A weekly podcast on key developments in South Asia.
| Title: | Episode 244: ‘Neighbourhood First’: Navigating India – Nepal Relations |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Professor S D Muni |
| Designation: | ISAS Honorary Fellow |
| Abstract: | 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. |
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| Date: | 15 May 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 243: The Climate Discourse in Indian Elections |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Navroz Dubash |
| Designation: | Adjunct Senior Research Fellow Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS |
| Abstract: | 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. |
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| Date: | 07 May 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 242: Infrastructure and Connectivity between China and Nepal |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Puspa Sharma |
| Designation: | Visiting Senior Research Fellow, ISAS |
| Abstract: | 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. |
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| Date: | 02 May 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 241: Development and Climate Change in the Himalayas |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Ambassador Tariq Karim |
| Designation: | Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow, ISAS |
| Abstract: | 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. |
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| Date: | 23 April 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 240: State of Democracy in Sri Lanka and Public Trust in Democratic Institutions |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Ms Bhavani Fonseka |
| Designation: | Researcher Centre for Policy Alternatives, Sri Lanka |
| Abstract: | 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. |
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| Date: | 17 April 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 239: India-Pakistan Trade Ties – Possible Revival? |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Prof C Raja Mohan |
| Designation: | Visiting Research Professor, ISAS |
| Abstract: | 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. |
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| Date: | 09 April 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 238: 13th WTO Ministerial Conference – Global Perspective |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Stephen Olson |
| Designation: | Senior Adjunct Fellow, Pacific Forum |
| Abstract: | The World Trade Organization's (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) was concluded on 2 March 2024. While progress was made on certain commitments by member states, consensus has not been achieved on certain key long-standing issues. In this episode, Dr Amitendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economics), ISAS, is in conversation with Stephen Olson, Senior Adjunct Fellow, Pacific Forum and Visiting Lecturer and Non-Resident Fellow at the Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance. They discuss the implications of the WTO MC13 from a global perspective, including the ongoing diversification of trade, the carbon border tax by the European Union, and the upcoming elections in the United States. |
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| Date: | 02 April 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 237: India in an Evolving Global Landscape |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr S Jaishankar |
| Designation: | India's Minister of External Affairs |
| Abstract: | In this episode, Dr Iqbal Singh Sevea, Director of ISAS, engages Dr S Jaishankar, India's Minister of External Affairs, on India’s priorities in its relations with the major powers such as the United States, China and Russia. Globally, while Dr Jaishankar advocates reforms in multilateralism and highlights the value of minilateralism and regionalism, he also reflects on India's efforts to ensure inclusivity in global agendas, particularly during its presidency of the G20, emphasising the importance of sustaining focus on the needs of the developing countries and the Global South. |
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| Date: | 26 March 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 236: Farmers’ Protest in India |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Mr Harish Damodaran |
| Designation: | National Rural Affairs and Agriculture Editor Indian Express |
| Abstract: | Farmer groups in India have been protesting in New Delhi to demand a legally backed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops. The government and farm leaders have gone through several rounds of discussions and negotiations but there has been no breakthrough. On 13 February farmer groups launched the “Delhi Chalo” march and for several weeks protesters in trucks and tractors were blocked from entering New Delhi by heavy security deployments within and outside the city. These protest have important economic and political implications and to unpack these Mr Saeeduddin Faridi, Research Analyst, ISAS, is in conversation with Mr Harish Damodaran, National Rural Affairs and Agriculture Editor, Indian Express. They discuss the demands of the protests, the political economy of the farming sector in India and what drives the government’s response to the protests. |
