Interpreting India

In this engaging discussion, Aadil Brar, a TV reporter for TaiwanPlus News with extensive experience in international affairs, reveals insights on China's aggressive foreign policy under Xi Jinping. He unpacks how China's military activities along the India-China border and near Taiwan serve a dual purpose of asserting sovereignty and preparing for potential conflicts. Aadil also shares the intriguing 'chain reaction' theory, explaining how China anticipates simultaneous tensions, and discusses the normalization of military exercises in Taiwan, altering the region’s strategic landscape.

Saheb and Suyash begin by laying out where the PLA stands today in terms of its strengths, weaknesses, and the factors driving its evolution. While the PLA has made major strides in modernizing across land, air, sea, space, and cyber, it still struggles with issues like deep-rooted corruption, a lack of well-trained personnel, and delays in meeting its own ambitious goals.The discussion dives into how the PLA is preparing for a potential Taiwan contingency through new mobilization efforts, localized recruitment (especially in border regions like Tibet), and more frequent joint military exercises. Suyash argues that despite these efforts, the PLA still isn’t ready for a full-scale operation anytime soon. They also examine China’s changing nuclear posture, including its gradual shift toward a “launch on warning” approach. Even though both India and China adhere to no-first-use policies, new developments in missile systems and strategic signaling are quietly reshaping the region’s security dynamics.Finally, the episode looks at what all this means for India. With growing military capabilities on both sides, we may be entering a period of “armed coexistence”—a tense, yet controlled standoff that defines the new normal along the India–China border.Episode ContributorsSuyash Desai is a nonresident fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) and a political scientist specializing in China’s defense, foreign policies, and nuclear strategy. His research focuses on Chinese military affairs, security and foreign policy issues, nuclear strategy, India-China relations, and strategic and security developments in East Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. Saheb Singh Chadha is a senior research analyst in the Security Studies Program at Carnegie India. His research focuses on China’s foreign and security policies, India-China relations, and India’s military modernization. He is broadly interested in the geopolitics of South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.Additional ReadingsViews From Taipei: Essays by Young Indian Scholars on China by Vijay Gokhale, Suyash Desai, Amit Kumar, and Aadil Brar Every two weeks, Interpreting India brings you diverse voices from India and around the world to explore the critical questions shaping the nation's future. We delve into how technology, the economy, and foreign policy intertwine to influence India's relationship with the global stage.As a Carnegie India production, hosted by Carnegie scholars, Interpreting India, a Carnegie India production, provides insightful perspectives and cutting-edge by tackling the defining questions that chart India's course through the next decade.Stay tuned for thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and a deeper understanding of India's place in the world.Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to join the conversation and be part of Interpreting India's journey.

Amit Kumar, a Staff Research Analyst at the Indo-Pacific Studies Programme, dives into the complexities of China's economy and its impact on foreign policy. He discusses China's low domestic consumption and reluctance to adopt fiscal stimulus due to ideological beliefs. The conversation also highlights the significant slowdown in real estate investment and how it affects the broader economy. Amit clarifies that China's robust trade surpluses are generating global pushback, and he points out that India’s consumer market could become a key player in the shifting economic landscape.

The conversation delves into the shifting contours of global space governance, touching on the rise of dual-use technologies, the importance of transparency and norms in space activities, and the need for trusted partnerships. Samson outlines how India and the U.S. can work together to ensure space remains a stable and secure domain, citing examples from recent dialogues and space exercises. This episode underscores the importance of rules-based order in space and the benefits of integrating space cooperation into broader diplomatic frameworks of both countries, including under the Quad and the U.S.-India strategic tech and defence partnership.Episode ContributorsVictoria Samson is the Chief Director for Space Security and Stability at the Secure World Foundation, with over 25 years of experience in military space and security issues. She has served as a senior analyst at the Center for Defense Information and is a leading voice in advancing norms of responsible space behavior.Tejas Bharadwaj is a senior research analyst with the Technology and Society Program at Carnegie India. He focuses on space law and policies and also works on areas related to applications of artificial intelligence and autonomy in the military domain and U.S-India export controls. Tejas is also part of the group that works in convening Carnegie India’s annual flagship event, the “Global Technology Summit” co-organized with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Every two weeks, Interpreting India brings you diverse voices from India and around the world to explore the critical questions shaping the nation's future. We delve into how technology, the economy, and foreign policy intertwine to influence India's relationship with the global stage.As a Carnegie India production, hosted by Carnegie scholars, Interpreting India, a Carnegie India production, provides insightful perspectives and cutting-edge by tackling the defining questions that chart India's course through the next decade.Stay tuned for thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and a deeper understanding of India's place in the world.Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to join the conversation and be part of Interpreting India's journey.

