

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

Jun 3, 2025 • 40min
How can India Engineer the Next-Gen Fighter?
Avinash Shet, an expert in high-tech geopolitics, discusses India's ambitions in aerospace, focusing on its fighter jet and engine programs. He highlights the need for a refined strategy to advance next-gen jet engines amid competitive global dynamics. The conversation covers the challenges facing the indigenous Kaveri program and the importance of forming strategic partnerships, particularly with countries like the US and Japan. Avinash emphasizes the crucial role of India's private sector in innovating and strengthening the nation's defense capabilities.

Jun 2, 2025 • 45min
What the Repeal of the AI Diffusion Framework Means for India and the World
The recent repeal of the AI diffusion framework raises important questions about international AI governance and the U.S.'s future role. The discussion dives into the clash between national security and economic interests as it relates to AI chip regulation. Tensions with competitors like China highlight the need for countries to bolster their independent tech capabilities. Moreover, the potential for increased cyber attacks and chip smuggling could reshape the industry, pushing for open-source chip designs to adapt to stricter export controls.

May 30, 2025 • 32min
China's Vision for National Security, Codified
In this episode of All Things Policy, Manoj Kewalramani and Anushka Saxena discuss the codification of China's security view and policy in its latest White Paper on National Security in the New Era. They analyse the key takeaways of the paper, including China's red lines, approach to the Asian regional order, and tensions with the West.The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.Find out more on our research and other work here: https://takshashila.org.in/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

May 29, 2025 • 48min
Beyond the Gated Walls: Bengaluru’s Samaj, Sarkar & Bazar
Every painted wall, pothole & traffic in Bengaluru has a story to tell. In this episode of All Things Policy, Pravar Choudhary of Bengawalks and I, Sowmya Prabhakar, COO of Takshashila Institution, take a stroll exploring the dynamics of the markets, society & government. From gated communities to badly designed footpaths, from heritage buildings to street art, we explore Bengaluru's soul.The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.Find out more on our research and other work here: https://takshashila.org.in/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

May 28, 2025 • 34min
Forging the Future of India’s Airpower
We have much to be heartened about India’s air power capabilities in the recent India-Pak military escalations. However, this is not a time for complacency, and many challenges lie ahead. In this episode of All Things Policy, Shobhankita Reddy sits down with Aditya Ramanathan, Research Fellow with the Takshashila Institution, to unpack and understand the critical steps needed for future preparedness. Link to Aditya’s recent article - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-edit-page/two-analyses-on-weapons-systems-strategic-affairs-after-the-pause-in-conflict/The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.Find out more on our research and other work here: https://takshashila.org.in/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

May 27, 2025 • 40min
Post-Sindoor: India’s Path to Defence Innovation
In this episode of All Things Policy, Prof. Y. Nithiyanandam speaks with Cmde (Dr) Arun Pratap Golaya about the significance of Operation Sindoor and what it reveals about India’s indigenous defence ecosystem. They reflect on the opportunities it presents, the structural challenges startups face, and the need to bridge the gap between research, innovation, and operational deployment. From navigating policy bottlenecks to balancing indigenisation with strategic international collaboration, this conversation explores what it takes to build a resilient and future-ready defence innovation landscape in India. Tune in as they examine the lessons from Sindooor and ask: What could a truly self-reliant Indian defence ecosystem look like by 2040?The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.Find out more on our research and other work here: https://takshashila.org.in/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

May 26, 2025 • 46min
Assessing the Chinese perspective on the recent India-Pakistan escalations
How have Chinese analysts and citizen commentators responded to the April 22 terror attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Kashmir, and the subsequent military escalations between India and Pakistan? Given that China is an interested party, a regional power, Pakistan's ally and a threat actor for India, understanding Chinese discourse on these events is crucial. In this episode of All Things Policy, Shobhankita Reddy sits down with Anushka Saxena, Staff Research Analyst at the Takshashila Institution’s China Desk, to discuss Anushka’s latest issue brief examining Chinese rhetoric and perspectives on the recent crisis.Link to the full document - https://takshashila.org.in/research/mediation-and-interference-assessing-chinese-views-on-the-latest-india-pakistan-tensionsThe PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgpAll Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.Find out more on our research and other work here: https://takshashila.org.in/...Check out our public policy courses here: https://school.takshashila.org.in

May 23, 2025 • 25min
Decoding Operation Sindoor
Aishwaria Sonavane, a researcher in Pakistan studies at the Takshashila Institution, dives into the evolving dynamics of India-Pakistan relations. They discuss how India's military response to terrorism has shifted to more assertive strategies, including deep strikes and drone warfare. Sonavane highlights the risks associated with these changes and the stagnation in diplomatic relations between the two nations. The conversation also touches on the implications of nuclear deterrence and the weaponization of trade and water in this complex geopolitical landscape.

May 22, 2025 • 32min
India-EU: Building the Next Chapter
Garima Mohan, a Senior Fellow at the German Marshall Fund specializing in India's foreign policy, joins the discussion on the evolving India-EU relationship. They delve into the stalled India-EU free trade agreement and the implications of Europe’s response to the Ukraine war. The conversation also examines Germany's new leadership and its impact on strategic collaborations. Moreover, they highlight the importance of defense, investment, and sustainable practices in strengthening ties, all while navigating the intricate geopolitical landscape.

May 21, 2025 • 29min
The Significance of India's Coastline Delineation
Vice Admiral S K Jha, former Chief Hydrographer of India, discusses the dramatic increase in India's coastline from 7516 km to 11098 km. He emphasizes how accurate coastline measurement is vital for maritime security and resolving territorial disputes. Modern technology like satellite imagery has revolutionized delineation techniques, impacting trade and environmental conservation. Jha also underlines the complexities of maritime jurisdiction, stressing the importance of compliance with international regulations for India's economic and security interests.