. COVID-19 diplomacy and Delta variant disruption

2. Taliban takeover Afghanistan

3. China’s territorial claims get shriller

4. Two Quads and an AUKUS

5. Russia-NATO tensions

6. Pegasus row and international surveillance operations

7. Climate change promises

8. UN continues to fail

9. Change of guard in Washington and U.S. push for Democracy

10. India’s domestic disturbances

Read more here.

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Will India face sanctions for S-400? | Ep #41

Sat, 20 Nov 2021 02:00:00 -0000

Russian President Putin will be in India in early December and so will the Russian S-400 Triumf long range air defense systems — and the question is, will the US government place sanctions on India, or will President Biden use his powers for sanctions waiver.

Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) is a 2018 American law, pushed by the Democrats during US President Trump’s tenure that mandates the US government to put financial sanctions, travel bans on any country or its officials who are part of transacting any significant defence or intelligence deal with Russia, Iran or North Korea. Remember this is a US law, not a UN rule or international law, and can be ignored by any country

What are the kinds of sanctions the U.S. can impose?

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India at CoP26 | Ep #39

Sat, 06 Nov 2021 02:00:00 -0000

Scientists and Climate activists have long been seen as alarmist for suggesting that global warming and climate change will destroy Planet Earth, but by this week, and the 26th meeting of the Conference of Parties or CoP 26, it was world leaders that were making dire predictions and some new commitments.

India was most closely watched, as it has yet to update its NDCs or Nationally Determined Contributions to countering climate change. And there was some suspense, given that:

- Climate negotiators from the UK, US, EU had all visited India in the last few months but had not been given any promises (Kerry and Sharma visited twice)

- India had not updated NDCs by October 12, the UNFCCC deadline

- And just a day before he went to Glasgow, at the G-20 in Rome, PM Modi had made no commitments, and in fact G20 Sherpa Piyush Goyal said India was not in a position to identify a year by which it would reach Net Zero. Net zero is when a country’s carbon emissions are offset by taking out equivalent carbon from the atmosphere, so that emissions in balance are zero.

But in his national statement in Glasgow PM Modi spelt out five targets for India:

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The new Quad and Iran | Ep #38

Sat, 30 Oct 2021 02:30:00 -0000

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar joined Israel FM Yair Lapid in Jerusalem for a video conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UAE FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed- being called the new Quad in West Asia or the Middle East – as opposed to the other Quad in the Indo-Pacific.

Within a week, New Delhi became the venue for an Israel-Iran spat. After the new Israeli Ambassador Naor Gilon accused Iran of destabilising the region, and indicated that last year’s Abraham Accords, that saw UAE and Israel recognise each other, as well as the new Quad were a result of concerns about Iran, the Iranian embassy in Delhi hit back- calling the Ambassador childish and adventurous, and Israel a murderous regime. While such spats are not uncommon between Tehran and Jerusalem/ Tel Aviv, it is rare to see New Delhi, which has thus far been careful about maintaining good ties with both countries become the setting for the latest round. Some speculation that Iran's decision to hold a foreign minister's meeting that didn't include India was connected with its unhappiness over the new quad as well.

Why are the Middle Eastern Quad and the Indo-Pacific Quad being compared- apart from the fact that they involve four countries:

You can read more here

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Nobel laureate Maria Ressa talks about journalism in the age of authoritarianism, big tech and terrorism | Ep #37

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 08:30:00 -0000

In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa talks about where journalism is headed in the age of authoritarianism, big tech and terrorism.

As press freedom faces its biggest challenges in democracies today, what is the message from the Nobel Peace Prize for Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov?

Read more here

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Have India-China talks at the LAC hit an impasse? | Ep #36

Sat, 16 Oct 2021 23:30:00 -0000

This week on Worldview, we discuss whether India-China talks at the LAC have hit an impasse

This week, India China talks at the LAC took an acrimonious turn at the 13th round of talks between military commanders at Chushul-Moldo, a process that began in June last year to try and de-escalate tensions, disengage troops, dismantle infrastructure built close to the LAC and reduce the number of soldiers on both sides from the points of contention.

The Indian readout from the talks said clearly that the situation had been caused by China’s attempts to alter the status quo, that China should take appropriate steps to restore peace at the LAC. It also said that Chinese side was not agreeable to India’s constructive suggests and also could not provide any forward-looking proposals. “The meeting thus did not result in resolution of the remaining areas.”

The Chinese government statement, accompanied by tough rhetoric from state-aligned media said that India had made “unreasonable and unrealistic demands”.

Read on why the talks are at an impasse and more here

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Should India be worried about China-Taiwan tensions? | Ep #35

Sat, 09 Oct 2021 17:30:00 -0000

This week on Worldview, the recent tensions between China and Taiwan, how worried India should be about the situation?

Chinese jets across Taiwan, US and UK exercises in the waters, how worried should India be about the situation in the South China Sea?