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| Date: | 18 March 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 235: Social Media and the Indian Elections |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Joyojeet Pal |
| Designation: | Associate Professor University of Michigan |
| Abstract: | Social media plays an increasingly important role in elections globally and is expected to be a key feature of the 2024 Indian elections. Campaigns on social media involve utilising the volatile nature of the medium and capitalising on communicating directly with voters. Dr Joyojeet Pal takes us through potential strategies that each party may use to connect with voters. He also explains the psyche behind certain posts and trends that may take shape over the election. Ms. Tanujja Dadlani, Research Analyst, ISAS, is in conversation with Dr Joyojeet Pal, Associate Professor, University of Michigan, to discuss the role of social media in the upcoming Indian elections. |
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| Date: | 13 March 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 234: 13th WTO Ministerial Conference Outcomes |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Ms R V Anuradha |
| Designation: | Partner Clarus Law Associates, New Delhi |
| Abstract: | World Trade Organization's (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) concluded on 2 March 2024 in Abu Dhabi. The declaration shows progress and commitment of the member states on issues like dispute reform and special and differential treatment (S&DT) provisions for developing and least developed countries (LDCs). However, consensus on long standing key issues continue to remain evasive. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Ms. Divya Murali, Research Associate, ISAS-NUS is in conversation with Ms R.V. Anuradha, Partner, Clarus Law Associates, New Delhi to understand the developments from MC13 and what it means for India and the developing countries. |
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| Date: | 05 March 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 233: Decoding the Indian Political Landscape Ahead of 2024 General Elections |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Ronojoy Sen |
| Designation: | Senior Research Fellow, ISAS |
| Abstract: | In this episode of South Asia Chat, Mr Raghaw Khattri, Research Analyst, ISAS, is in conversation with Dr Ronojoy Sen, Senior Research Fellow, and Research Lead of the Politics, Society and Governance cluster at ISAS, to discuss the political landscape in India ahead of the general elections. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion of the BJP winning 370 seats, the discussion probes the party's anticipated gains in specific regions and its challenges in South India. Analysis extends to the Congress' seat-sharing alliances in North India, exploring the potential impact of collaborations with the Samajwadi Party, Aam Aadmi Party, and others. The discussion also analyses the trend of opposition leaders joining the BJP and the risk of complacency in BJP’s bid for a third term. |
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| Date: | 29 February 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 232: Bhutan’s LDC Graduation |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Dil Bahadur Rahut |
| Designation: | Vice-Chair of Research Asian Development Bank Institute |
| Abstract: | Bhutan graduated from the United Nation’s List of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in December 2023, making it only the seventh country in the world to be able to do so. In this episode, Ms Ramita Iyer, Research Analyst, ISAS is in conversation with Dr Dil Bahadur Rahut, Vice-Chair of Research and Senior Research Fellow at the Asian Development Bank Institute. They discuss various aspects related to Bhutan’s developmental journey and given its recent LDC graduation, the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. |
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| Date: | 20 February 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 231: The Elections in Pakistan 2024 |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Zahid Shahab Ahmed |
| Designation: | Honorary Fellow Deakin University |
| Abstract: | Pakistan recently held its long awaited parliamentary elections which saw 44 political parties compete for 266 seats in the National Assembly. Over the course of the days following the elections, result have been flowing in and revealing a complicated political landscape in the country. To discuss the elections, its emerging results and the evolving political landscape, Dr Imran Ahmed, Research Fellow, ISAS, is in conversation with Dr Zahid Shahab Ahmed, Honorary Fellow, Deakin University and Non-resident Fellow, ISAS. |
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| Date: | 15 February 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 230: India Budget Analysis 2024 |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Mr Subhomoy Bhattacharjee |
| Designation: | Coordinator Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity |
