ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

Lt. Gen. Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, the Director General of Army Air Defence, discusses India’s impressive air defense tactics that recently thwarted a Pakistani missile threat aimed at the Golden Temple. He highlights the effectiveness of the indigenous 'Akashteer' system in neutralizing aerial threats and the crucial role of traditional artillery against drone swarms. D’Cunha delves into evolving drone warfare strategies and the challenges faced by the Indian military, emphasizing the need for continuous advancements to maintain regional security.

Byju Raveendran, the founder of BYJU’S, and his wife Divya Gokulnath, co-founder and content architect, dive into the rollercoaster journey of their edtech startup, previously valued at $22 billion. They candidly address the financial controversies and legal battles surrounding BYJU’S, revealing the challenges of rapid expansion and investor pressures. The couple shares insights on their ongoing projects in Dubai, the impact of media narratives, and their commitment to educational integrity, all while contemplating the future of BYJU’S amid significant setbacks.

Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor, a veteran of the Indian Air Force with over 7,800 incident-free flying hours, discusses India’s cutting-edge air defense capabilities. He elaborates on advanced systems like the S-400 and Akash missiles that have significantly enhanced deterrence against Pakistan. Kapoor praises indigenous innovations in military technology and highlights the successful interception of Pakistani drones. He also critiques U.S. support to Pakistan, shedding light on the complex geopolitical dynamics and the evolving landscape of modern warfare.

Satish Dua, a retired Lieutenant General and former Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, shares his insights on the shifting landscape of India-Pakistan relations. He discusses the rise of drone warfare and India's enhanced air defense mechanisms. Dua highlights the troubling trend of Pakistan targeting civilians, contrasting it with India's strategic precision on terror sites. He expresses optimism about the patriotism of Indian youth and addresses the broader implications of nuclear tensions and misinformation in shaping public perception and military strategies.

Vice Admiral Satishkumar Namdeo Ghormade served in the Indian Navy for 39 years and retired in 2022. He held several key positions, including serving as the 36th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations and Training), Controller of Personnel Services at Naval Headquarters, and Chief of Staff of the Eastern Naval Command.Under his supervision, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, was commissioned on September 2, 2022, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Vice Admiral Ghormade discusses the capabilities of the Indian Navy, compares them with the Pakistani Navy, and shares insights on who holds the edge in maritime operations. He also touches upon the external support Pakistan receives in building submarines.He highlights that Karachi Port is a critical hub for Pakistan’s military logistics and trade, and says that if it were to be neutralised, Pakistan’s war machinery would be severely impacted. He also speaks about how the ‘Make in India’ initiative is significantly strengthening India's naval capabilities.*Timestamps:*00:00 – Introduction 00:43 – Indian Navy’s Role 03:07 – Pakistan Navy’s Vulnerability 06:45 – Indian Navy vs Pakistan Navy 10:52 – Karachi Port Importance for Pakistan 14:29 – Indian Submarines on High Alert 19:11 – Rules of Engagement in Armed Conflict 22:59 – Operation Trident During the 1971 War 28:25 – PM Modi Meeting with 3 Armed Forces Chiefs 30:53 – Biggest Strength of the Indian Navy 35:06 – Turkey’s Support to Pakistan 39:09 – De-escalation in India-Pakistan Clash 46:11 – Citizens’ Role in War 51:06 – Advice to Media

Tilak Devasher is an author, an expert on everything Pakistan and a member of India’s National Security Advisory Board. Yash Sinha is the former High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka and also served as India’s Chief Information Commissioner.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the guests discuss the possible consequences Pakistan could face after India suspended the Indus Water Treaty. Yash Sinha talks about the mindset of the Pakistani people and how many of them see India as their eternal enemy. Tilak Devasher speaks about reports that the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack were using Chinese phones and how long Pakistan can last in the case of a long war.Note: This episode was recorded on May 6, 2025, a day before India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor.00:00 – Introduction01:28 – Mock Drills in India03:50 – UNSC Meeting on Kashmir06:29 – Foreign Relations of Pakistan09:15 – Internal Security Threats to Pakistan12:19 – USA’s Stand on India-Pak Tensions15:47 – How Pakistani Diplomats Behave24:38 – Chinese Phones Linked to Pahalgam Attack32:44 – Indus Water Treaty37:12 – Irrigation System of Pakistan39:44 – Dams and Hydro Projects43:50 – How India Creates Deterrence46:17 – China & the Flow of the Brahmaputra River49:04 – Blockade in the Indian Ocean50:31 – Recalling the 1971 & 1965 Wars54:48 – Is India Ready for War?57:55 – Smuggling of Iranian Oil into Pakistan59:16 – China Backing Pakistan01:01:01 – Pakistan’s War Capabilities01:03:56 – Denuclearisation of Pakistan01:05:26 – Why Mock Drills Are Happening Now01:09:21 – Pakistan’s Psyche About India01:12:42 – Pakistanis Marrying Kashmiris01:16:42 – Social Media Accounts of Pakistani Celebs Banned01:19:57 – Role of the Streets in Policy Making

