Best ISAS NUS Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 308: COP30 and the Changing Politics of Climate Action 27:17

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7d ago27:17

27:17

Held in the Amazon, COP30 carried significant political and symbolic weight for global climate negotiations. Positioned by the Presidency as an “implementation COP,” the conference was intended to pivot the focus from setting goals to tackling the practical challenges of delivery. The summit highlighted both renewed momentum and familiar tensions a…

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Episode 307: India-Russia Relations : Exploring New Facets Of Cooperation 26:56

13d ago26:56

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Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India on 4th and 5th December- marking it his first trip in the last four years. This visit comes at a very delicate geopolitical moment. With the Ukraine war approaching its fourth year and Russia -US relations warming, major power relations are likely to see a critical shift. In this episode of South Asia …

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The Bookshelf: Art Cinema and India's Forgotten Futures: Film and History in the Postcolony 1:07:14

1M ago1:07:14

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In this episode, we speak with Rochona Majumdar, author of Art Cinema and India's Forgotten Futures: Film and History in the Postcolony. The author is in conversation with Tanujja Dadlani, Research Analyst, ISAS.By ISAS-NUS

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Episode 306: Unpacking Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 26:57

1M ago26:57

26:57

The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections have delivered a decisive victory for the National Democratic Alliance. The outcome has renewed discussions on the state’s long standing social coalitions, organisational strategies, and shifting political narratives that shaped voter behaviour. From the performance of the Grand Alliance to the limited electoral im…

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Episode 305: Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Tensions 24:26

1M ago24:26

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The Afghanistan-Pakistan border, long defined by porous boundaries and competing national interests, has once again become a flashpoint for regional instability. In recent months, tensions have escalated over border management, cross-border conflict, and the broader geopolitical implications of the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. To discu…

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The Bookshelf: Toward a Free Economy: Swatantra and Opposition Politics in Democratic India 59:50

2M ago59:50

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In this episode, we speak with Aditya Balasubramanian, author of Toward a Free Economy: Swatantra and Opposition Politics in Democratic India. The author is in conversation with Sandeep Bhardwaj, Visiting Research Fellow, ISAS.By ISAS-NUS

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Episode 304: Advancing India–China Climate Cooperation 33:28

3M ago33:28

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This episode explores the evolving contours of India–China engagement in the climate and energy domain while both countries take steps towards normalising their relationship following the 2020 clashes at Galwan. As both countries undertake policies towards decarbonisation of their respective economies, cooperation in domains of trade, investment, t…

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The Bookshelf: Shikwa-e-Hind: The Political Future of Indian Muslims 42:39

3M ago42:39

42:39

In this episode, we speak with Mujibur Rehman, author of Shikwa-e-Hind: The Political Future of Indian Muslims. The author is in conversation with Amit Ranjan, Research Fellow, ISAS.By ISAS-NUS

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Episode 303: Sri Lankan President Dissanayake's First Year in Office 24:32

3M ago24:32

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Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake completes one year in office on 23 September 2025. President Dissanayake came to power in 2024 on a campaign of anti-corruption and system change towards a more equitable society. To provide an overview and analysis of President Dissanayake’s first year in office, ISAS Research Fellow, Dr Rajni Gamage …

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Episode 302: Navigating a Fractured Landscape: Tariffs, Trade and Tensions 10:40

3M ago10:40

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Trade wars, shifting alliances and economic uncertainty — the world is caught in the middle of it all. As the United States redraws the rules of global commerce, countries find themselves navigating a tricky balance between opportunity and pressure. How do the world and South Asia navigate this fractured landscape where trade as we know it is chall…

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Episode 301: Click to Crisis: How Nepal’s Social Media Ban Sparked a Political Revolution 29:59

4M ago29:59

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Nepal has erupted into turmoil as the younger generation poured into the streets in protest of a sweeping social media ban. What began as a stand for digital freedom quickly morphed into a broader revolt against political corruption, economic malaise, and entrenched governance failures. With buildings aflame, dozens killed or injured, and the prime…

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Episode 300: India-China at a Crossroads: SCO Summit and Beyond 26:02

4M ago26:02

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Recent weeks have seen renewed efforts by India and China to stabilise ties. The August visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to New Delhi, followed by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, has been marked by talks of partnership rather than rivalry, and steps towards reviving a framework for settling the long-standing boundary qu…

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The Bookshelf: Understanding the India-China Border: The Enduring Threat of War in the High Himalayas 42:57

4M ago42:57

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In this episode, we speak with Manoj Joshi, author of Understanding the India-China Border: The Enduring Threat of War in the High Himalayas. The author is in conversation with Ivan Lidarev, Visiting Research Fellow, ISAS.By ISAS-NUS

