Let’s Talk with Akhil

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest are personal and intended solely for informational and educational purposes. This podcast aims to encourage thoughtful discussions on public affairs, geopolitics, and global issues, and does not intend to promote hostility, misinformation, or hatred towards any country, community, or individual.--------------------Timestamps:00:00 Intro.01:54 Why did he choose the Army?02:42 The engineer's mindset behind serving the nation.03:47 The day the uniform changed everything.05:29 Kargil 1999- the secrets of military intelligence.09:00 How he stayed calm during war?12:32 Parliament under attack, What was happening?14:06 The real heroes no one talks about.16:35 What Army training does to a man?17:52 From noise to intelligence.19:26 How India hunts for the truth?27:50 Face to face with hardcore militants - what do you do?29:42 Pakistan's recent threats - should India be worried?31:19 Removal of Imran Khan.32:15 His first reaction to Atal Tunnel.36:26 How one man saved ₹1000 crore?42:00 Is the Atal Tunnel a direct threat to China's military?44:46 Is India at WAR?47:29 China and Taiwan, what’s going on?49:32 Is China strategically targeting India right now?54:27 Is India enough for two neighbours.58:38 Sudarshan Chakra.01:01:11 China is prepared for modern warfare.01:04:12 COVID didn't just happen?01:07:56 Was Iran underestimated?01:11:09 SENAABHYAS01:12:50 A Brigadier's words for young India.01:15:07 Outro--------------------Brigadier Manoj Kumar, VSM (Retd.) He is a distinguished former Indian Army officer with over three decades of service in military engineering and strategic infrastructure development. As Chief Engineer with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), he played a key role in the execution of the Atal Tunnel project, overseeing critical engineering operations in one of the world's most challenging terrains. He contributed to the planning and delivery of several strategic road and connectivity projects that enhanced India's border infrastructure and operational readiness. His work has been instrumental in improving all-weather access to remote regions and strengthening national defence logistics.-------------------------In this episode of Let's Talk With Akhil, Brigadier Manoj Kumar, VSM (Retd.), former Indian Army officer and Chief Engineer of the Atal Tunnel project, joins Akhil for an in-depth conversation on military leadership, national security, strategic infrastructure, and the evolving nature of modern warfare.From his experiences during the Kargil War and Operation Parakram to building one of India's most significant strategic infrastructure projects, this podcast explores the realities of defending a nation, the challenges of border security, and the future of India's military preparedness in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.----------------------🎙️ Podcast: Let's Talk With AkhilHost: AkhilGuest: Manoj Kumar ------------------To Know More,Follow, let's talk with Akhil onInstagram: @letstalk_akhilhttps://www.instagram.com/letstalk_ak...

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest are personal and intended solely for informational and educational purposes. This podcast aims to encourage thoughtful discussions on public affairs, geopolitics, and global issues, and does not intend to promote hostility, misinformation, or hatred towards any country, community, or individual.Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:40 Transition from a lecturer to a diplomat3:09 Ranjit Rae’s journey6:22 How was your experience in Uganda and Kosovo?7:55 Indians evacuated from Uganda12:08 Served as Press Secretary during his early career13:48 What are the new challenges for IFS Officers in the 21st Century?17:24 How Ranjit Rae tackled decision dilemmas18:29 Experience as an Ambassador to 3 countries20:50 Are India-Europe relations unexplored?26:08 The situation of India-Vietnam relations during his tenure31:18 Learnings from Vietnam-China bilateral ties33:08 Experience as an Ambassador to Nepal34:25 Discussion on Nepal’s internal administration38:55 12 Point agreement 200541:41 Overcoming diplomatic hurdles43:30 Navigating relations with Nepal45:22 IC814- The Kandahar hijack47:56 Cross-border security dynamics49:33 The 2015 border transit issues52:01 Media and Cinema's effect on India-Nepal relations55:19 Discourse on Kalapani & Lipulekh59:32 China-Nepal relations and regional balance01:02:38 Administration at Kathmandu International Airport01:04:04 Recruitment dynamics concerning the Indian Army01:05:14 Historical context of the northern borders01:08:14 Ranjit Rae’s Second book01:09:59 Dynamics between the UN and the USA01:14:32 Assessing diplomatic outreach strategies01:17:06 From diplomat to a writer01:18:53 Where do you see India in the next 10 years?01:27:16 Nepal hidden destination for tourists1:28:56 Rapid fire01:30:21 Any tips for the listeners01:31:08 Outro About Ranjit RaeAmbassador Ranjit Rae, IFS (Retd.)Ranjit Rae is a distinguished former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 1980 batch, with over 36 years in Indian diplomacy. A Delhi School of Economics postgraduate and former lecturer at St. Stephen’s College, he played a key role in major bilateral and multilateral negotiations, including Nepal’s landmark 12-point peace agreement in 2005. He served as India’s Ambassador to Hungary, Vietnam, and Nepal, and is the author of Kathmandu Dilemma: Resetting India-Nepal Ties.In this episode of Let's Talk With Akhil, former Indian diplomat and ambassador Ranjit Rae joins Akhil for an in-depth conversation on foreign relations, regional diplomacy and the changing geopolitical landscape of South Asia. From regional neighbours to global dynamics, this podcast explores the realities behind international relations and the future of India’s position in the world.🎙️ Podcast: Let's Talk With Akhil.Host : AkhilGuest : Ranjit RaeTo Know More,Follow our channel for more conversations on geopolitics, diplomacy, business, and global affairs. 👇🏻 📲 Connect with us on Instagram: @letstalk_akhil@letakhiltalk 🐦 Twitter/X:@letstalk_akhil🌐 Marketing Partner @brandmelt.inIf you enjoyed this deep dive, please leave us a 5-star rating on Spotify and share this episode with someone who loves geopolitics! .🎙️ About Let's Talk With Akhil where real conversations meet real insights. We dive deep into topics that matter - from personal growth and mindset to business, culture and everything in between. Each episode is a candid and leave you with something to think about. Tune in, join the conversation - and let’s talk!