India Rising

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat The United States and Israel have attacked Iran and eliminated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, thinking that Iran will fold much like Venezuela. Iran, on the contrary, has upped the ante and caused widespread destruction to not just the United States and Israel but to all US allies in the region. This asymmetric warfare approach by Iran seems to be acting like a perfect foil to the conventional war strategy adopted by Israel and the United States. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat A seemingly innocuous crackdown on social media apps in Nepal led to deadly Gen Z protests spiraling out of control eventually leading to a regime change in Kathmandu marred by bloody riots and elimination of the old political guard. An interim administration is now in charge and is responsible to hold General elections in early 2026. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Episode 50 India Strikes Back Deep Inside Pakistan by Mohal Joshi & Kishor Narayan

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat 26 people including 25 Hindus were massacred by Pakistan based terrorists in Pahalgam in Hamas style swoop attack. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat US President Donald Trump has unleashed a wave of sweeping tariffs on many countries in a bid to correct trade imbalances that US has with these countries. Even before the tariffs could see the light of the day, he has announced a 90 day pause for all countries except for China. So, what did the "Liberation Day" tariffs hold in store for India and other countries and how can the 90-day pause benefit India? Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat US President Donald Trump is busy ever since his inauguration working on cutting deals with world leaders. Narendra Modi in his first visit to Washington DC since Trump's return showed how exactly to deal with Donald Trump and massage his ego. Even CNN termed this as a Modi masterclass. On the other hand Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faltered to handle Trump and Vice President JD Vance amidst the cameras and exited with nothing to show. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled out of the country after a massive student uprising led to her iron rule coming to an abrupt end. An interim government under Nobel Laureate Mohammad Yunus has taken over amidst continued violence especially against the minorities including the Hindus. What transpired in the weeks and months before the ouster and what happens next? How should India respond now? Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Pakistan voted on 8th February to select a new national government amidst several controversies including jailing ex-PM Imran Khan and banning his party from contesting and suspension of internet across the country. Within hours of the start of the counting of votes, there were allegations of rigging and vote manipulation by the Pakistani deep state to favour it's political dummies. Images: Pakistan Election Results Map: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/9/pakistan-election-2024-live-results Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat On October 7th, terror group Hamas launched coordinated attacks from the Gaza Strip onto the bordering areas in Israel. These attacks led to more than 1300 Israelis killed. Israel in response declared that it is at war with Hamas and launched a major counteroffensive on Gaza Strip. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat India Canada relations have nosedived suddenly after the explosive allegations by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the involvement of Indian government agencies in the killing of a wanted Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first state visit to the United States in the 9th year of his Prime Ministership Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat On December 9, around 300 PLA soldiers tried to transgress into Indian territory by crossing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and were met by 50 brave Indian soldiers who physically stopped them from doing so. In the ensuing brawl, the outnumbered Indian soldiers were successful in not only stopping the PLA soldiers on their tracks, but also chase them back into their territory. This episode delves into this event with whatever little information is available in public domain and tries to analyse the Chinese psyche and the Indian response. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat On December 9, around 300 PLA soldiers tried to transgress into Indian territory by crossing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and were met by 50 brave Indian soldiers who physically stopped them from doing so. In the ensuing brawl, the outnumbered Indian soldiers were successful in not only stopping the PLA soldiers on their tracks, but also chase them back into their territory. This episode delves into this event with whatever little information is available in public domain and tries to analyse the Chinese psyche and the Indian response. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat From China to Pakistan, from the United States to Russia, India is facing tremendous challenges in engaging with global powers during these troubled times. Under the erudite MEA S Jaishankar, New Delhi has been able to not only put forth its position on varied issues, but also winning praise for its unbiased stand. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ As the Ukraine War continues in Europe, India's immediate neighbourhood is facing economic crises. The economic crisis in Pakistan has now led to a political crisis eventually leading to the replacement of Imran Khan with Shahbaz Sharif. In Sri Lanka, the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration finds itself cornered unable to manage the economy and is on the verge of defaulting its payment of international debts. #Pakistan #ImranKhan #ShahbazSharif #GeneralQamarJavedBajwa #PTI #SriLanka #GotabayaRajapaksa #MahindaRajapaksa #IMFBailout #IndianAssistance

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat It has been two weeks since Russia ordered a "special military operation" into Ukraine with a stated goal of demilitarisation and deNazification of Ukraine. With US and other NATO powers refusing to send their weapons or soldiers, Ukraine is alone in defending itself. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #Russia #Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #NATO #NATOExpansion #USA #VladimirPutin #VolodymyrZelenskyy #Kiev #Moscow #India #China #XiJinping #NarendraModi

