A weekly podcast and a deep dive into the most pressing global issues through the lens of India and Russia. Two civilizational powers. The world’s largest democracy, India, and the world’s largest nation, Russia – like chess pieces navigating a shifting global board. Hosted by Runjhun Sharma, head of news at RT India, the show draws on her years of covering foreign policy from New Delhi, Moscow, and beyond.
Conversation with Anil Sooklal, South Africa’s High Commissioner to India
Anil Sooklal, South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, is the latest guest on ‘India, Russia and the World’, the weekly podcast hosted by Runjhun Sharma, Head of News-RT India. He underlines how the Gandhi-Mandela connection is the foundation of India and South Africa’s relationship, as India was the first country to raise its voice against Apartheid on a global level. Concerning South Africa’s filing of a genocide case against Israel with the ICJ, he says freedom fighters in South Africa and Palestine share a historical bond, so South Africa has a moral obligation to support the cause of Palestinian statehood.
Conversation with Pankaj Saran, the former Indian ambassador to Russia and member of India’s National Security Advisory Board
In the latest episode of India, Russia and the World, our weekly podcast, Runjhun Sharma speaks to Pankaj Saran, the former Indian ambassador to Russia and member of India’s National Security Advisory Board. Saran emphasizes that India’s ties with Russia are completely distinct from its ties with China and it’s essential for India to fortify its relationship with Russia and maintain its integrity. On Russia’s falling population, which is turning out to be a demographic problem, Saran says that Indian manpower can play a huge role in building Russia.
Conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
In this special episode of India, Russia and the World, Runjhun Sharma sits down with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The foreign minister compared Western pressure on Global South countries over their trade with Russia to “neocolonial methods,” noting that Moscow respects India’s position that its energy imports are dictated by national interests and market terms. Speaking ahead of his trip to New Delhi for the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, Lavrov said the group can play a significant role in shaping efforts to end hostilities in the Middle East. Lavrov described Russia-India ties as “impossible to destroy,” citing decades of cooperation in defense, technology, space, and now energy and manufacturing. “We started with Brahmos missiles, then Kalashnikov machine guns, and now it is also T-90 tanks being produced in India,” he said. He praised Modi as “one of the most vibrant leaders the world has ever seen,” focused on “achieving absolute sovereignty in all spheres, be it the economy, military defense, culture, and naturally, maintaining the civilizational heritage that India has like no other.”
Conversation with Shaurya Doval, investment banker, founder of India Foundation, son of India’s National Security Advisor
In the latest episode of India, Russia and the World, our weekly podcast, Runjhun Sharma speaks to Shaurya Doval, son of Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Advisor, and an investment banker and founder of India Foundation. According to Shaurya India’s support to Russia during difficult times has reinforced its image as a dependable and loyal partner. Speaking on the Hormuz tensions, he warns that any prolonged disruption could have serious consequences for India’s economy and, eventually, its domestic politics. He also argues that very few global economies today can match India’s scale and speed of growth.
Conversation with Zorawar Daulet Singh, strategic affairs expert
In the latest episode of India, Russia and the World, strategic affairs expert Zorawar Daulet Singh notes NATO’s hesitation to back the US in the Iran war, saying that if Washington had succeeded early, “they would have all joined like vultures into that conflict.” He also adds that Russia, India, China, and even Iran are emerging as key players in a new Eurasian balance that could act as stabilising forces shaping the next century.
Conversation with Nitin A. Gokhale, strategic analyst & founder of StratNewsGlobal.com
In the latest episode of India, Russia and the World, Nitin A. Gokhale, strategic analyst & founder of StratNewsGlobal.com, says that the US started the war in Iran without any objective and now can’t end it. He’s very clear that Iran has the upper hand in the negotiations and has immensely gained from the war, while the US has no gains to show. He also sheds light on President Trump deliberately making bizarre and unpredictable, but well-timed, comments to manipulate the stock markets.