In this episode of Interpreting India, host Nidhi Singh is joined by Sayash Kapoor, co-author of AI Snake Oil, to unpack the myths, misconceptions, and exaggerated expectations around artificial intelligence. Kapoor challenges the dominant narratives of both utopian and dystopian AI futures and advocates instead for a more grounded perspective, viewing AI as a “normal technology,” akin to electricity or the internet, whose impact will unfold gradually over decades. Through a wide-ranging conversation, the episode examines the limitations of benchmark-based evaluation, the dangers of speculative AI policy, and the need for domain experts in shaping meaningful governance frameworks.

In this episode of Interpreting India, host Shruti Mittal is joined by Kailash Nadh, chief technology officer of Zerodha and co-founder of FOSS United, to provide a technologist’s perspective on one of the most consequential debates shaping the future of artificial intelligence: the open versus closed source AI debate. Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving AI landscape, this conversation examines risks, rewards, and the strategic implications of open-source AI for India.

In this episode of Interpreting India, host Saheb Singh Chadha is joined by Aadil Brar, reporter at TaiwanPlus News and contributor to "Views from Taipei", to examine China’s evolving strategy across its contested borders. What connects China’s actions across these frontiers? How is it creating a new military normal around Taiwan? And has its assertiveness resulted in negative consequences for itself? This is the third and final episode in our special Interpreting China series, based on Views from Taipei, a collection of essays by young Indian scholars on China. Aadil’s essay, "From Land Border to the High Seas: Beijing Signaling at India, Taiwan, and the Philippines," provides the foundation for this wide-ranging conversation.

In this episode of Interpreting India, host Saheb Singh Chadha is joined by Suyash Desai, nonresident fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, to explore the transformation and challenges facing China’s military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Over the past decade, the PLA has seen rapid changes under Xi Jinping, from sweeping structural reforms to new mobilization and training strategies. But how ready is it really for a conflict over Taiwan? And what do these changes mean for India? This is the second episode in our special three-part Interpreting China series, based on Views From Taipei, a collection of essays by young Indian scholars on China. Suyash’s essay, The People’s Liberation Army in the 2020s: Buoyed by Reforms, Limited by Roadblocks, serves as the foundation for this wide-ranging conversation.

In this episode of Interpreting India, host Saheb Singh Chadha is joined by Amit Kumar, staff research analyst at the Takshashila Institution, to explore the structural imbalances in China’s economy and what they mean for the world. The conversation delves into three major dilemmas facing the Chinese economy—fiscal stimulus, property sector instability, and domestic consumption rebalancing. Together, they examine how these economic dynamics impact China’s foreign policy, foreign economic relations and China’s outreach to countries like India. India–China economic relations are also discussed. Amit Kumar is a contributor to the Views From Taipei compendium published by Carnegie India in May 2025. He is the author of the essay titled The Pulls and Pushes Within the Chinese Economy.

In this episode of Interpreting India, host Tejas Bharadwaj speaks with Victoria Samson, chief director for space security and stability at the Secure World Foundation, about emerging challenges and opportunities in space security. As countries ramp up efforts to protect space-based assets from cyber threats, anti-satellite weapons, and other risks, the episode explores the strategic, technological, and diplomatic dimensions of space cooperation. How do bilateral and multilateral initiatives advance shared security goals in an increasingly contested space environment? Beyond the progress of the last few years, what other opportunities exist for India and the U.S. to collaborate on space security?

In this episode of Interpreting India, Lt Gen P. R. Shankar (Retd.) joins host Saheb Singh Chadha to unpack the state of India’s defense industry. While India has made gains in modernizing its military and expanding domestic defense production, challenges persist, for example, in research and development, and procurement. Gen. Shankar also provided recommendations that would allow India to reduce its imports, diversify dependence, and export indigenous systems.

In this episode of Interpreting India, Shatakratu Sahu engages with Anirudh Suri, a non-resident scholar at Carnegie India, to discuss the gaps in India’s AI ecosystem. They explore India’s National AI Mission, which prioritizes compute infrastructure and can build focus on talent, data, and research and development (R&D). The conversation highlights why these three elements are crucial to India's AI ambitions and how the country can build a globally competitive AI ecosystem.

In this episode of Interpreting India, Konark Bhandari engages with Peter Harrell, non-resident fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, to discuss the implications of U.S. trade policy under President Trump’s second term. They examine potential universal and reciprocal tariffs, the U.S.-India trade dynamic, and India's role in addressing Chinese overcapacity. The conversation explores how India's recent tariff reforms and EV policy efforts may factor into negotiations with the Trump White House.

In this episode of Interpreting India, host Vrinda Sahai engages in a comprehensive discussion with Arun K. Singh on the evolving India-U.S. relationship under Donald Trump's second term as president. The conversation delves into key developments during Trump's first term, including challenges like trade disputes and immigration issues, and successes such as the revival of the Quad, defense partnerships, and technology cooperation. As Trump 2.0 begins, how can India navigate a complex geopolitical landscape shaped by U.S.-China competition, the Quad framework, and India's own strategic priorities?

