The Great Tech Game Podcast: Geopolitics, Technology, Business and Global Affairs, with Anirudh Suri

In the latest episode of The Great Tech Game, retired Lt. Gen. Dr. Ravindra Singh Panwar dives into the urgent need for India to overhaul its cyber defense strategy. Drawing on real-world comparisons with U.S. and Chinese cyber commands, he explains why India continues to lag behind in developing offensive cyber capabilities and what it will take to catch up.He unpacks the critical gaps ranging from a lack of specialized human capital to the absence of institutional clarity and makes the case for openly embracing offensive cyber operations as part of modern warfare. With insights into China’s vast Strategic Support Force and the U.S. Cyber Command’s evolution, this episode is a wake-up call for India’s national security establishment.A must-watch for anyone interested in cyber warfare, defense strategy, and the future of digital conflict

Drones are revolutionizing warfare, but it’s not just about the hardware — it’s about how we use it. Lt. Gen. Dr. RS Panwar explores the strategic challenge of integrating drones and autonomous systems into modern military operations. From linking sensors to shooters across branches to rethinking battlefield tactics, he argues that true innovation lies in a technological mindset. Drawing on lessons from past and present conflicts, he advocates for a collaborative ecosystem of military, tech, and academic leaders to shape the future of combat.

Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla discusses the vital role of India’s military institutions and defence startups in driving cutting-edge technology. He emphasizes the need for strong leadership, skilled talent, and clear directives to fast-track AI and defence innovation, highlighting how technology and strategic vision are essential to strengthening India’s military capabilities.

This podcast episode features a discussion between host Anirudh Suri and two distinguished Indian Army veterans, Lt. Gen. RS Panwar (Signal Corps, specializing in technology and warfare) and Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Infantry, focusing on military futures and force modernization). The conversation analyzes the recent India-Pakistan standoff through the lens of technology, drawing lessons from the engagement and broader global conflicts (Ukraine, Hamas, Azerbaijan). Both experts emphasize the critical need for India to accelerate technological adoption and development in its military to address both Pakistan and the more significant challenge posed by China. Key themes include the evolving character of warfare driven by unmanned systems and precision weapons, the necessity of developing indigenous technological capabilities, the importance of a technology-minded military leadership, and the urgent need for structural reforms and investment in critical areas like AI, electronic warfare, and space-based capabilities.The conversation also explores the lessons learned for India's future defense capabilities, highlighting the need for greater focus and investment in areas like artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, space-based technologies (particularly low-earth orbit constellations), and the development of a strong, innovative, indigenous technological ecosystem within the military and the private sector. The podcast discussion underscores the urgent need for a fundamental shift in India's approach to military technology. The recent standoff with Pakistan served as a timely reminder of the evolving nature of warfare and the increasing centrality of technology. Addressing the more significant long-term challenge from China necessitates not only increased investment but also a dramatic transformation in military mindset, talent development, R&D focus, and the integration of civilian technological expertise. Without decisive action in critical areas like AI, EW, and space, India risks being left behind in the emerging landscape of high-tech warfare. The message is clear: the time for debate is over; it is time for action.

Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla discusses how technology has increasingly become a key driver of geopolitics and national security. He calls for urgent, concrete action in critical areas like Space (LEO Constellations), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Electronic Warfare (EW), urging a shift from theoretical discussions to implementation.

