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In Our Defence
India Today Podcasts
152 episodes
1 week ago
There are boundary disputes and then there are outright wars. Hot and cold. Diplomatic and military. This podcast will dissect all that’s mean and subtle about the defence of our nations. A weekly podcast where our host Dev Goswami is joined by one veteran from the world of defence, to discuss their lives, their careers, and their views on defence policy issues.
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All content for In Our Defence is the property of India Today Podcasts and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
There are boundary disputes and then there are outright wars. Hot and cold. Diplomatic and military. This podcast will dissect all that’s mean and subtle about the defence of our nations. A weekly podcast where our host Dev Goswami is joined by one veteran from the world of defence, to discuss their lives, their careers, and their views on defence policy issues.
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Government
Episodes (20/152)
In Our Defence
Iran-Israel conflict: How we got here and the Pakistan angle | Ft. Sandeep Unnithan| IOD S3 Ep 11
The Middle East is on fire. Again. What began as Israel's retaliation against Hamas after the October 7 attacks has now exploded into a multi-front conflict involving Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and now Iran. In this episode of In Our Defence, veteran journalist and national security expert Sandeep Unnithan joins host Dev Goswami to break down how the war escalated so dramatical, and what it means for the region and the world.

The two look at Iran's underestimated military, its dual-army structure, and the massive blow dealt to its leadership in just the first week of fighting. Why does Israel seem so unbending, even at the cost of global condemnation and regional chaos? And could any of this be happening without backing from the US?

Dev and Sandeep also explore the philosophical irony behind Western nations - especially the US - dictating nuclear rules to countries like Iran, even as they maintain massive arsenals themselves. Is this another chapter in global double standards?

And finally, the two unpack a surprising development: Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir's meeting with Donald Trump during his US visit. Could this signal a renewed American effort to position Pakistan as a behind-the-scenes player in the Israel-Iran war?

Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti
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1 week ago
34 minutes

In Our Defence
Red Terror or Dead Terror | Ft. Sandeep Unnithan | IOD S3 Ep 10
Inside India’s Fight Against Naxalism | Is This the End of Red Terror? | Ft. Sandeep Unnithan 

In this deep-dive episode of In Our Defence, veteran defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan joins host Dev Goswami to unpack India’s decades-long battle with Left Wing Extremism (LWE) — often called Naxalism or Red Terror — and the recent decisive push to eradicate it by March 2026.

Dev and Sandeep explore the evolution of the Naxal movement from its origins in Naxalbari in 1967 to its spread across India’s infamous “Red Corridor”, and the multi-pronged strategy that has brought the insurgency to its lowest levels in decades.

Key topics include:

The historic neutralisation of CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Basavaraju in Operation Black Forest

The spike in encounters and surrenders in 2024–25

Why counter-insurgency in jungles is as deadly — and complex — as high-tech border warfare.

Why the Indian Army was never deployed against Naxals — and what could have happened if they had.

The role of urban intellectual support in sustaining the movement — and why that’s now faded.

This episode is an eye-opening look at one of India’s longest-running internal conflicts, now seemingly entering its final phase. Tune in.

Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti
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2 weeks ago
58 minutes

In Our Defence
Inside Ukraine’s Wild Drone Strike on Russia | Ft. Sandeep Unnithan | IOD S3 Ep 9
In this episode of In Our Defence, veteran defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan joins host Dev Goswami to break down Ukraine’s daring drone strike deep inside Russian territory — an operation that has stunned the world.

Using covertly disguised container trucks and remotely launched drones, Ukraine struck key Russian airbases housing Tu-95 bombers and A-50 AWACS, marking a significant escalation in the four-year-old war.

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Aman Pal
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3 weeks ago
55 minutes

In Our Defence
AMCA Explained: How India Plans to Build Its Own Stealth Fighter | Ft. Sandeep Unnithan | IOD S3 Ep 8
India’s next-gen stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), just got a massive push from the government with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh clearing an execution model for the jet’s design and development. 

On this episode of In Our Defence, veteran defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan breaks down what this means for the future of Indian airpower, how private players like Tata and L&T could shape the aircraft production ecosystem, and what role the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is likely to play. 

Sandeep also decodes the different generations of fighter aircraft, detailing what makes a fifth-generation jet stand out from the current crop of Indian Air Force jets such as the Rafales, Tejas, Sukhois and Mirages, among others.