In this episode of Interpreting India, host Saheb Singh Chadha engages in an in-depth conversation with Gaddam Dharmendra, a nonresident senior fellow at Carnegie India, on the evolving dynamics in Syria following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. They explore the implications of this political transition on Syria's domestic politics, regional players like Iran, Turkey, and Israel, and global powers including Russia, China, and the United States. The discussion also touches upon India’s strategic interests in Syria and the broader region as it navigates a rapidly changing West Asian geopolitical landscape.

In this episode of Interpreting India, host Rudra Chaudhuri engages in an in-depth conversation with former Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale and Ambassador D. B. Venkatesh Varma on India’s evolving diplomatic landscape amid complex global shifts. They discuss recent developments in India-China relations, including limited re-engagement efforts along the border following the BRICS Summit. The conversation also covers India’s diplomatic positioning in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its expanding partnership with the United States, especially as the U.S. gears up for upcoming elections. Our guests offer insights into India’s approach to multipolarity, its relationship with China, and the importance of building stronger partnerships with other global powers.

In this episode of Interpreting India, Tejas Bharadwaj sits down with Jatan Mehta, an independent space writer and author of the popular blog Moon Monday, to explore India's lunar exploration strategy in the context of growing global interest in the moon. The discussion covers the history of India's lunar missions, the scientific and strategic significance of lunar exploration, and how international partnerships are shaping the future of lunar exploration. The conversation also dives into India's participation in global programs like the Artemis Accords and its collaboration with other space-faring nations like Japan and the United States.

In this episode of "Interpreting India," Rudra Chaudhuri is joined by Arun K. Singh, former Indian Ambassador to the United States, to explore the evolving India-U.S. relationship under the Modi-Biden era. The discussion highlights significant advancements in defense, technology, and diplomatic engagements, set against the backdrop of global geopolitical shifts. Singh offers insights into how both nations navigate their strategic interests in an increasingly complex international arena, emphasizing key initiatives and collaborations.

In this episode of Interpreting India, Shibani Mehta is joined by Janka Oertel, director of the Asia Program at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), to discuss the rapidly evolving relationship between Europe and China. The conversation delves into how China’s assertive policies and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war have shaped Europe’s approach towards de-risking its economic ties with China. Oertel provides insights into the shifting geopolitical and economic strategies within Europe, the complexities of maintaining unity among European countries, and the challenges posed by China’s growing influence in sectors like technology, energy, and industrial supply chains.

In this episode of Interpreting India, Shibani Mehta is joined by Helena Legarda, lead analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS) to unravel the complexities of China's foreign policy. Helena brings her expertise on China’s defense and foreign policies, providing a comprehensive analysis of the domestic sources that drive China's international behavior.

This episode celebrates the 5th anniversary of Interpreting India, reflecting on the journey, growth, and impact of the podcast over the past five years. The hosts discuss memorable episodes, the evolution of discussions, and the enduring relevance of the topics covered. They also share insights into the future direction of the podcast, focusing on more in-depth and diverse conversations. The episode features reflections from various hosts who discuss their favorite episodes, the most impactful discussions, and the enduring themes that have resonated with the audience. The hosts also share their plans for the future, aiming to delve even deeper into the issues that matter most, with more extended and in-depth conversations.

In this episode of Interpreting India, Suyash Rai is joined by Ajay Shah, economist and co-founder of the XKDR Forum, to explore the complexities of India's fiscal policy and the current economic challenges. Shah brings his extensive experience and insights from his roles as an advisor to the Ministry of Finance and as a professor at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy. What are the implications of the union budget for 2024–25? What are the strategic choices underlying fiscal deficit management? How can broader institutional and policy reforms drive sustainable growth in India?

In this episode of Interpreting India, Quentin Verspieren, Space Safety Programme and Protect Accelerator Coordinator at the Directorate of Operations, European Space Agency (ESA) joins Tejas Bharadwaj to discuss the importance of a zero-debris approach in space sustainability. They discuss space debris mitigation, the role of private and public sectors, and international cooperation in ensuring space remains usable and safe for future generations. What are the key tenets of a zero debris approach? How can private companies contribute to space sustainability? What challenges do emerging spacefaring countries face while adopting these practices?

In this episode of Interpreting India, Saheb Singh Chadha hosts former general officer commanding in chief of the Indian Army's Army Training Command (ARTRAC), Raj Shukla, to discuss the ongoing modernization and reforms in India's armed forces. They explore various aspects including India’s defense industry, technological advancements, jointness, civil-military relations, and emerging domains such as cyber and space warfare. How have recent reforms impacted India's defense capabilities? What is the role of technological advancements in military modernization? How can civil-military relations be improved to enhance national security? What strategic and operational changes are necessary to address the challenges posed by China and other geopolitical adversaries?