Over 4 consecutive days this week China sent a record number of 149 jets to conduct sorties inside Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory, although since 1949 it has been controlled by a separate government.

The sorties came as the US UK and allies conducted military exercises in the region, passing south of Taiwan, including the British carrier Queen Elizabeth, the first time it has sent this kind of ship and flotilla since 1997. Also follows the first Quad summit in Washington and the announcement of the AUKUS partnership for nuclear submarines in Australia

Taiwanese Defence Minister called it the worst situation in 40 years, and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing Wen wrote in an article that Taiwan will never bow to Chinese pressure

The US, which criticised the flights, counselled restraint, President Biden said the US and China will abide by their earlier agreements. At a meeting in Zurich US NSA Jake Sullivan and Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi set the stage for a virtual summit between Biden and Xi in the next two months.

The Taiwan situation also came up during a visit to Delhi by US Dy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who called the Chinese strikes a very dangerous action.

IAF chief said he would not comment on an issue between two other parties

Read on why it matters to India and more here

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How can India stop UK's vaccine racism? | Ep #34

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 23:30:00 -0000

After vaccine nationalism, are India and the developing world suffering vaccine racism?

This week, the UK is easing restrictions for travellers from a number of countries, who will not have to undergo mandatory quarantines, if they have taken a recognised vaccine. Indian-made Covishield, an Astrazeneca variant is on the list of approved vaccines after a major protest by India but India itself is not yet on the list of countries that will be given the exemption. Simply put, if you have been vaccinated in India, you will have to quarantine for 10 days and test negative twice in order to be allowed out in the UK. This is indeed a long way from January this year, when PM Boris Johnson and PM Modi were expected to announce a vaccine partnership using Indian manufacture and British expertise to produce vaccines for the world.

At the UN, PM Modi said he was proud of India's vaccines: DNA, MRNA, and soon a nasal vaccine.

The British rule has been taken up by External Affairs Minister Jaishankar with his UK counterpart Liz Truss, and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said the rules are discriminatory and would incur reciprocal action from India

Read on why it is a discrimination and more here

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Key takeaways from PM Modi's visit to the US | Ep #33

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 02:00:00 -0000

In this episode, our Diplomatic Affairs Editor Suhasini Haidar discusses the takeaways from PM Modi's visit to the U.S.

PM Modi travelled to the U.S. for a number of important meetings.

A bilateral with US President Biden, a delegation level meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris, meetings with 5 CEOs of US companies and of course, the main highlight of the visit: the Quad summit.

As Prime Minister, Modi has visited the US seven times in seven years – in 2014, 2015, twice in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021, and has met with three different Presidents- Obama, Trump and Biden, whom he met when he was Vice President too. This visit was watched particularly closely because:

1. First big visit abroad (apart from Bangladesh visit) after two years- Covid Impact

2. First face to face meeting with President Biden, though Defence Secy Austin, Secy State Blinken and Climate Change Envoy Kerry have visited Delhi

3. First ever in person Quad Summit, first meetings with Japanese and Australian PMs. Also watched closely as just a week ago, the US announced a different coalition in the Indo-Pacific: AUKUS

4. First meeting with Kamala Harris, who has in the past been critical of Modi policy on Kashmir, on EAM Jaishankar’s boycott of a meeting with US Congresswoman Jayapal over Human rights issues, the Delhi riots etc

5. First visit since Howdy Modi and Namaste Trump public rallies, and administration change in US

Read more here

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SCO vs Quad for India | Ep #32

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 18:30:00 -0000

This week on WorldView, SCO and Quad summit meetings within a week, can India walk the non-aligned tightrope or is it attempting to put its foot in two boats?

On two Fridays, a week apart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending two very different summits, that some would call geopolitical contradictions of each other. On the one hand, there is the SCO or Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, that is made up of Russia, China, Pakistan, Central Asian countries, India and now Iran…and on the other a visit to Washington to attend the US-Australia-Japan-India Quadrilateral summit.

Read more here

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Twenty years after 9/11, what have we learned? | Ep #31

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 17:00:00 -0000

Twenty years ago, the entire world came to a crashing halt, when two planes one after the other struck New York’s iconic Twin towers, and the Pentagon building in Washington. The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people, some of whose remains are still being identified, and led to the launch of the Global War on Terror, that began with US strikes on Afghanistan.

How has the world changed since then?

Read more here

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Failures of the UN | Ep #30

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 11:30:00 -0000

An analysis on the failures of the United Nations in the past one year.

September is UN month, given the UN General Assembly of 193 countries meets beginning September 14 for the 76 year, and over the course of the next week world leaders will address the body. There’s much to dwell upon this year, but three issues where the United nations system appears to have failed quite visibly are: the Fight against Covid, the coup in Myanmar, and now the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

Read more here

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What does Taliban rule mean for the world? | Ep #28

Sat, 21 Aug 2021 21:00:00 -0000

This week on Worldview: Does Mission evacuation mean India is out of Afghanistan, and what will Taliban rule mean for the world?

