South Asia Chat

Episode 248: Decoding India’s Foreign Policy in Modi 3.0

In this episode, we delve into the foreign policy outlook of India in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term. Unlike previous terms, PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured 240 seats, falling 32 seats short of the majority mark of 272. This shift means Mr Modi will need to navigate coalition politics for the first time in his career. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Mr Raghaw Khattri, Research Analyst, ISAS, is in conversation with our distinguished guest, Professor C Raja Mohan, Visiting Research Professor at ISAS and Non-Resident Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute in New Delhi, to explore the implications of this new political dynamic on India's foreign policy. Professor Mohan, a prominent commentator on India's foreign policy, will provide insights into the potential continuities and changes in the coalition government's approach to international relations, engagement with major powers like China and the United States and strategies towards neighbouring countries and the Middle East.

Episode 247: Indian Elections 2024 - Insights and Analysis

In this special episode, we are joined by three distinguished experts - Dr Iqbal Sevea, Dr Ronojoy Sen, and Dr Neelanjan Sircar on the outcomes of the 2024 Indian elections. The conversation explores the major factors that influenced voter decisions, such as economic conditions and social dynamics. It examines the distinct strategies employed by the BJP and Congress, focusing on their campaign methodologies and key issues addressed. The discussion also highlights the significant role of regional parties and their influence on the overall election results. Finally, the episode considers the future political landscape of India, emphasising the importance of addressing economic and social issues comprehensively, the rise of regional parties, and the increasing role of digital media in political campaigns.

Episode 246: 20 Years of ISAS - A Special Episode and Visions for the Future

In this episode, Professor Tan Tai Yong reflects on the 20th anniversary of the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) and shares his vision for its future. Emphasising the critical role of South Asia on the global stage, he discusses its profound impact on regional dynamics, including the intricate relations between Singapore, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Professor Tan underscores ISAS's pivotal role in fostering deeper understanding and collaboration, highlighting the region's socio-economic potential and cultural richness as pivotal factors in shaping global affairs. He is in conversation with ISAS Director, Iqbal Singh Sevea.

Episode 245: 2024 General Elections In India So Far

As five phases of polling have concluded in the 2024 General Elections in India, we have seen a plethora of issues being talked about. From welfare and development to accusations of minority appeasement,  debates on caste census, wealth redistribution, inheritance tax, unemployment, and Hindutva, this election seems to lack a pan-India narrative, unlike the ones in 2014 and 2019. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Mr Raghaw Khattri, Research Analyst, ISAS, is in conversation with  Professor Sudha Pai, former Professor of Political Science at Jawaharlal Nehru University to discuss the nature of the election campaign and to look ahead.

Episode 244: ‘Neighbourhood First’: Navigating India - Nepal Relations

India’s relations with its Himalayan neighbour Nepal have seen intense diplomatic engagement under Prime Minister Narendra Modi since he initiated in August 2014 the  ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.  What have been the outcomes of this policy?  What are the issues that strain mutual ties?  What are Nepal’s domestic constraints which affect bilateral relations? What have been the effects of China’s attempts to expand its strategic footprint through its Belt and Road initiative?  In this episode, Dr Gyanesh Kudaisya, Associate Professor at ISAS, is joined by ISAS Honorary Fellow Professor S D Muni, who draws upon his recently published book, Dabbling in Diplomacy – Authorised & Otherwise: Recollections of a Non-Career Diplomat, to offer insights into these questions.

Episode 243: The Climate Discourse in Indian Elections

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events in India, a country amongst the most vulnerable to climate change, should send the alarm bells ringing. Natural disasters induced and aggravated by anthropogenic activities have significantly impacted lives and livelihoods across the country. How have political parties responded to this threat? Is climate change moving beyond the periphery of electoral interests? To answer some of these important questions, Mr Saeeduddin Faridi, Research Analyst, ISAS, is joined by Dr Navroz Dubash, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS.

Episode 242: Infrastructure and Connectivity between China and Nepal

Infrastructure and connectivity have emerged as critical domains of cooperation between China and Nepal. China is engaged in several infrastructure projects in Nepal including the development of hydropower projects, construction of roadways and the recently inaugurated international airport at Pokhra. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shreshtha recently visited China and infrastructure and connectivity featured significantly on the agenda. To discuss the important developments of this meeting and the broader landscape of Nepal-China ties, Mr Saeeduddin Faridi, Research Analyst, ISAS, is in conversation with Dr Puspa Sharma, Visiting Senior Research Fellow, ISAS.

Episode 241: Development and Climate Change in the Himalayas

The Himalayas, the world’s so called “third pole” are critical for life within and around the cold, mountainous region. They serve as a home for numerous communities and as the source of several water bodies that support large populations. The impact of climate change is very evident in the Himalayas. Melting glaciers are creating new lakes, rivers are flooding more frequently and more violently, urbanisation and deforestation are impacting the soil, and we are witnessing events like glacial-lake outbursts, which are likely to grow in frequency in the coming years. These problems are exacerbated with increasing economic development and infrastructure in the region. In this episode, Mr Saeeduddin Faridi, Research Analyst, ISAS, discusses with Ambassador Tariq Karim, Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow, ISAS, the tensions between the preservation of ecosystems and development policies in the Himalayan region.

Episode 240: State of Democracy in Sri Lanka and Public Trust in Democratic Institutions

The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has stated that a presidential election is likely to be held between September and October 2024. If held, these will be the first elections held since the 2022 mass people’s protests which caused the political leadership at the time to step down from power. There are multiple political groups and factions that are taking form in the lead up to elections. In addition, the government faces the uphill task of managing prevailing economic crisis conditions. In this episode, ISAS Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr Rajni Gamage talks to Ms Bhavani Fonseka, researcher and Attorney at Law in the Centre for Policy Alternatives, Sri Lanka, in an assessment of the state of democracy and levels of public trust in democratic institutions and processes in Sri Lanka.

Episode 239: India-Pakistan Trade Ties - Possible Revival?

Earlier this month, the Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar in one of his interactions in London stated that the Pakistani government is seriously examining resuming trade ties with India. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Ms Devyani Chaturvedi, Research Analyst, ISAS, is in conversation with Prof C Raja Mohan, Visiting Research Professor at ISAS, dwell on the history of Indo-Pak trade ties, domestic factors playing a role and critical actors driving the relationship.