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat The Taliban are now in complete control of Afghanistan and have announced a Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan with a temporary government. Is this akin to same vine in a new bottle or is there something new that Taliban have to offer? Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #Afghanistan #Taliban #HaibatullahAkhundzada #MaulviHassanAkhund #MullahBaradar #Kabul #Pakistan #ISI #Russia #China

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat In the backdrop of the US-led NATO forces withdrawing from Afghanistan, the Afghan National Army forces have surrendered without a fight to a determined Taliban who advanced through the country and eventually captured Kabul in less than a fortnight. This bloodless victory for Taliban has surely ruffled many feathers around the world and will have global ramifications. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat A year ago during the summer of 2020 when the world in general and India specifically was reeling under the full brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic, the soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) came up to the Line of Actual Control to occupy strategic areas across the perceived LAC (Line of Actual Control) just as the snow was melting during the summer months. It’s been a year now and instead of the situation easing off, we have heard of soldiers from both sides digging their heels. The fact that the issue isn’t grabbing the headlines doesn’t mean that the issue has gone away. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #LineOfActualControl #IndiaChinaBorder #PeoplesLiberationArmy #IndianArmy #WangYi #SJaishankar #NarendraModi #XiJinping #Ladakh #Sikkim #GenBipinRawat

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat The month of Ramadan is generally tense in Jerusalem. The Palestinian Arabs wish to pray in the Al Aqsa mosque which is situated in the walled Old City. And fearing unrest, Israel deploys its defence forces to control the crowds who come to pray over there. This year was no different. However, what added to the already tense situation was the verdict about the ownership of land in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem in addition to the Jerusalem Day celebrations planned by ultra right wing parties in Israel. This led to a highly volatile situation which was milked by the Hamas militant group in a rather unexpected fashion. In this episode we dig deep into what triggered the crisis and what was India’s stand in the whole situation. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #Israel #Hamas #WestBank #Palestine #SheikhJarrah #Jerusalem #AlAqsaMosque #IronDome

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Just about 2 months ago, India was sceptical about the possibility of getting involved in a two front war. Surprisingly, India has managed to achieve not just a disengagement by the Chinese People's Liberation Army at the Line of Actual Control in Pangong Tso region but also a commitment to ceasefire by the Pakistan Army along the Line of Control. How did India manage it and what are its implications? Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com​ Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com​ Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #India #China #India-China #LineOfActualControl #Pakistan #IndiaPakistan #LineOfControl #CeasefireAtLOC #DisengagementAtLAC #PangongTso #ImranKhan #NarendraModi #XiJinping #PakistanArmy #GenMMNaravane #GenQamarBajwa

