EP-292 | India-Pakistan Tensions, Global Support, Risks and Strategy | Sushant Sareen & Ajay Bisaria
Ajay Bisaria, Distinguished Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), previously served as India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan. Sushant Sareen, also a Senior Fellow at ORF, an expert on Pakistan and security issues in the region.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the two discuss how India should respond to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. They talk about the importance of being precise and strategic if India decides to take military action against Pakistan.The conversation also explores how the world might react if tensions between the two countries increase. Will India and Pakistan get support from their allies? What role will global powers like the US, Russia, and China play?*Timestamps:* 00:00 – Introduction 00:40 – India’s Strategy Against Pakistan 08:50 – Pakistani Citizens' Views on India19:50 – Casualties in War33:11 – 'Dirty Work' of Terrorism45:55 – Pak Army Chief's Role in Pahalgam Attack54:40 – Pakistan’s ‘False Flag Operation’ Claim1:03:15 – Pakistanis living in Kashmir1:22:02 – Indus Water Treaty 1:32:28 – India-Pakistan Airspace Standoff 1:38:48 – Pakistani YT Channels Blocked
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1:49:53
EP-291 | Nepal Crisis, Monarchy Push, China Factor, India Ties & Youth Anger | Manjeev Singh Puri
Manjeev Singh Puri is a retired Indian diplomat from the 1982 batch of the Indian Foreign Service, with a distinguished career spanning over 36 years. He last served as India’s Ambassador to Nepal. Over the course of his career, he held key positions in India and abroad, representing the country at major multilateral organisations including the United Nations and the European Union.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Manjeev Singh Puri discusses Nepal’s shifting political landscape, including recent protests calling for the return of the monarchy and the ongoing debate over the future of democracy in the country.He also explores Nepal’s foreign relations, from China’s growing influence to its ties with the West and Pakistan, as well as the role of identity politics in fuelling unrest.Puri also highlights how Nepali politicians often use anti-India narratives and the “India card” to fuel nationalist sentiment and gain political advantage00:00 – Introduction02:23 – Pro-Monarchy Protests in Nepal06:57 – Democracy’s Crisis in Nepal14:22 – Identity Politics in Nepal18:45 – India-Nepal Relations26:06 – China’s Diplomacy in Nepal32:27 – Nepal's Foreign Policy34:35 – Pakistani Embassy Used for Spying38:45 – Roti-Beti Tradition46:59 – Monarchy's Return and Impact on India
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52:11
EP-290 | What Does Kashmir Want? Is Azadi Sentiment Still Alive? | Former Separatist Bilal Gani Lone
Bilal Lone is a former separatist and the elder son of Abdul Gani Lone, the Hurriyat Conference leader who founded the People’s Conference. Bilal was part of the Hurriyat Conference delegation that met Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani in Delhi in 2004. His younger brother, Sajjad Lone, is currently a member of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly. Bilal was aligned with the Mirwaiz faction of the Hurriyat when it split into two groups — the so-called moderates led by Mirwaiz and the hardliners led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Abdul Gani Lone states that the terrorists who attacked Pahalgam do not represent the mindset of all Kashmiris. He emphasises that the people of Kashmir want peace and do not want to be associated with radical elements.He also advocates for a war with Pakistan, urging that it should be settled once and for all, for the sake of all Kashmiris. Abdul Gani Lone also explains why he stopped visiting Pakistan and stepped away from separatist leadership, sharing the reasons that led to a change in his perspective.00:00 – Introduction01:55 – Normalcy in Kashmir06:07 – Local Support for Terrorists13:16 – Conflict Zone of Kashmir16:44 – Hurriyat's Ties with Pakistan19:59 – Extremism in Kashmir25:59 – Tourists Saved by Locals29:26 – Kashmir Leaders Unite33:19 – Indus Treaty on Hold39:45 – Kashmir's Tourism Industry Setback48:37 – Kashmiri Pandits' Exodus52:31 – PM Modi's Warning to Terrorists58:09 – BJP in Kashmir1:07:55 – AS Dulat's Book Row1:09:55 – Advani's Meeting with Hurriyat Leaders
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1:21:02
EP-289 | The Shocking Truth About Naxalism in Chhattisgarh | IPS Sundarraj Pattilingam Reveals All
Sundarraj Pattilingam is an Indian Police Service officer currently serving as the Inspector General (IG) of Bastar Range in Chhattisgarh. He is known for his leadership in operations against Maoist insurgents in the region.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sundarraj discusses how Naxalism is coming to an end in Chhattisgarh. He explains how the efforts of security forces and the administration are helping bring Maoists into the mainstream.He also shares some shocking tactics used by Maoists to target security forces and reveals the changing face of Bastar. He encourages people to visit the region, which is blessed with stunning scenic beauty, forests, waterfalls, wildlife, ancient temples, and vibrant tribal dances and music.00:00 – Introduction01:48 – Bastar as a Maoist bastion06:45 – Ideology of the Maoists10:45 – Posting in Bastar19:09 – Local recruitment in Bastar21:22 – Development in Bastar26:47 – Sacrifices made by jawans32:54 – 'Operation Kagar'35:39 – Naxal influence on villagers43:15 – Minors recruited by Naxals46:53 – Humanitarian handling of Naxal bodies52:37 – Tech use in Naxal-affected zones
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56:22
EP-288 | Pahalgam Terror Attack: How Pak-Backed Terrorists Planned it & Will India Respond
India has faced its worst terrorist attack on civilians since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. In Kashmir's Pahalgam, 27 innocent lives were lost and 15 others were injured in an attack backed by Pakistan. Terrorists opened fire at point-blank range, targeting innocent tourists. Four terrorists stormed the popular tourist location, creating chaos for 20 minutes. Will India respond to this attack? What will be New Delhi’s reaction?In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey (Retd), former Commander of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps. He explains why terrorists chose Pahalgam to attack civilians, what message Pakistan intends to send to India and Kashmir, and whether the terrorists had local support.Pandey also discusses whether there could be more attacks like the one in Pahalgam and blames Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir for orchestrating these attacks, calling him the "Kingpin" behind them.00:00 – Introduction01:00 – Intel failure behind the attack03:33 – Pakistan’s message to Kashmiris05:20 – 'Asim Munir behind the attack'08:11 – Why only tourists were targeted13:54 – Gulmarg fashion show controversy15:20 – Who tipped the terrorists off17:55 – Why women and children were spared21:20 – Rising tourism in Kashmir24:55 – What Kashmiris think of the terror attack28:22 – India vs Pakistan: Leadership compared30:40 – India’s response to the attack33:17 – Casualties in the war34:57 – ISI’s propaganda36:30 – Consequences of war38:42 – 'Pakistan wants a war'43:16 – Civilian, military, and intel coordination46:33 – Why the terrorist said “Tell Modi”50:32 – NC & PDP’s stance on the attack53:56 – A message for Indians
ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash gets eminent people from different walks of life to talk about issues that impact you and society at large. Join Smita Prakash as she brings important voices from the field of politics, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. Dive in for a great listening experience brought to you by India’s largest news agency.
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