Lt. Gen. K.J.S. Dhillon (Retd), popularly known as ‘Tiny Dhillon’, is a highly decorated officer with a distinguished career spanning over 39 years. He has served as the Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency and Deputy Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff (Intelligence). He earned widespread recognition for leading unconventional, people-centric operations during his tenure as the head of the XV Corps in Kashmir.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Lt. Gen. Dhillon (Retd) discusses Pakistan’s hollow nuclear threats against India and explains why Islamabad remains uneasy about developments in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.He also shares practical advice for civilians on what to do in the event of war or an emergency-like situation, and emphasises why Indians should not fear mock drills. Towards the end, he delivers a clear message to all citizens: stay alert and report any suspicious activity around you.Note: This episode was recorded on May 6, 2025, a day before India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor.00:00 – Introduction00:51 – Mock Drills in India09:56 – Radicalisation in India15:38 – Pakistani Nationals Living in India19:55 – Coverage of Troop Movements25:21 – Public Outrage After Pahalgam Attack31:42 – Indus Water Treaty42:52 – Punjabi Influence in Pakistan47:50 – Pakistan's Nuclear Option54:58 – Pahalgam Terror Attack1:07:56 – Local Support to Pahalgam Terrorists1:15:04 – Online Hate for Himanshi Narwal1:26:28 – Pakistan’s Barbaric Act1:29:43 – Launch of Second Book

Ajay Bisaria, Distinguished Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), previously served as India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan. Sushant Sareen, also a Senior Fellow at ORF, an expert on Pakistan and security issues in the region.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the two discuss how India should respond to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. They talk about the importance of being precise and strategic if India decides to take military action against Pakistan.The conversation also explores how the world might react if tensions between the two countries increase. Will India and Pakistan get support from their allies? What role will global powers like the US, Russia, and China play?*Timestamps:* 00:00 – Introduction 00:40 – India’s Strategy Against Pakistan 08:50 – Pakistani Citizens' Views on India19:50 – Casualties in War33:11 – 'Dirty Work' of Terrorism45:55 – Pak Army Chief's Role in Pahalgam Attack54:40 – Pakistan’s ‘False Flag Operation’ Claim1:03:15 – Pakistanis living in Kashmir1:22:02 – Indus Water Treaty 1:32:28 – India-Pakistan Airspace Standoff 1:38:48 – Pakistani YT Channels Blocked

Manjeev Singh Puri is a retired Indian diplomat from the 1982 batch of the Indian Foreign Service, with a distinguished career spanning over 36 years. He last served as India’s Ambassador to Nepal. Over the course of his career, he held key positions in India and abroad, representing the country at major multilateral organisations including the United Nations and the European Union.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Manjeev Singh Puri discusses Nepal’s shifting political landscape, including recent protests calling for the return of the monarchy and the ongoing debate over the future of democracy in the country.He also explores Nepal’s foreign relations, from China’s growing influence to its ties with the West and Pakistan, as well as the role of identity politics in fuelling unrest.Puri also highlights how Nepali politicians often use anti-India narratives and the “India card” to fuel nationalist sentiment and gain political advantage00:00 – Introduction02:23 – Pro-Monarchy Protests in Nepal06:57 – Democracy’s Crisis in Nepal14:22 – Identity Politics in Nepal18:45 – India-Nepal Relations26:06 – China’s Diplomacy in Nepal32:27 – Nepal's Foreign Policy34:35 – Pakistani Embassy Used for Spying38:45 – Roti-Beti Tradition46:59 – Monarchy's Return and Impact on India

Bilal Lone is a former separatist and the elder son of Abdul Gani Lone, the Hurriyat Conference leader who founded the People’s Conference. Bilal was part of the Hurriyat Conference delegation that met Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani in Delhi in 2004. His younger brother, Sajjad Lone, is currently a member of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly. Bilal was aligned with the Mirwaiz faction of the Hurriyat when it split into two groups — the so-called moderates led by Mirwaiz and the hardliners led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Abdul Gani Lone states that the terrorists who attacked Pahalgam do not represent the mindset of all Kashmiris. He emphasises that the people of Kashmir want peace and do not want to be associated with radical elements.He also advocates for a war with Pakistan, urging that it should be settled once and for all, for the sake of all Kashmiris. Abdul Gani Lone also explains why he stopped visiting Pakistan and stepped away from separatist leadership, sharing the reasons that led to a change in his perspective.00:00 – Introduction01:55 – Normalcy in Kashmir06:07 – Local Support for Terrorists13:16 – Conflict Zone of Kashmir16:44 – Hurriyat's Ties with Pakistan19:59 – Extremism in Kashmir25:59 – Tourists Saved by Locals29:26 – Kashmir Leaders Unite33:19 – Indus Treaty on Hold39:45 – Kashmir's Tourism Industry Setback48:37 – Kashmiri Pandits' Exodus52:31 – PM Modi's Warning to Terrorists58:09 – BJP in Kashmir1:07:55 – AS Dulat's Book Row1:09:55 – Advani's Meeting with Hurriyat Leaders