The episode also features a discussion on India’s attempts to develop its own fighter jet engine and how that quest -- unsuccessful so far -- becomes all the more important for the AMCA. 

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Rohan Bharti
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1 month ago
58 minutes

In Our Defence
Operation Sindoor Breakdown: India’s Air Defence Tactics and the Escalation Ladder Ft. Sandeep Unnithan| IOD S3 Ep 7
In this episode, veteran defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan joins host Dev Goswami to decode Operation Sindoor — India's response to Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Sandeep and Dev dive deep into how India’s layered air defence network, including the IACCS (Integrated Air Command and Control System), played a pivotal role in thwarting Pakistani aerial threats. What was the X factor that gave India the edge? Was the much-talked-about S-400 system deployed? What was sitaution like in the commmand and control centre?

The two also explore the escalation ladder — a concept from military theory — and how India used it both during the days of fighting of Operation Sindoor and more broadly to counter Pakistan’s nuclear posturing. Why is this theory studied so deeply in strategic circles? And how does it play out in real-time decision-making?

Sandeep and Dev also look at the Indian Navy's posturing during the conflict as well as the roles played by the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. And as a final thought, the two discuss Pakistan's Kirana Hills and the speculation that the nuclear weapons storage site may have been hit during the operation.

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Suraj Singh
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1 month ago
1 hour 8 minutes

In Our Defence
Retired Soldier Explains the Difference Between Lashkar, Jaish and Hizbul Terrorists | IOD S3 E6
In this gripping episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami sits down with Major LS Chaudhary (Retd.) to explore the reality of counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, and the rigorous training life at the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Military Academy (IMA). From close-quarters combat against Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists to the psychological toll of surviving a life-altering injury, Major Chaudhary gives a rare, first-person account of what it truly means to serve in a conflict zone.

The episode also focuses on the reality of counter-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, and what people usually get wrong about such operations.

Finally, the episode dives deep into the discipline, myths, and unfiltered truths of military training—the relationship between cadets and drill ustaads, the secret rule-breaking, iconic NDA/IMA moments, and the real story of actor Hrithik Roshan being corrected on set by a drill instructor during the filming of Lakshya.

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Aman Pal
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1 month ago
1 hour 21 minutes

In Our Defence
How Does Military Intelligence Work? | Pahalgam Attack Aftermath | IOD S3 Ep 5
In this episode of 'In Our Defence', Dev Goswami talks to Major Manik M Jolly about his time in military intelligence, how to gather information after a major terrorist attack like Pahalgam, and how accurate is the "intelligence failure" question that is being asked.

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Suraj Singh
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2 months ago
55 minutes

In Our Defence
Kashmiri Exodus to Leadership in the Indian Navy Ft. Commander Naveen Pandita | IOD, S03, Ep 4
In the latest episode of In Our Defence, Commander Naveen Pandita (Retd.) joins host Dev Goswami for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation that spans the valleys of Kashmir to the decks of warships and the skies above the sea.

Born in the Kashmir Valley, Commander Pandita reflects on his early childhood battling a life-threatening illness, the harrowing memory of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus of 1990, his journey through the prestigious RIMC and NDA, and finally life in the Indian Navy. As a Naval Aviator and warship commander, he shares rare insights into life in uniform - from flying reconnaissance missions in the Dornier 228 and the iconic IL-38 Sea Dragon to leading air squadrons and captaining INS Agray.

Commander Pandita recounts tales from NDA, close calls while flying, and leadership lessons learned over 15 transfers in 21 years. Tune in!
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2 months ago
1 hour 20 minutes

In Our Defence
Real life stories from a soldier serving in Siachen | Maj Gen Sudhakar Jee | IOD, S03, Ep 3
What does it take to lead soldiers in the world's harshest battlefield? In this episode of In Our Defence, Major General Sudhakar Jee (Retd.) shares powerful lessons in leadership drawn from his deployments in Siachen and along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) against China.

Through gripping personal anecdotes, General Jee takes host Dev Goswami through what it means to command troops in freezing altitudes, under constant threat, and in terrain that tests not just physical endurance but mental clarity. We explore the burden of leadership in high-stakes environments, how officers manage their men in the face of danger, and what India's military posture along the LAC reveals about evolving strategic priorities with respect to the border standoff with China. Tune in!

