Bharat Karnad: India geostrategy, nuclear arsenal, and assassination of Homi Bhabha, the Oppenheimer of India — #46
Oct 19, 2023
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Bharat Karnad, an Emeritus Professor in National Security Studies, discusses India's nuclear arsenal, the assassination of Homi Bhabha, and refocusing India's defense posture from Pakistan to China. They explore the challenges in India-China relations, India's potential for growth, and the subjugation of India under foreign invaders. Karnad also shares personal experiences in journalism and sheds light on the mysterious death of Homi Bhabha.
India needs to strategically respond to China's actions to gain their attention and earn their respect.
Settling the border issue between India and China would allow for a more amicable relationship and potential collaboration, similar to China's relationship with Russia.
India should pursue a more robust nuclear deterrent through conducting more nuclear tests to enhance credibility and address China's strategic advancements.
The combination of foreign subjugation, fatalism, and the caste system has made India a culture less inclined towards martial engagement.
Deep dives
The Historical Background and Childhood of Bharat Karnad
Bharat Karnad discusses his childhood and education in India and the United States. He describes his experience growing up in a British boarding school and the influence of his father, who was a chief engineer in the Indian Atomic Energy Commission. Karnad also shares his journey from engineering to political science and his career in journalism before becoming involved in India's nuclear strategy.
The Chinese Perception of India
Karnad highlights the Chinese perception of India as a historically subjugated country and the resulting contempt that some Chinese hold for India. He discusses the need for India to earn China's respect and suggests that India should strategically respond to China's actions in order to gain their attention. Karnad also emphasizes the importance of India's role in countering China's influence in Southeast Asia and proposes changes in India's nuclear capabilities to enhance deterrence.
India-China Border Disputes and Strategy
Karnad explores the ongoing border disputes between India and China and their implications for strategic relations. He suggests that settling the border issue would allow for a more amicable relationship, similar to the one China now shares with Russia. Karnad acknowledges the psychological impact of possessing larger warheads for deterrence purposes, but also argues that India should pursue a more robust nuclear deterrent to ensure credibility and address China's strategic advancements.
The Importance of Testing and a Strong Nuclear Deterrent
Karnad expresses the need for India to conduct more nuclear tests to strengthen its thermonuclear capabilities. He critiques the current minimal deterrent doctrine and points out the credibility issues associated with untested nuclear weapons. Karnad emphasizes that testing would provide vital data and enhance India's position in deterrence against potential adversaries. He suggests a comprehensive testing program and a focus on open-ended experiments to establish a strong and credible nuclear deterrent for India.
Land of Subjugation
The concept of the land of subjugation refers to the historical pattern of foreign invaders coming to India and setting up as rulers and emperors. This has created a culture of passivity and fatalism, as Indians have often relied on rulers and leaders to protect them. The caste system has also played a role, with soldiering being the responsibility of one specific caste, leaving the rest of society exempt from protecting themselves. The combination of foreign subjugation, fatalism, and the caste system has made India a culture that is often less inclined towards martial engagement.
English Language Dominance in Intellectual Discourse
English language has had a significant impact on intellectual discourse in India. Many Indian elites speak English fluently, which has allowed them to operate effectively in the Western world. As a result, much of the intellectual discourse in India happens in English. While this has been advantageous in terms of communication and engagement with the global community, efforts are being made to promote native languages and reduce the dominance of English. Despite the advantages, the colonial legacy of English in India remains a factor to consider.
Indian Culture and Chinese Perception
Chinese perceived Indians positively due to their ability to communicate in English and navigate the Western world more effectively. However, they also envy the cultural diversity of India and the resilience of Indian society. Chinese culture, on the other hand, represents more singular direction and discipline. They have a clear vision for their nation's progress, while India's vision is often abstract and lacks strategic clarity. The Chinese admire India's potential, but also notice its challenges in terms of decision-making and cohesion due to its cultural diversity.
Bharat Karnad is an Emeritus Professor in National Security Studies at the Center for Policy Research in Delhi. He was a member of India's first National Security Advisory Board and has authored several books on nuclear weapons and Indian security.
0:58 Karnad's educational background, nuclear research, journalism career
26:50 Refocusing India's defense posture from Pakistan to China
45:21 Why don't India and China have better relations?
53:33 India's nuclear arsenal
1:04:31 The mysterious death of Homi Bhabha, India's Oppenheimer
1:28:50 Land of subjugation, the caste system, and English as the language of Indian elites
Music used with permission from Blade Runner Blues Livestream improvisation by State Azure.
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Steve Hsu is Professor of Theoretical Physics and of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University. Previously, he was Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation at MSU and Director of the Institute of Theoretical Science at the University of Oregon. Hsu is a startup founder (SuperFocus.ai, SafeWeb, Genomic Prediction, Othram) and advisor to venture capital and other investment firms. He was educated at Caltech and Berkeley, was a Harvard Junior Fellow, and has held faculty positions at Yale, the University of Oregon, and MSU.
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