Pankaj Saran is a well-known figure in Indian diplomacy, having served as Ambassador to Russia and Bangladesh, Deputy National Security Adviser, and in the PMO under Dr Manmohan Singh. He has also been posted at the Indian mission in Washington, D.C.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he talks about Trump’s tariffs on India. He explains how India can protect its interests and sovereignty. He shares his views on the Russia–Ukraine war and the chances of a ceasefire. Ambassador speaks about attacks on Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh. He also talks about the future of democracy in Dhaka. Furthermore, He explains the role of the NSA and Deputy NSA in the matter of National Security.

Audio Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

00:46 – Trump–Putin Alaska Meet

07:19 – Why Russia–Ukraine Ceasefire Matters to Trump

09:02 – Future of Indo–US Friendship

11:27 – Why India Matters to Europe

13:12 – How India Should Deal with Trump

16:08 – India & America’s War Policy

21:02 – Why Target India Over Russian Oil?

26:49 – Munir’s Nuke Threat to India from the US

35:10 – US Growing Closer to Pakistan

42:13 – China’s Stance on Munir’s US Trips

46:08 – Russia–India Ties

50:36 – Where Does the Quad Stand?

57:11 – Hasina’s Exit & the Bangladesh Crisis

01:04:38 – Undoing Hasina’s Pakistan Policy

01:06:22 – Life as Ambassador vs Deputy NSA

01:07:57 – Diplomats in the US vs India

01:09:54 – Ajit Doval & Brijesh Mishra as NSAs

01:12:24 – Do NSAs Disagree with the PM?

01:14:07 – 26/11’s Impact on Manmohan Singh

01:18:12 – Why 26/11 Didn’t Change India’s Security Stance

01:23:13 – PM–NSA Chemistry and Its Impact