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Aman Pal
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2 months ago
1 hour 40 minutes

In Our Defence
Kashmir through the eyes of a soldier Ft. Maj Gen Sanjay Soi (retd) | IOD, S03, Ep 2
On this episode of In Our Defence, Major General Sanjay Soi (retired) joins host Dev Goswami as he recounts his time serving in Jammu and Kashmir. From his first posting and the experience of facing enemy fire to counter-insurgency operations in the Kashmir Valley, Maj Gen Soi shares several anecdotes and insights from his experience serving in the state. The retired officers also shares his perspective on the recent developments in the Jammu and Kashmir, especially the rise in violence seen in the Jammu region and the funnelling in of weapons that the United States left behind during its withdrawal from Afghanistan. This and more on the latest episode of In Our Defence. Tune in!

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Suraj Singh
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3 months ago
54 minutes

In Our Defence
Army's Famed Gorkhas and Tales of their Valour Ft. Major Manik M Jolly | IOD, S03, Ep 1
In this episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami sits down with Major Manik M Jolly, a former Indian Army officer who served in the Gorkha regiment before moving to Military Intelligence. From humorous anecdotes about cultural misunderstandings to deeply emotional experiences of delivering the body of a fallen soldier, Major Jolly shares his journey of leadership, courage, and cultural integration within the Indian Army. Tune in to hear fascinating insights about what makes the Gorkhas such legendary soldiers and the realities of commanding men in combat.

Tune in!

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Suraj Singh
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3 months ago
48 minutes

In Our Defence
Tejas Delays: Can HAL deliver & what's the future for Indian Air Force's fighters? | IOD, S02, Ep 58
With deliveries of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet delayed by nearly a year, big questions remains on what it will take to plug the Indian Air Force's fighter jet shortfall. What will it take for the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to get the Tejas production line up and running at the speed that the Indian Air Force requires? Is the entry of the private sector to help boost the production of the indigenous fighter jet all but a given now? Also, is there serious thought being put to figuring a roadmap to ensure that the Air Force is never faced with such a capability and technology gap?

Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor discuss and analyse these questions as they bring the second season of In Our Defence to a close. The two talk about how the Tejas project is just right on the horizon but not quite there yet and how this is going to be the proverbial do-or-die moment of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The two also look at some of the tough decisions that military planners in the government will be faced with as they attempt to figure out a roadmap for the Indian Air Force's future fighter jet inductions.

Tune in as Dev and Shiv break down a topic that became the top focus over the courwse of In Our Defence's Season 2.

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Rohan Bharti
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3 months ago
53 minutes

In Our Defence
HAL's bittersweet Aero India: A Yashas trainer surprise and a Tejas dressing down | Iod, S02, Ep 57
This episode delves into the bittersweet story of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's efforts to develop and build an intermediate trainer jet for the Indian Air Force. This is a project that faced multiple delays, technical issues and questions over safety. It is a project that was nearly written off and considered by many to have been shelved.

However, the determined team at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited had other plans. On this episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor explore the story of Project Sitara, which given a grand showcase at the recent Aero India show in its new avatar - Hindustan Trainer Jet Yashas.

Also featured in the discussion between the two is another moment from Aero India, which coincidently took place right in the cockpit of the HAL Yashas placed on display at the show. This is the Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh's sharp remarks for HAL officials over the delay in the deliveries of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet.

What was behind the IAF chief's public outburst? Dev and Shiv explore and this and more on the latest episode of In Our Defence.

Produced by Prateek Lidhoo

Sound mix by Rohan Bharti
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4 months ago
1 hour 3 minutes

In Our Defence
Trump-Modi call and US push to buy American: What's behind the defence sales push?| IOD, S02, Ep 55
A single line in the White House readout of President Donald Trump's call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised eyebrows-the President emphasized the importance of India increasing its procurement of American-made security equipment. But why was this message made so explicit? What exactly is Trump pushing India to buy, and where is this pressure coming from?

In this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor dive into the evolution of India-US defense ties, from past sanctions to multi-billion-dollar deals, and examine the key American defense platforms India has already acquired. The two also discuss potential purchases that could be on the table under Trump's push, including fighter jets, drones, and missile defense systems. Finally, the two explore India's strategic options -- how can New Delhi balance growing ties with Washington while maintaining its commitment to self-reliance and Make in India?

Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound Mix by Rohan Bharti
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5 months ago
47 minutes

In Our Defence
Pinaka Success Story: Why Indian Army is in love with this rocket system| IOD, S02, Ep 54
In this episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor dive into the remarkable success story of the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system—an outlier in India's indigenous weapons development journey. Despite challenges that have plagued many homegrown defense projects, Pinaka stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when the armed forces, scientists, and private industry come together with a shared vision.

The two explore how the Indian Army’s unwavering support for the system, from its inception in the late 1980s to its present-day deployments, played a pivotal role in its success. Unlike other indigenous projects that struggled for acceptance, the Army threw its weight behind Pinaka from day one, ensuring the project’s progress with consistent orders and operational confidence.

The episode also shines a light on the groundbreaking public-private partnership that powers the Pinaka system. The collaboration between DRDO, Tata Advanced Systems, and Larsen & Toubro has delivered a system that rivals international counterparts, offering rapid-fire capabilities, versatility in terrain, and a range of cutting-edge features.

Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound Mix by Suraj Singh
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5 months ago
48 minutes

In Our Defence
India scoring BrahMos export orders. But what took so long? | IOD, S02, Ep 53
Have you ever wondered why it took India nearly two decades to start exporting the excellent BrahMos missile system, despite its induction into the Indian military in the mid-2000s? What were the reasons behind this delay, and how has India now finally started to capitalize on the export potential of this advanced missile system?

The BrahMos missile is a game-changer in the world of defense technology, with its medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile capabilities making it an attractive option for countries looking to enhance their defense systems. But what makes it so special, and why are countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam lining up to get their hands on it?

Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor discuss this and more as they uncover the ugly truths of India’s efforts to export the BrahMos.

Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound Mix by Nitin Rawat
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5 months ago
57 minutes

In Our Defence
A Dhruv crash & an Air Force chief's Tejas lament: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in focus| IOD, S02, Ep 52
The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited - India's premier aerospace manufacturing company - is in focus this week due to factors some argue are beyond its control. A fatal crash of a Dhruv Mk III Advanced Light Helicopter has led to a fleet wide grounding across all the services that operate it. And, in an unrelated development, the Indian Air Force expressed frustration with the delays in the deliveries of the Tejas fighter jet. Both the machines in question are the crown jewels of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's efforts design, develop and build indigenous aircraft for India's military.

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited plays an outsized role in India's military aviation and the two developments have once again put the spotlight on the government-owned behemoth's ability to deliver quality on time. And so, on this episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor take a close look at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and all that's wrong - and also what's right - with the organisation.

The two explore what the HAL needs to do to in order to shrug off its bureaucratic past and move into the competitive future where its position as India's sole supplier of military aviation equipment is at threat.

Dev and Shiv also take a particular close look as Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh's recent lament of not getting the Tejas fighter jets on time. The Air Force chief unusually strong comments raised a few eyebrows. What's behind the sentiment?

Tune in for this and more to the latest episode of In Our Defence.

Tune in to our previous episode on HAL here: https://indiatoday.link/NKw4

Produced by Garvit Srivastava

Sound Mix by Nitin Rawat
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5 months ago
1 hour 3 minutes

In Our Defence
Can a new committee solve Indian Air Force's fighter jet shortage problems? | In Our Defence, S02, Ep 51
A video showcasing a new Chinese stealth fighter jet, suspected to be a 6th-generation machine, has taken social media by storm.

The timing couldn’t be more striking. As this footage goes viral, India grapples with a stark contrast. The country has yet to field a stealth fighter jet, and the Defence Ministry has just formed a high-level committee to address critical gaps, including a severe shortage of fighter jets, weapons, and equipment, in the Indian Air Force’s arsenal, TOI reported.

The video went viral shortly after this episode’s recording.

The committee, featuring DRDO chief Samir V Kamat, defence production secretary Sanjeev Kumar, and IAF deputy chief Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, aims to chart a path forward.

But is this the game-changer the IAF desperately needs? Can the committee offer immediate solutions to the fighter jet shortage? Will it deliver a long-term roadmap for the IAF’s capability development, or is this another bureaucratic exercise with no tangible outcomes?

