South Asia Chat

Episode 305: Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Tensions

The Afghanistan-Pakistan border, long defined by porous boundaries and competing national interests, has once again become a flashpoint for regional instability. In recent months, tensions have escalated over border management, cross-border conflict, and the broader geopolitical implications of the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. To discuss the evolving border tension and its context, Ms. Tanujja Dadlani, Research Analyst, ISAS, is in conversation with Dr. Zahid Shahab Ahmed, an honorary fellow at Deakin University, and a researcher specializing in peace and security across South Asia and the Middle East. His work explores how sectarianism and extremism shape domestic, regional, and global stability.

The Bookshelf: Toward a Free Economy: Swatantra and Opposition Politics in Democratic India

In this episode, we speak with Aditya Balasubramanian, author of Toward a Free Economy: Swatantra and Opposition Politics in Democratic India. The author is in conversation with Sandeep Bhardwaj, Visiting Research Fellow, ISAS.

Episode 304: Advancing India–China Climate Cooperation

This episode explores the evolving contours of India–China engagement in the climate and energy domain while both countries take steps towards normalising their relationship following the 2020 clashes at Galwan. As both countries undertake policies towards decarbonisation of their respective economies, cooperation in domains of trade, investment, technology and diplomacy can advance shared goals. To unpack this bilateral dynamic, Dr Karthik Nachiappan, Research Fellow, ISAS-NUS, is in conversation with Dr Constantino Xavier, Senior Fellow, and Dr Pooja Ramamurthi, Fellow, Centre for Social and Economic Progress, New Delhi. 

The Bookshelf: Shikwa-e-Hind: The Political Future of Indian Muslims

In this episode, we speak with Mujibur Rehman, author of Shikwa-e-Hind: The Political Future of Indian Muslims. The author is in conversation with Amit Ranjan, Research Fellow, ISAS.

Episode 303: Sri Lankan President Dissanayake's First Year in Office

Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake completes one year in office on 23 September 2025. President Dissanayake came to power in 2024 on a campaign of anti-corruption and system change towards a more equitable society. To provide an overview and analysis of President Dissanayake’s first year in office, ISAS Research Fellow, Dr Rajni Gamage is joined by Mr Mohamed Faslan, Lecturer at the Department of Political Science & Public Policy, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

Episode 302: Navigating a Fractured Landscape: Tariffs, Trade and Tensions

Trade wars, shifting alliances and economic uncertainty — the world is caught in the middle of it all. As the United States redraws the rules of global commerce, countries find themselves navigating a tricky balance between opportunity and pressure. How do the world and South Asia navigate this fractured landscape where trade as we know it is challenged and with it, at stake is, millions of jobs, industry and diplomacy ? In this quick episode, we speak to Mr Stephen Olson, Visiting Senior Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, to find out about this. 

Episode 301: Click to Crisis: How Nepal’s Social Media Ban Sparked a Political Revolution

Nepal has erupted into turmoil as the younger generation poured into the streets in protest of a sweeping social media ban. What began as a stand for digital freedom quickly morphed into a broader revolt against political corruption, economic malaise, and entrenched governance failures. With buildings aflame, dozens killed or injured, and the prime minister forced to resign, the army has stepped in to restore order. Nepal’s future hangs in a balance with questions to its legitimacy. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Ms. Devyani Chaturvedi, Research Analyst at ISAS, speaks with Dr Puspa Sharma, Visiting Senior Research Fellow at ISAS, to unpack the origin and implications of Nepal’s crisis for the state’s future.

Episode 300: India-China at a Crossroads: SCO Summit and Beyond

Recent weeks have seen renewed efforts by India and China to stabilise ties. The August visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to New Delhi, followed by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, has been marked by talks of partnership rather than rivalry, and steps towards reviving a framework for settling the long-standing boundary question. Yet serious differences remain, from China’s ties with Pakistan to emerging flashpoints such as water management and regional military developments. In this episode, Ms Kanika Kaur, Research Analyst at ISAS-NUS, is in conversation with Dr C. Raja Mohan, Visiting Research Professor at ISAS-NUS, to unpack India-China relations in the current geopolitical context and explore what lies ahead.

The Bookshelf: Understanding the India-China Border: The Enduring Threat of War in the High Himalayas

In this episode, we speak with Manoj Joshi, author of Understanding the India-China Border: The Enduring Threat of War in the High Himalayas. The author is in conversation with Ivan Lidarev, Visiting Research Fellow, ISAS.

Episode 299: Climate Finance on the Road to COP30

Climate finance is once again in the spotlight as the world looks ahead to COP30 in Brazil. This year has already seen some important developments in this space with the US departure from the Paris Agreement and decline in aid from developed countries. Negotiations have also moved forward with the Finance for Development conference in Sevilla and the UN climate meetings in Bonn. To make sense of the changing dynamics of the climate finance landscape Mr Saeeduddin Faridi, Research Analyst, ISAS, is in conversation with Ms Aarti Khosla, Founder and Director, Climate Trends. The episode delves into the upcoming COP30, the leadership dynamics, and the progress in India on the climate finance front.