Episode NotesLt Gen P. R. Shankar outlines the evolution of India’s defense industry and how it is nurturing a growing ecosystem of indigenous production. He highlights that India’s armed forces have always been adequately equipped for national defense, the key question being whether it can develop a defence industry that would enable it to act as a regional power.The discussion explores the historical structure of India’s defence sector, traditionally dominated by public sector organizations such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It traces the gradual but significant entry of private players into the defence industry, marking a shift towards a more diversified and dynamic ecosystem. Gen. Shankar emphasizes that meaningful reform in procurement processes does not necessarily require more rules; rather clarity of intent, domain expertise, and better coordination among the armed forces, bureaucracy, political leadership, and industry. A key highlight of the episode is the artillery modernization program, which serves as a successful case study of long-term strategic planning and sustained execution, offering valuable lessons for other sectors and weapon systems. The conversation also delves into the relevance of international defense partnerships for deeper co-development and interoperability. Finally, broader reforms such as the introduction of positive indigenization lists, a more robust export policy, and the inclusion of startups and academic institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology, are seen as critical to strengthening India’s defense industry. Episode ContributorsLt Gen P.R. Shankar (Retd.) is the former Director General of Artillery in the Indian Army and currently a professor in the Aerospace Department at IIT Madras. He has played a key role in India’s artillery modernization and frequently writes on strategic and defense issues. He also runs a YouTube channel, Gunner’s Shot, focusing on defense and geopolitical affairs.Saheb Singh Chadha is a senior research analyst in the Security Studies Program at Carnegie India. His research focuses on China’s foreign and security policies, India-China relations, and India’s military modernization. He is broadly interested in the geopolitics of South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. He is also a researcher on a project examining the nature and dynamics of cross-border violence and its impact on civilian communities.Further reading:The Indigenisation of India’s Defence Industry by Dhruva Jaishankar.Framework to restrict Chinese components in military drones submitted to defence ministry by Smruti DeshpandeCCS clears mega deal for big indigenous artillery guns by Rajat PanditIndian defence firms need to invest more in innovations and R&D to keep pace with global standards: ReportDefence Procurement Overhaul: MoD Aims To Cut Delays, Faster Acquisitionshttps://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2114546&reg=3&lang=1https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/indian-defence-exports-from-brahmos-to-akash-who-are-the-major-buyers-124102800396_1.html  Every two weeks, Interpreting India brings you diverse voices from India and around the world to explore the critical questions shaping the nation's future. We delve into how technology, the economy, and foreign policy intertwine to influence India's relationship with the global stage.As a Carnegie India production, hosted by Carnegie scholars, Interpreting India, a Carnegie India production, provides insightful perspectives and cutting-edge by tackling the defining questions that chart India's course through the next decade.Stay tuned for thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and a deeper understanding of India's place in the world.Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to join the conversation and be part of Interpreting India's journey.

Anirudh Suri, a nonresident scholar with Carnegie India, delves into the crucial elements of India's AI landscape. He discusses how U.S. and China lead in AI, leaving India striving for recognition. Suri emphasizes that India's ambitions hinge on developing talent, enhancing research and development, and securing access to quality data. He suggests collaborative strategies, like creating research hubs and fostering international partnerships, to overcome challenges in talent migration and investment gaps, positioning India to thrive in the global tech arena.

Peter Harrell outlines the Trump administration's evolving approach to tariffs and their implications for U.S.-India trade relations. The discussion covers the impact of proposed reciprocal tariffs, which could significantly affect Indian exports, and explores opportunities for India to leverage cooperation with the U.S. on Chinese overcapacity as a strategic bargaining tool.The conversation also delves into India’s EV policy aimed at attracting Tesla, its semiconductor supply chain challenges amid U.S. scrutiny of Chinese exports, and the potential for India to benefit from a collective tariff approach with the U.S. and the EU against Chinese overcapacity.Episode ContributorsPeter Harrell is a nonresident fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He also serves as an attorney advising companies and investors on international legal, regulatory, and geopolitical risks. As a member of Carnegie’s American Statecraft program, Harrell’s research focuses on issues of U.S. domestic economic competitiveness, trade policy, and the use of economic tools in U.S. foreign policy.Konark Bhandari is a research fellow with the Technology and Society Program at Carnegie India, focusing on U.S.-India relations, trade policy, and emerging technologies.Additional ReadingsThe U.S.–India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) from 2022 to 2025: Assessment, Learnings, and the Way Forward by Rudra Chaudhuri and Konark Bhandari. The Geopolitics of the Semiconductor Industry and India’s Place in It by Konark Bhandari.Time to Reset the U.S. Trade Agenda by Peter Harrell. Every two weeks, Interpreting India brings you diverse voices from India and around the world to explore the critical questions shaping the nation's future. We delve into how technology, the economy, and foreign policy intertwine to influence India's relationship with the global stage.As a Carnegie India production, hosted by Carnegie scholars, Interpreting India, a Carnegie India production, provides insightful perspectives and cutting-edge by tackling the defining questions that chart India's course through the next decade.Stay tuned for thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and a deeper understanding of India's place in the world.Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to join the conversation and be part of Interpreting India's journey.