This podcast episode features a discussion between host Anirudh Suri and two distinguished Indian Army veterans, Lt. Gen. RS Panwar (Signal Corps, specializing in technology and warfare) and Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Infantry, focusing on military futures and force modernization). The conversation analyzes the recent India-Pakistan standoff through the lens of technology, drawing lessons from the engagement and broader global conflicts (Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Gaza). Both experts emphasize the critical need for India to accelerate technological adoption and development in its military to address both Pakistan and the more significant challenge posed by China. Key themes include the evolving character of warfare driven by unmanned systems and precision weapons, the necessity of developing indigenous technological capabilities, the importance of a technology-minded military leadership, and the urgent need for structural reforms and investment in critical areas like AI, electronic warfare, and space-based capabilities.The conversation also explores the lessons learned for India's future defense capabilities, highlighting the need for greater focus and investment in areas like artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, space-based technologies (particularly low-earth orbit constellations), and the development of a strong, innovative, indigenous technological ecosystem within the military and the private sector. The podcast discussion underscores the urgent need for a fundamental shift in India's approach to military technology. Their message is clear: the time for debate is over; it is time for action.Chapters:* Introduction: Backgrounds of the Guests (00:04 /)* Setting the Stage: Reflecting on Op Sindoor and the Evolving Nature of Warfare (04:34 /)* Lt. Gen. Panwar's Perspective: Glimpse of Changing Warfare (05:10 /)* Lt. Gen. Shukla's Perspective: Seminal Moment for Indian Statecraft (11:54 /)* Changing Character of War: Unmanned Systems & Precision (15:08 /)* The Critical Need for Low Earth Orbit Satellites and Space Presence (16:37 /)* From Technology Debate to Action: Focusing on AI, Electronic Warfare, and Space (17:50 /)* Leveraging Army's Technical Institutions and Startups (21:04 /) * Talent, R&D, and Technological Conviction (23:23 /)* Action Plan for Technology Adoption for Future Warfare (28:59 /) * Deep Dive: AI, EW, and LEO Constellations (30:55 /)* Need for AI/LLMs for Defence and Counter-UAS (33:40 /)* LEO Constellations: Surveillance and Resilience and Precision (38:41 /) * Cyber Capabilities: The Imperative for Offensive Cyber** (40:33 /)* Developing a Captive Cyber Force and Scaling up Cyber Talent (46:00 /)* Persistent Surveillance and SAR Satellites (52:43 /)* Civil-Military Fusion and China's Model (58:27 /)* R&D, Private Sector, and Digital Macaulay (57:56 /)* Importance of Innovative Warfighting Concepts (65:53 /)* Four Prongs for AI Ecosystem: Compute, Data, Expertise, Power (80:27 /)* Conclusion: Call to Action in the critical areas: data, talent, R&D, compute, AI, EW, Space, Cyber. (84:04 /)Anirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My Follow Anirudh here:X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuriLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suriFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.inWebsite: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)#IndiaPakistanWar #Geopolitics #India #Pakistan #BorderStandoff #IndoPak #OperationSindoor #OpSindoor #DroneWars #AkashTeer #RajShukla #RSPanwar #AIWars #AI #ElectronicWarfare #SpaceWars #Satellites #LEO #PrecisionStrikes #PrecisionWarfare #AnirudhSuri #TheGreatTechGame #TGTGPodcast #Podcast

This Clip delves into the historical parallels that inform the current US-China rivalry. The discussion examines past economic and political battles with the Soviet Union and Japan, and emphasizes the internal challenges within American society, such as its transition to a plutocracy and oligarchy. These internal issues are identified as the primary obstacles to maintaining US primacy. The conversation highlights the need for America to address its domestic problems to effectively compete on the global stage, especially against China.

In this insightful discussion, Amb. Kishore Mahbubani reflects on his life journey from growing up in a British colony with a colonized mindset to studying and admiring the West, and eventually recognizing the significant shifts in global civilization. He emphasizes the ignorance in the West about the rise of other civilizations and critiques the notion of Western superiority, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of the world's diverse historical and cultural backgrounds.

In this clip, Amb. Kishore Mahbubani explores how China's peaceful economic rise contrasts sharply with the violent ascent of Western powers, particularly the British colonization of India. The discussion delves into the lack of a long-term American strategy to address China's rise, referencing insights from Henry Kissinger. The video highlights remarkable economic shifts, with China's GNP projected to surpass Europe's by 2050, and China's dominance in future industries such as electric vehicles and AI. The conversation stresses the futility of isolating or halting China's growth, advocating for a strategic approach in U.S.-China relations.

In this clip, Amb. Kishore Mahbubani delves into the critical challenges facing China's political system, particularly the importance of a strong leader for stability. The discussion highlights how corruption and factionalism can arise under weak leadership, as seen in historical instances within China. The narrative emphasizes President Xi Jinping's efforts to combat these issues and underscores the necessity of ensuring high standards of meritocracy within the Chinese Communist Party to maintain effective governance. The episode also shares a personal anecdote about the intense competition and high expectations within Chinese society, illustrating the rigorous selection process for party membership.