With just 36 Rafale jets inducted so far and a 110-jet acquisition proposal still unresolved, how will the IAF bridge its glaring “capability voids”? And what role will indigenous production play in addressing these gaps?

Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor address these pressing questions.

Tune in!

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Nitin Rawat
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6 months ago
51 minutes

In Our Defence
Russia’s Su-57 ‘Googly’: A Strategic Opportunity or a Risky Distraction for India? | In Our Defence, S02, Ep 50
What fifth-generation fighter jet should India invest in—the Russian Su-57 or the American F-35? This question has taken centre stage following a calculated pitch by Russian state media, spearheaded by Sputnik, touting the Su-57 as a ‘superior option’ for India. But is this merely a tactical move, or does it hold real strategic merit?

The timing of Russia's push is quite interesting too. President Vladimir Putin is slated to visit New Delhi in early 2025 for the 23rd annual India-Russia bilateral summit. Against this backdrop, the Sputnik India tweets have reignited debate over India’s potential acquisition of a fifth-generation fighter jet. It presented the Su-57 as an attractive alternative to the F-35 and an essential complement to India’s "Make in India" initiative. But is this a sincere offer or a cleverly crafted gambit?

The pitch also comes when India is grappling with delays in its domestic fighter programs, such as the Tejas Mark 1A and the ambitious AMCA, which remain in the prototype stage. These setbacks create a fertile ground for foreign lobbying, but should India let its long-term vision for indigenous defence manufacturing take a backseat?

On this episode of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor analyse Russia’s ‘googly’ pitch for the Su-57. How would acquiring this jet impact India’s indigenous AMCA project? Given its current defense strategy, how realistic is the prospect of India considering the Su-57—or even the F-35?

Tune in!

Binge our earlier episodes on fighter jets here:

Military Equipment To Conflicts: How India-Russia Friendship Has Endured Ups & Downs: https://podcasts.indiatoday.in...&-history/in-our-defence/military-equipment-to-conflicts-how-india-russia-friendship-has-endured-ups-downs-in-our-defence-s02-ep-30-1047333-2024-07-11

Why Indian Air Force is in hunt for fighter jets all over again: https://podcasts.indiatoday.in...&-history/in-our-defence/why-indian-air-force-is-in-hunt-for-fighter-jets-all-over-again-in-our-defence-s02-ep-45-1117371-2024-11-08

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi
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6 months ago
52 minutes

In Our Defence
Indian Navy submarine hits fishing boat: Exploring anatomy of sea collisions | In Our Defence, S02, Ep 49
Off the coast of Goa, a tragic collision between the Indian Navy submarine INS Karanj and a fishing boat left two fishermen dead, while 11 others survived. The crash caused ₹10 crore worth of damage to the submarine, and the fallout has raised some big questions.

In this episode of In Our Defence, Dev Goswami and Shiv Aroor deeply dive into this incident. They break down how collisions like these happen and why they’re so hard to avoid. The submarine was at periscope depth, recharging its batteries, and visibility was poor—so what went wrong? Why did the Navy file an FIR against the fishing boat's captain? What was so surprising about the FIR’s contents that left Shiv perplexed?

Who should really take the blame? They also discuss what happens after a crash—how investigations work, the immediate steps taken to ensure everyone’s safety, and what this means for avoiding future incidents. Along the way, Shiv and Dev bring in historical examples to help explain how tricky navigation can be at sea.

Tune in!

Produced by Anna Priyadarshini

Sound mix by Sachin Dwivedi

Catch our previous episodes on Indian Navy here:

https://podcasts.indiatoday.in/politics-&-history/in-our-defence/deep-dive-on-indias-nuclear-submarines-and-why-ssns-are-need-of-the-hour-in-our-defence-s02-ep-22-997259-2024-05-02

https://podcasts.indiatoday.in/politics-&-history/in-our-defence/nuclear-powered-attack-submarines-cleared-how-these-sharks-will-give-indian-navy-new-teeth-1107759-2024-10-17
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6 months ago
56 minutes

In Our Defence
There are boundary disputes and then there are outright wars. Hot and cold. Diplomatic and military. This podcast will dissect all that’s mean and subtle about the defence of our nations. A weekly podcast where our host Dev Goswami is joined by one veteran from the world of defence, to discuss their lives, their careers, and their views on defence policy issues.