This episode explores the trajectory of India-U.S. relations as Donald Trump embarks on his second term as president. Arun K. Singh provides a detailed analysis of the highs and lows during Trump’s first administration. He highlights major milestones like the revival of the Quad, the recognition of India as a major defense partner, and the Strategic Trade Authorization-1 that enabled advanced technology access. Simultaneously, he addresses challenges such as tariffs, trade deficits, and immigration policies that strained the partnership.Looking ahead, the discussion focuses on the implications of Trump’s "America First" approach, the complexities of U.S.-China competition, and its ripple effects on India. The episode unpacks the importance of the Quad framework, technology partnerships under the iCET, and defense cooperation as pillars of bilateral engagement. Ambassador Singh also reflects on Trump's political signaling, unpredictability, and how India can leverage its strong ties with the U.S. to address mutual challenges in trade, technology, and the Indo-Pacific region.Episode ContributorsArun K. Singh is a nonresident senior fellow at Carnegie India. Singh has extensive experience across the globe, including as India’s ambassador to the United States, Israel, and France.Vrinda Sahai is a research assistant and program coordinator with the Security Studies Program at Carnegie India. Additional ReadingsBridging East and West: India’s Pursuit of Stability Amid China, Russia, and U.S. Dynamics by Rudra Chaudhuri, Vijay Gokhale, D. B. Venkatesh Varma. The U.S.–India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) from 2022 to 2025: Assessment, Learnings, and the Way Forward by Rudra Chaudhuri, Konark Bhandari. New Grammar of India-U.S. Relations by Rudra Chaudhuri. India-U.S. Relations Beyond the Modi-Biden Dynamic by Arun K. Singh. #IndiaUSRelations #TrumpSecondTerm #QuadRevival #StrategicPartnership #iCET #IndoPacific #USChinaCompetition #DefenseCooperation Every two weeks, Interpreting India brings you diverse voices from India and around the world to explore the critical questions shaping the nation's future. We delve into how technology, the economy, and foreign policy intertwine to influence India's relationship with the global stage.As a Carnegie India production, hosted by Carnegie scholars, Interpreting India, a Carnegie India production, provides insightful perspectives and cutting-edge by tackling the defining questions that chart India's course through the next decade.Stay tuned for thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and a deeper understanding of India's place in the world.Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to join the conversation and be part of Interpreting India's journey.

This episode unpacks several critical issues shaping the future of Syria and its broader regional impact. Gaddam Dharmendra provides a historical context to Syria’s crisis, beginning with the Arab Spring, the civil war, and the consolidation of Bashar al-Assad’s regime with the support of Iran and Russia. He sheds light on the structural weaknesses in Syria's economy and governance that led to its fragmentation and the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a significant player in the ongoing political transition.The conversation also delves into the role of international actors in shaping Syria’s future:Regional Players: The ambitions of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Iran, Turkey, and Israel as they position themselves in a post-Assad Syria.Global Powers: The recalibration of policies by Russia, China, the European Union, and the United States amid Syria's evolving dynamics.Dharmendra examines the cautious optimism surrounding Syria’s future, particularly in relation to reconstruction efforts, refugee repatriation, and governance under the HTS. He also highlights India’s interests in ensuring regional stability, given its strategic partnerships with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Iran, and Israel, alongside its vast diaspora and economic engagements in West Asia. Every two weeks, Interpreting India brings you diverse voices from India and around the world to explore the critical questions shaping the nation's future. We delve into how technology, the economy, and foreign policy intertwine to influence India's relationship with the global stage.As a Carnegie India production, hosted by Carnegie scholars, Interpreting India, a Carnegie India production, provides insightful perspectives and cutting-edge by tackling the defining questions that chart India's course through the next decade.Stay tuned for thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and a deeper understanding of India's place in the world.Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to join the conversation and be part of Interpreting India's journey.

Vijay Gokhale, a nonresident senior fellow at Carnegie India and former Indian Foreign Secretary, and D.B. Venkatesh Varma, a distinguished fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation and former ambassador to Russia, dive into India's complex geopolitical landscape. They discuss the aftermath of the BRICS Summit and its impact on India-China relations. The duo explores India's balancing act between the U.S. and Russia amid the Ukraine crisis, while addressing intelligence failures and military strategies in border management, all underscoring India's emerging role in a multipolar world.