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Episode 299: Climate Finance on the Road to COP30 22:14

4M ago22:14

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Climate finance is once again in the spotlight as the world looks ahead to COP30 in Brazil. This year has already seen some important developments in this space with the US departure from the Paris Agreement and decline in aid from developed countries. Negotiations have also moved forward with the Finance for Development conference in Sevilla and t…

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Episode 298: Navigating India AI Mission: Roadblocks and Opportunities 27:26

5M ago27:26

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India’s journey in artificial intelligence is reaching an inflection point as AI is projected to play a crucial role in fast-tracking the government's target of a one trillion-dollar digital economy by 2028. At the centre of India’s AI strategy is the IndiaAI Mission. The mission, launched in March 2024, is leading India’s innovation and digital tr…

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Episode 297: Tariffs, Trump and India-US Slow Burn 34:21

5M ago34:21

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On August 5, 2025, India found itself in the crosshairs of US tariff measures issued by President Donald Trump. The unexpected move has rattled Indian policymakers and injected fresh tension into the otherwise stable India-US relationship. The strategic use of tariffs as geopolitical tools is now drawing global concern. In this episode of South Asi…

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The Bookshelf: India’s Near East: A New History 1:00:48

5M ago1:00:48

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In this episode, we speak with Avinash Paliwal, author of India’s Near East: A New History. The author is in conversation with Sandeep Bhardwaj, Visiting Research Fellow, ISASBy ISAS-NUS

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Episode 296: Lines of Dialogue: India and China Reconnect 18:03

5M ago18:03

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In recent months, several high-ranking Indian officials have met with their Chinese counterparts, indicating an emerging thaw in the relationship. Most recently, India's Minister of External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, visited Beijing on 14 July 2025. Jaishankar's meetings with Chinese leaders, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice President Ha…

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Episode 295: Military Diplomacy and Strategic Realignment: Rethinking US–Pakistan Relations 29:05

6M ago29:05

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Following the high-level visit of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to Washington in June 2025, US–Pakistan relations have re-entered the spotlight. The visit comes amidst the backdrop of the recent conflict with India and Trump's tariff war, raising questions about potential strategic realignments and the future of bilatera…

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Episode 294: BRICS 2025: Trade, Climate and Fractured Global Order 31:25

6M ago31:25

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In this episode of South Asia Chat, Ms Devyani Chaturvedi, Research Analyst at ISAS, speaks with Dr Amitendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economics) on the key outcomes of the recent BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro — held amid rising trade tensions, United States tariff threats, and global calls for multilateral reform.…

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Episode 293: International Relations Focus: The Iran-Israel–US Conflict 38:58

6M ago38:58

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The recent Iran-Israel-US conflict affected regional dynamics, with ripple effects extending into South Asia. For India and Pakistan, both with deep but varied ties to Iran, Israel and the US respectively, the conflict posed complex diplomatic and strategic challenges. The escalation tested New Delhi's balancing act, while Pakistan hedged its relat…

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Episode 292: Climate Risk in Himalayas: A South Asian Wake Up Call 31:37

6M ago31:37

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In this episode of South Asia Chat, Ms. Devyani Chaturvedi, Research Analyst at ISAS, speaks with Mr. Madhukar Upadhya, a Regional Climate Change and Climate Finance Expert affiliated with the UNDP, about the nature, evolution, and impact of natural disasters and climate change in Nepal.By ISAS-NUS

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Episode 291: The Caste Census in India: Implications for Political Representation, Electoral Politics and Social Justice 23:58

7M ago23:58

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On 30 April 2025, Government of India has announced that the 2026 nationwide census will include caste data for the first time in over a century. This decision comes amid significant political shifts following the 2024 general elections, where caste-based mobilisation played a pivotal role. In this episode, Raghaw Khattri, Research Analyst at ISAS,…

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Episode 290: Indus Water Treat: Historical Origins and Contemporary Implications 33:10

7M ago33:10

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In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam in April 2025, the Government of India announced the immediate abeyance of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). Signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, the IWT was brokered by the World Bank, amidst rising post-Partition tensions and concerns regarding the sharing of water. In this episode, Muhammad…

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Episode 289: India-Pakistan After Pahalgam: India's Strategic Objectives 44:27

7M ago44:27

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Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, India and Pakistan witnessed the most intense conflict between the two countries since 1971. This marks a strategic recalibration in India and Pakistan's already dysfunctional relationship. In this episode, Dr Iqbal Singh Sevea, Director, ISAS-NUS, is in conversation with Ambassador Jawed Ashraf, former Amba…