| Abstract: | On 1 February 2024, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her sixth union budget. This interim budget, preceding India’s upcoming general elections, has continued focus on fiscal consolidation while lowering capital expenditure growth and drawing focus on women and youth-centric issues. To unpack the budget and understand its continuities and discontinuities, Mr Saeeduddin Faridi, Research Analyst, ISAS, is in conversation with Mr Subhomoy Bhattacharjee, Coordinator, Centre for Maritime Economy and Connectivity. They discuss how this budget stands different from past interim budgets, the significance of the fiscal deficit number and what the post-election budget may look like among other things. |
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| Date: | 06 February 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 229: Transformations of South Asian cities and Politics of Space in Sri Lanka |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Professor Nihal Perera |
| Designation: | Emeritus Professor Ball State University, USA |
| Abstract: | In 2024, South Asian countries face elections and numerous economic stressors. In this context, cities, which have been subject to rapid transformations over decades of development and political projects are an important site of observation in how these developments play out. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Professor Nihal Perera, Emeritus Professor of Urban Planning at Ball State University, USA, speaks to Dr Rajni Gamage, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore, on the transformation of cites in South Asia and the politics of space in Sri Lanka. |
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| Date: | 29 January 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 228: Strategic Outlook for South Asia in 2024 – Strategic Technologies |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Karthik Nachiappan |
| Designation: | Research Fellow, ISAS |
| Abstract: | The year 2024 brings with it more developments in strategic technologies, a key issue for countries across South Asia. From artificial intelligence to 5G data networks, states in the subcontinent, especially India, are strategising through multilateral and bilateral cooperation on initiatives like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology, to increase their imprint in the geopolitical technology arena. In this episode, Ms Tanujja Dadlani, Research Analyst, ISAS, is in conversation with Dr Karthik Nachiappan, Research Fellow, ISAS. They discuss India’s developments in Digital Public Infrastructure, its Digital Personal Data Protection Act, and how it is adapting to and countering the rise of other key players in the region such as China. |
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| Date: | 23 January 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 227: Strategic Outlook for South Asia in 2024 – Trade and Economics |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Amitendu Palit |
| Designation: | Senior Research Fellow, ISAS |
| Abstract: | South Asia is expected to grow between 5.2 and 5.6 per cent in 2024. In this episode, Ms Ramita Iyer, Research Analyst, ISAS discusses the trade and economic outlook for South Asia this year with Dr Amitendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economics), ISAS. They cover a range of economic issues, including the drivers of growth, size and type of investments, trade and connectivity, remittance flows and ways in which countries in the region can ensure their economic security going ahead. |
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| Date: | 19 January 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 226: Strategic Outlook for South Asia in 2024 – Politics and Governance Edition |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Ronojoy Sen |
| Designation: | Senior Research Fellow, ISAS |
| Abstract: | The year 2024 is a major election year in South Asia with countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India going to polls. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Mr Raghaw Khattri, Research Analyst, ISAS, is in conversation with Dr Ronojoy Sen, Senior Research Fellow, and Research Lead of the Politics, Society and Governance cluster at ISAS, to discuss South Asia’s strategic outlook for 2024. Dr Sen discusses the upcoming elections in South Asia and focuses on various domestic nuances in India, such as the impact of Ram Mandir on the election campaign of the Bharatiya Janata Party in India, the Modi factor, and the challenges of the INDIA alliance. |
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| Date: | 10 January 2024 |
| Title: | Episode 225: Strategic Outlook For South Asia in 2024 – Foreign Policy Edition |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Yogesh Joshi |
| Designation: | Research Fellow, ISAS |
| Abstract: | The year 2023 brought about significant geopolitical developments such as the onset of the Israel-Palestine conflict, continuation of Russia-Ukraine war and intensification of the Sino-US rivalry, all of which have had a significant impact on the international order and on South Asia. These geopolitical developments are likely to continue to drive foreign policies. Simultaneously, domestic developments such as India’s landing on the moon, hosting of the G20 and elections in Bhutan, Bangladesh and India will influence South Asia’s foreign policy outlook. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Ms. Devyani Chaturvedi, Research Analyst, ISAS, is in conversation with Dr Yogesh Joshi, Research Fellow, ISAS, to discuss South Asia’s strategic outlook for 2024. |
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| Date: | 05 January 2024 |
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