In the space of a week, Taliban fighters went from terrorist insurgents to taking control of Kabul. Former Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country, so have many in his cabinet. India closed its Kabul Embassy, bringing back 192 staff and security personnel. US and other NATO embassies have relocated to the Kabul international airport, where a massive evacuation effort is underway for Afghans desperate to leave. At a rare and unprecedented press conference, Taliban representatives rejected democracy, and said they would rule by Sharia law. They also promised all diplomats safety, offered an amnesty to government officials, and agreed that women could work, but on the ground, especially outside Kabul, stories of brutal repressions, actions against women , and identification of execution of Afghan officials and military officers are also coming out.

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Taliban advance in Afghanistan | Ep #27

Sat, 14 Aug 2021 15:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Worldview, our Diplomatic Affairs Editor Suhasini Haidar takes a deeper look at the Taliban's current advance in Afghanistan

Events in Afghanistan are moving faster than the speed of analysis - as the Taliban claims more than 14 of 34 Afghan provinces, and cities including Lashkar Gah, Ghazni, Herat and even Kandahar.

The claims are questionable - because in most areas Taliban soldiers are simply filmed walking in to the city centres, with no pushback or fighting required. This could mean that they may not be able to hold these areas, if Afghan forces make a strong push to reclaim them, but for the moment that counter attack has not come. Many now wonder if Kabul will be next, and how soon that might happen.

To read more, visit the full article on our website: Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | Taliban advance in Afghanistan

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A new chapter in India-Iran ties? | Ep #26

Sat, 07 Aug 2021 11:30:00 -0000

In this episode of Worldview, our Diplomatic Affairs Editor Suhasini Haidar takes a deeper look at the current and historical ties between India and Iran.

External Affairs minister S. Jaishankar was one of 115 high officials from 73 countries who attended Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s swearing in ceremony in the Majlis or Parliament in Tehran on August 5. Among the guests were Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, leaders of Iraq, Armenia and Algeria, and ministerial level dignitaries from more than a dozen countries.

Why is this significant? And does this signal a new chapter in India-Iran ties?

You can also read more here

Write to us at socmed6@thehindu.co.in

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Key takeaways from Antony Blinken's visit to India | Ep #25

Sat, 31 Jul 2021 17:31:00 -0000

In this episode, The Hindu's Diplomatic Affairs Editor Suhasini Haidar discusses the takeaways from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent visit to India

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Delhi was less than 24 hours and saw four meetings. He began the day by meeting civil society representatives, then NSA Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

What are the takeaways from the Blinken visit to #India, and what does it mean for the Blinken-Modi roadmap?

Write to us at socmed6@thehindu.co.in

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The impact of Pegasus revelations | Ep #24

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 22:27:00 -0000

In this episode, Suhasini Haidar discusses the diplomatic implications of the Pegasus revelations

In the space of a week, 17 media organisations across the world have unloaded the names of thousands of people – mainly journalists, activists, government officials who were on a list of numbers believed to have been targeted for hacking, using an Israeli company NSO’s technology called Pegasus. The list was leaked to a French organisation called Forbidden Stories which worked with Amnesty International’s tech arm.

The revelations are explosive for a number of reasons:

1. Pegasus technology is so powerful as a cybersurveillance tool, it is actually classified as a weapon, and goes through export clearances as a lethal weapon would from Israel- once it infects a phone, it can not only read every message and call, it can turn on the phone remotely to record every conversation made near the device, without the target’s knowledge.

2. NSO, which has denied the list, says it only sells and installs the technology for foreign governments or their law enforcement agencies, which would imply that if the list is real, these were people under surveillance from governments

3. Ten countries were seen as the most concentrated areas of the targets, implying that people in those countries were being hacked by a government, and the suspicion is, it was their own governments who had the most reason to do so. Apart from India, the list of countries includes Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Morocco, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Hungary and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

4. NSO and the Israeli government have repeatedly said that Pegasus is meant to track down only the most wanted terrorists and criminals, and the invasion of privacy that it involves is only warranted because of that. Yet, a majority if not nearly all the numbers tracked belong to civil society, government officials, and political opposition leaders, not dreaded criminals. In India for example, of 115 names released thus far, 40 are journalists, 40 are civil rights activists 14 are politicians including ministers, and the minister of IT . Globally there are ten heads of state or former heads of state on the various lists, atleast 180 journalists amongst 50,000 phone numbers believed to be targets chosen by clients of NSO since 2016.

This is not the first time such revelations have come about with such far reaching consequences.

To read more, visit the article on The Hindu website here

Write to us at socmed6@thehindu.co.in

You can watch previous episodes of Worldview With Suhasini Haidar on our YouTube Channel

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