All Things Policy
Takshashila Institution
Ever wondered how automation will change the world? Maybe you puzzle over what India could do to ease traffic congestion, or how China's aircraft carriers will transform Indian Ocean geopolitics? All Things Policy, a daily podcast brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, brings you all the answers. Every weekday, our researchers break down complex economic and geopolitical ideas through the lens of current events. For everyone from the busy executive to the curious student, All Things Policy is all you'll need to understand the world (and appreciate your breakfast) better.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 30, 2026 • 28min
The Infrastructure of Convenience
Sridhar Krishna, Senior Scholar at the Takshashila Institution who led the 20 Million Jobs Project, discusses the rise of ultra-fast grocery delivery. He explores dark-store networks, neighbourhood density and how convenience reshapes consumer habits. The conversation also covers labour grievances, regulatory pushback on 10-minute claims, and the role of infrastructure, education and better jobs in reducing dependence on low-paid delivery work.
Jan 29, 2026 • 35min
Increasing Labour Productivity With Robots
Arvind Vasu, entrepreneur and robotics expert who built robotics operations in India, discusses how robots can boost labour productivity. He traces robotics history, explains evolving programming and cobots, and compares India and China on manufacturing scale. The conversation covers design-for-automation, local supply chains, skilling, and an optimistic 2030 outlook for higher-quality jobs.
Jan 28, 2026 • 37min
Iran in a Broken Order
Yusuf Unjhawala, adjunct scholar focused on defense and geopolitics, joins to unpack Iran's unrest and its regional ripple effects. He discusses shifting Middle East groupings, threats to India’s Chabahar and energy routes, and how fragmenting alliances test strategic autonomy. The conversation highlights managed instability, escalation risks, and emerging realignments shaping the wider order.
Jan 27, 2026 • 26min
What Davos Means for India and the World
Manoj Kewalramani, chair of the Indo-Pacific Programme at Takshashila and China researcher, offers sharp geopolitical analysis. He discusses Davos’ unusual tone and what leaders’ blunt statements signal. He assesses Mark Carney’s rupture claim, India’s stance on alignment, prospects for an EU-India trade-security deal, and how markets and politics constrain extreme policies.
Jan 26, 2026 • 24min
A Nuclear Reform Long Overdue
They unpack India’s new nuclear law and whether it modernises the sector. They explain ending the state monopoly and how private licensing will work. They cover liability caps, pooled funds and international insurance layers. They discuss giving the regulator statutory independence. They look at workforce, supply-chain bottlenecks, SMRs and the push to scale to 100 GW.
Jan 22, 2026 • 30min
America Authorises a New Defence Strategy
Abhishek Kadiyala, a researcher specializing in U.S. domestic and foreign policy, dives into the significance of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2026. He discusses its impact on U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to alliances and economic security. The conversation explores implications for transatlantic commitments, Taiwan defense strategies, and U.S.-India relations, highlighting critical areas like defense manufacturing and regional partnerships. Tune in for insights into the intricacies of American military strategy and international cooperation.
Jan 21, 2026 • 42min
Book Discussion | The Groundbreaker by Kanwal Rekhi
Kanwal Rekhi, an influential Indian-American entrepreneur and investor, shares insights from his memoir, detailing his journey as part of the 'dollar eight' emigrés. He discusses taking Exelan public and the challenges of changing perceptions of Indian-American leaders in Silicon Valley. Rekhi critiques India’s telecom monopoly and advocates for key reforms that transformed the sector. He highlights the evolution of India's startup ecosystem and the importance of grassroots entrepreneurship while addressing the geopolitical dynamics surrounding US-India relations.
Jan 20, 2026 • 35min
Red Pill or Blue Pill? China's K-Visa Examined
Anushka Saxena, a staff research analyst at Takshashila, explores PLA strategies and China-Taiwan relations, while Zoe Liz Philip, an education journalist, specializes in policy impacts on labor markets. They dive into China's K-Visa, designed to attract global STEM talent without employer sponsorship. The discussion highlights the visa's strategic implications, domestic reactions, and cultural backlash amidst rising youth unemployment. Both experts raise concerns about retention challenges and global sentiment towards China, especially affecting Indian STEM graduates.
Jan 19, 2026 • 36min
Drum-Sticks and Carrots
Vanshika Saraf, a research analyst specializing in East Asian strategic dynamics, joins the discussion to explore the shifting geopolitical landscape in the region. She breaks down Japan and South Korea's complex relationships with China and each other. Key topics include Japan's evolving military stance and the implications of China's aggressive tactics towards Taiwan. The discussion also highlights economic coercion against Japan and the impact of domestic politics on regional strategies.
Jan 16, 2026 • 17min
ASEAN navigating the US-China Rivalry
Bhumika Sevkani, a research analyst at the Takshashila Institution specializing in Southeast Asian economies, joins Vanshika Saraf to dive deep into the impacts of the China+1 strategy. They discuss how ASEAN countries are navigating the US-China rivalry, particularly which sectors like electronics and critical minerals are benefiting the most. Bhumika highlights the uneven gains among nations and emphasizes the need for regional coordination and internal reforms to sustain growth amidst shifting global supply chains and US tariff pressures.