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Joe Biden is being inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States of America. What does it mean for the ever-burgeoning India-US bilateral relations? Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat 49 years ago, on December 16, 1971, Pakistan surrendered in Dhaka to the Indian and Mukti Bahini forces marking the end of a short war resulting in the formation of the new state of Bangladesh. This episode is dedicated to that war and how it has shaped the subcontinent ever since. ▬ Contents of this track ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 0:00 - Intro 1:43 - History and Background 8:40 - Geopolitical Angle 17:42 - Military Build-up to the War 29:00 - 1971 War - Air Operations 32:43 - 1971 War - Naval Operations 35:49 - 1971 War - Land Operations Western Sector 41:09 - 1971 War - Land Operations Eastern Sector 51:06 - 1971 War - Closing Stages of the War 58:28 - Legacy 1:09:18 - Recommendations Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Gilgit Baltistan region referred to as Pakistan Occupied Ladakh (POL) is in the news again as Islamabad makes a fresh attempt to annex the region and accord it the status of a state. How feasible is it and what are India's options to counter it? Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat The standoff between the Indian and Chinese troops at the Line of Actual Control has taken a new dimension with the Indian troops pre-empting China aggressive movements and occupying major heights around the Spanggur Gap. Who will blink first in this high stakes high-altitude prolonged standoff? Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Images: @detresfa_ @kesaridhwaj @nrg8000 Youtube link for this episode: https://youtu.be/xedb4pFc0QU Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat US President Donald Trump traveled to India on a 2-day visit. Among other things, trade deal was expected to be signed between the two nations, but didn't materialise. Was it a mere irritant in the overall ties or a deal breaker? Have the bilateral ties evolved beyond momentary trade deal failures and poised to think strategic and global? Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat 2020 has started with a bang with a lot of happenings from around the world. One of the most impactful among them, if not the most, was the United States neutralising General Qassem Soleimani, a Major General in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and also the Commander of Iran’s Quds Force. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat The Rajapaksas are back in style in Sri Lanka. While the younger brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the Presidential election winning handsomely against Sajith Premadasa, the elder brother Mahinda Rajapaksa is now the caretaker Prime Minister until the next Parliamentary elections after the incumbent Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe resigned after the loss in the Presidential elections. We try to find the answers to the following questions: • Was the victory of Gotabaya Rajapaksa in the recently concluded Presidential Elections in Sri Lanka a foregone conclusion? • With the younger brother as the President, is the elder brother Mahinda Rajapaksa’s bid to unquestioned political supremacy in the island nation unchecked? • Is there a possible danger of the island getting entangled in Sinhala nationalism? • What happens to the goodwill projects carried out by India to help Sri Lankan Tamils to rebuild after the bloody civil war? • Will the Indian fishermen be targeted and killed for crossing into Sri Lankan waters just like how they were during the previous Rajapaksa regime? • More importantly, was Delhi prepared for a Rajapaksa return? • Does Delhi have a gameplan to keep the Rajapaksas on a leash without conceding too much to Beijing? • In the wake of the deadly Easter bombings, will there be greater security cooperation between Delhi and Colombo? • What does the speed at which India dispatched its Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar to Colombo to invite Rajapaksa to New Delhi indicate? • With Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe resigning as Prime Minister, will Sri Lanka see the top 2 posts in the country being run by 2 brothers? Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat This week Chinese President Xi Jinping visited South Indian city of Chennai for an informal summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was the second edition of the informal summits that China and India are having, with the first one happening in 2018 in China in the city of Wuhan – hence, gaining the name ‘Wuhan Spirit’. We try to find the answers to the following questions about ''Chennai Connect': ● Did Modi and Xi manage to revive the now-dead now-alive Wuhan Spirit? ● Has New Delhi managed to drive home the point about it’s redlines to Beijing? ● Does India and China have enough modalities to work on improving their ties in the next 12 months? ● Is it too early to claim that Chennai Connect was a huge success without talking about tangible benefits? Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This week US President Donald Trump announced through Twitter that peace talks with Taliban were off and that he was still thinking about a troop drawdown from Afghanistan. So we find an answer to these questions: • Is the US Taliban deal really dead? • Did US President Trump actually plan to invite Taliban terrorists to Camp David, the official retreat of the President of the United States? • Is the Afghan government happy that the deal is now more or less cancelled? • Will the US government continue to send feelers to the Taliban? • What will the Taliban’s reaction to all this be? • More importantly, should India be happy with the developments? Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Indian Defence Minister Sri Rajnath Singh issued a statement about how India might reconsider it’s self-imposed No-First Use policy depending on circumstances in the future. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The Indian Parliament this week abrogated article 370 which gave the state of Jammu and Kashmir a special status. The state was further bifurcated into 2 Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Sri Lanka was hit by a series of bomb blasts on Easter Sunday targeting hotels and churches. A lesser known radical group National Tawheed Jamaath (NTJ) has claimed responsibility of the bombings which killed 253 people. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In today's episode we are joined by Ramaharitha Pusarla, columnist and author to review the 5 years of Modi's Foreign Policy. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India & the rest of the world were taken by surprise by the sudden announcement by PM Narendra Modi on live television that on March 27th India had conducted an ASAT test. With this India became just the 4th nation in the world (after US, Russia & China) to have conducted such a test. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat In today's episode, we talk about the achievements of Manohar Parrikar, who recently passed away, as Defense Minister. We also talk about Indian media's reaction over failed UNSC resolution on Masood Azhar. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat In today's episode, we talk about India's strike on Balakot in response to Pulwama Terror Attack and how the government termed it as a non-military preemptive strike. We also talk about Pakistan's reaction in terms of violation of Indian airspace, subsequent dogfight between Indian and Pakistani jets over the Line of Control. We also talk about the capture of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman and his subsequent release. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat In today’s episode, we talk about the Pulwama Terror Attack on 14th of February. A convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethpora (near Awantipora) in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The attack resulted in the death of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel – which is a paramilitary force - and the attacker. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by the Pakistan based Islamist militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed. A local youth named Adil Ahmed Dar was identified as the attacker. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Bangladesh had its 11th parliamentary elections conducted on 30th December 2018 to elect members for their parliament called the Jatiya Sangsad. In today’s episode we discuss the results of these elections and also the impact on India - Bangladesh relations. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Today's episode is the second part of a 2 part special series dedicated to discuss about India's Foreign Policy. Mohal and Kishor are joined by Ramaharitha Pusarla (@harithapusarla), who is an author, columnist and writes regularly on myind.net on India's foreign policy. In Part 2, Mohal, Haritha and Kishor discuss about the great powers of the world viz., the United States and Russia and the Indo-Pacific region to figure out how India's Foreign Policy is shaped by them. Part 1: https://youtu.be/WTOC2vECcVc Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Today's episode is the first part of a 2 part special series dedicated to discuss about India's Foreign Policy. Mohal and Kishor are joined by Ramaharitha Pusarla (@harithapusarla), who is an author, columnist and writes regularly on myind.net on India's foreign policy. In Part 1, Mohal, Haritha and Kishor discuss about the India's immediate neighborhood to figure out how India's Foreign Policy is shaped by them. Part 2: https://youtu.be/s_0-BvIJ9Ns Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat In today’s episode, we will talk about the recent thaw in Indo-Pak relations with the ground breaking ceremony conducted at Kartarpur for a corridor to allow Sikhs passport-free visa-free access to cross into Kartarpur, Narowal District, Punjab, Pakistan to visit Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib, the final resting place of Guru Nanak, the founding Guru of Sikh faith. Images: Imran Khan at Ground Breaking Ceremony: rferl.org Kartarpur Sahib: indianexpress.com Binoculars: hindustantimes.com Sidhu Bajwa hug: indiatoday.in Punjab Assembly Resolution: tribuneindia.com Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat On 26th October, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena's party announced that it was withdrawing support to the government led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Within hours, the President removed Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister and appointed former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place. Wickremesinghe has decided to challenge this unceremonious removal by claiming that he cannot be removed without a floor test in the Parliament. This has led to a constitutional crisis in the island nation. Images: Maldives: thehindu.com Wickremesinghe, Sirisena and Rajapaksa: ft.lk China Ambassador with Rajapaksa: etthawitthi.com Speaker: newsfirst.lk SLFP leadership: dailymirror.lk UNP leadership: sundayobserver.lk Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Japan to attend the 13th India Japan bilateral annual summit. 6 new agreements were signed and 2 new announcements were made. We look at the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and the $75bn currency swap agreement that were discussed. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Russian President Vladimir Putin visited India to attend the 19th India - Russia bilateral annual summit in New Delhi. While multiple deals were signed during the summit, the S-400 deal garnered all the headlines. This episode looks at all the summit discussions and also analyze the overall direction in which the Indo-Russian ties are headed. ______________________________________________ Mohal Joshi and Kishor Narayan: India Rising Podcast and India's Foreign Policy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOQd7... ______________________________________________ Images: Modi & Putin: theweek.in India & Russia flags: sputniknews.com Kudankulam: indiawaterportal.org LNG Dahej: deshgujarat.com ISRO: businessworld.in INSTC: en.wikipedia.org S-400: en.wikipedia.org Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Maldives went to polls on Sunday, Sep 23 to choose its next President. Being a nascent democracy, these were its 3rd democratic Presidential elections. The incumbent President Abdulla Yameen was pitted against a joint opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. In an outcome that surprised most observers, the opposition candidate trumped the incumbent President and is all set to become the next President of the Republic of Maldives on November 17. In today’s episode we discuss the importance of Maldives in the South Asia region in general and in the Indian Ocean region in particular. And in the backdrop of the Presidential elections, we analyze its impact on India’s foreign policy. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat India and the US held their first 2 Plus 2 Dialogue in New Delhi on Sep 6. India was represented by Minister of External Affairs Smt Sushma Swaraj and Minister of Defense Smt Nirmala Sitharaman whereas the US was represented by Secretary of State Mr. Michael Pompeo and by Secretary of Defense Mr. James Mattis. This episode looks at the context in which this meeting was held, the issues and topics discussed and also analyzes the joint statement issued at the end of the meeting. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

India Rising: Strategic Affairs Conversations with Mohal and Kishor @mohaljoshi @veggiediplomat Turkey's currency Lira collapsed to all time lows recently triggering a wide spread collapse of currencies of emerging markets from around the world including the Indian Rupee. This episode looks at the strained US-Turkey relations causing the Turkish economic meltdown in addition to understanding the Indian Rupee's slide compared to the US Dollar. Cover tune: Hand In Hand by Nicolai Heidlas | https://www.nicolai-heidlas.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/