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Episode 288: India-Pakistan After Pahalgam: Strategic Responses and Regional Implications 19:23

8M ago19:23

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Following the April 2025 terror attack in Kashmir, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated, marked by India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the launch of Operation Sindoor. As military and diplomatic exchanges continue, questions around escalation management, international responses, and long-term regional stability have come…

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Episode 287: The Delimitation Controversy in India 19:13

8M ago19:13

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There is a controversy brewing around the delimitation of constituencies in India’s lower house of parliament or Lok Sabha which is scheduled for 2026. The southern states of India in particular are fearing a loss of seats and political power if the redrawing of electoral seats is done based solely on population figures. The number of seats in Indi…

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Episode 286: Realigning India-ASEAN Trade Ties 49:27

9M ago49:27

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The economic relationship between India and ASEAN holds significant potential, yet is layered with complexity—especially when it comes to trade, which remains a central pillar of their engagement. With the decision to revisit the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, concerns over trade imbalances, shifting global supply chains, and the impact of r…

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Episode 285: Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy: Navigating New Regional Realities 27:25

9M ago27:25

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In the wake of recent political transitions in Bangladesh and shifting regional equations, Dhaka’s foreign policy is undergoing a subtle yet significant recalibration. From a growing openness toward Pakistan to navigating its strategic relations with India, China, and beyond, Bangladesh is stepping into a more assertive regional role while grapplin…

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Episode 284: Trumps Discounted Reciprocal Tariffs: Implications for India 37:16

9M ago37:16

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In a historic declaration of economic independence on 2 April 2025, President Donald Trump announced a fresh wave of tariffs on its trading partners and adversaries. Despite a relatively successful meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, India was unable to dodge a bullet on tariffs. President Trump declared a 27 per cent ‘discount…

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Episode 283: NPP's Inaugural Budget 2025 30:51

10M ago30:51

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Sri Lanka’s national budget for 2025 was presented last month by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This marks the inaugural budget of the National People’s Power (NPP) government, which came to power in November 2024. To provide an overview and analysis of the 2025 budget, ISAS Research Fellow Dr Rajni Gamage is joined by Mr Umesh Moramudali, a l…

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Episode 282: U.S. Trade Policy: Tariffs and Turmoil 23:46

10M ago23:46

23:46

In the first 50 days of the Trump administration, President Trump has signed several executive orders, many of which focus on tariffs and trade issues. Tariffs have come to be used as instruments of foreign policy, and this has important implications for the global trading architecture. Dr Amitendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (T…

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Episode 281: Six Months In: Bangladesh’s Path to Reform and Accountability 32:43

10M ago32:43

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Six months into the administration led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh finds itself navigating troubled waters. The country is currently grappling with socioeconomic instability, political issues, and governance challenges. The coming months will be crucial as more reports from the interim government's appointed reform commissions emerge an…

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Episode 280: Prime Minister Modi's Visit to Washington D.C.: New Opportunities in US-India Ties 24:17

10M ago24:17

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In this episode of South Asia Chat, Ms Devyani Chaturvedi, Research Analyst at ISAS, speaks with Professor C Raja Mohan, Visiting Research Professor at ISAS, on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington D.C. and the new opportunities and challenges the meeting set out for US and India.…

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Episode 279: Piety Politics and Post feminism in Pakistan 30:43

11M ago30:43

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Populist leaders in South Asia leverage mass appeal, nationalism, and religious identity to consolidate power. In recent years, politicians such as Narendra Modi in India and Imran Khan in Pakistan, while often claiming to empower marginalised groups as part of their campaign rhetoric, frequently exploit religious cleavages as part of a strategy te…

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Episode 278: India's 2025 Budget 22:35

11M ago22:35

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On 1st February 2025, India’s Finance Minister, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget. While last year’s budget was shadowed by coalition politics, this budget seems to be very different. It has focused on stimulating weak consumer expenditure while also prioritising capital expenditure to sustain the economy’s growth at 6 percent. In th…

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Episode 277: Delhi Votes 2025 - Welfare Politics, Voter Sentiments, and the Battle for Power 25:05

11M ago25:05

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In the upcoming Delhi elections, welfare promises and populist measures take centre stage. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Raghaw Khattri, Research Analyst at ISAS, hosts Dr Neelanjan Sircar, Assistant Professor at Ahmedabad University, to delve into the dynamics shaping this high-stakes electoral contest. Dr Sircar discusses the escalating 'au…

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Episode 276: Trump’s Second Term - Implications for India and the World 34:32

11M ago34:32

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Donald Trump’s recent re-election marks a pivotal moment for India-US relations, with his administration set to shape trade, immigration, and global power dynamics in ways that could significantly impact India. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Kanika Kaur, Research Analyst at ISAS, is joined by Ambassador Nirupama Rao, former Foreign Secretary o…

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Episode 275: South Asian Strategic Outlook 2025 - Trade and Economics 28:44

12M ago28:44

28:44

With global and regional economies still stabilising from the various events of the first half of the decade, in this episode of South Asia Chat, Dr Amitendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economics) at ISAS-NUS shares the strategic economic outlook for the region in the year 2025. He is in conversation with Ms Divya Mur…

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Episode 274: South Asia in 2025 46:21

12M ago46:21

46:21

The year 2024 was marked by human conflicts, political shifts and intensification of transnational challenges. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Associate Professor Iqbal Singh Sevea, Director, ISAS discusses with Ms Devyani Chaturvedi, Research Analyst at ISAS, the impact of these crises on South Asia. They also discuss the challenges and opport…

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Episode 273: Trump, Trade and Tariffs 35:28

1y ago35:28

35:28

President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office as the 47th President of the United States of America in January 2025. Donald Trump’s second term in office is poised to be a continuation of his first term where US’s pre-2017 free trade principles and approach to economic policies is expected to undergo vast changes. As the world waits to see the…

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Episode 272: Navigating Climate Finance: COP29 and Trump Presidency 24:08

1y ago24:08

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The recent COP29 conference brought climate finance to the forefront of international climate diplomacy, with key outcomes such as the adoption of the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance and the new $300 billion target. However, these developments have sparked contention, particularly highlighting the diverging perspectives between de…

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Episode 271: Imran Khan, PTI, and Civil Unrest in Islamabad 29:43

1y ago29:43

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This episode of South Asia Chat delves into the political polarisation in Pakistan which has emerged since the incarceration of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The discussion focuses on the ongoing protests led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which culminated in violent clashes with security forces on 24 November 2024. Mr Muhammad Sa…

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Episode 270: BrahMos: Launchpad to India’s Defence Diplomacy in Southeast Asia 22:32

1y ago22:32

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In April 2024, India delivered three BrahMos missile batteries to the Philippines as part of a US$375 (S$510 million) million deal, making the Philippines the first export customer of the India-Russia joint venture. This highlights India’s growing role in defence technology exports, with BrahMos embodying the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision. The deal s…

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Episode 269: India-China Relations: Back from Deep Freeze? 37:20

1y ago37:20

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India-China relations have recently seen a positive change as the two countries have successfully disengaged in Depsang and Demchok areas. To further discuss what these developments mean for both countries, Dr Sidharth Raimedhi, Fellow at the Centre for Strategic and Defence Research (CSDR), New Delhi speaks with Ms. Devyani Chaturvedi, Research An…

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Episode 268: Trump 2.0: Impact on India-US Relations 23:46

1y ago23:46

23:46

Donald Trump’s recent re-election marks a pivotal moment for India-US relations, with his administration likely to influence trade, immigration, and great power dynamics in ways that will have lasting impacts on India. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Kanika Kaur, Research Analyst at ISAS, is joined by Professor C Raja Mohan, Visiting Research P…

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Episode 267: Unpacking the India-Canada Diplomatic Standoff 26:42

1y ago26:42

26:42

India-Canada relations have taken a sharp turn in recent months, following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 2023 allegations of Indian government involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This led to Canada’s request in October 2024 for the removal of diplomatic immunity for six Indian diplomats, sparking a diplomatic standoff. In this epis…

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Episode 266: Diplomatic Reboot in India-Maldives Relations 15:10

1y ago15:10

15:10

In this episode, Mriganika Singh Tanwar, Research Analyst at ISAS-NUS, speaks with Dr Athaulla Rasheed, former diplomat and foreign service officer with the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They discuss the key dynamics of India-Maldives relations, focusing on President Muizzu's official visit to India (6-10 October 2024) aimed at mending bila…

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Episode 265: The Power Sector in Pakistan 27:43

1y ago27:43

27:43

The power sector in Pakistan has remained a priority for each successive government and yet it remains in a state of crisis. It continues to be plagued by issues such as frequent power outages, transmission and distribution losses, high subsidies and limited infrastructure. In this episode Saeeduddin Faridi, Research Analyst, ISAS-NUS, is in conver…

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Episode 264: Haryana Assembly Elections Outlook 25:09

1y ago25:09

25:09

Haryana's assembly polls are scheduled for 5 October 2024, marking the first direct political battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, since the Lok Sabha election earlier this year. In this episode of South Asia Chat, ISAS Research Analyst Raghaw Khattri is in conversation with Dr Satendra Kumar, Senior Researcher at the I…