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.
‘India is more powerful today than ever before in its history.’ Can that power now translate into real global influence?
Happymon Jacob, author of ‘India After Nonalignment’ and founder-director of the Council for Strategic & Defence Research (CSDR), joins Runjhun Sharma, head of news at RT India, for the latest episode of the weekly podcast – India, Russia and the World with Runjhun Sharma. Jacob says non-alignment is dead and India now wants to act as an independent pole in a multipolar world. He argues the world cannot afford to take Russian oil off the table and points to US double standards. He also argues that while better India-Pakistan ties may not be realistic anytime soon, dialogue cannot stop and India should talk to Pakistan for its own interests. On BRICS, Russia-India-China cooperation and the Indus Waters Treaty, he lays out where India’s ambitions meet its limits.
Conversation with Major General S K Sharma
Major General S K Sharma, CEO and managing director of Indo Russian Rifles Private Limited, joins Runjhun Sharma, head of news at RT India, for the latest episode of India, Russia and the World, the weekly podcast on geopolitics, world affairs and much more. General Sharma calls the AK-203 rifle ‘Sher’, the Hindi word for Tiger. He says it is the Gen Z version of the AK-47; a rifle with Russian DNA, now 100% ‘Made in India’. He discusses global defense demand, Western sanctions, Sher’s first combat use during Operation Sindoor, and how India-Russia defense ties have evolved from just buyer-seller ties to full technology transfer. On a lighter note, General Sharma talks about his Russian engineers enjoying local Awadhi food and Bhojpuri music while making the rifle for the future in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. Watch the full episode for more.
Conversation with Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban’s chief spokesperson
Five years ago, the Taliban returned to power after US forces withdrew from Afghanistan. In this special episode of India, Russia, and the World, Runjhun Sharma, Head of News at RT India, sits down with the Taliban’s chief spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid. Under Taliban rules, the two were not filmed in the same frame. He says the country is “undoubtedly” better off without foreign forces on its soil. While he admits there are problems, he says Afghanistan is moving in a positive direction. He speaks about Kabul’s desire to strengthen ties with India. He also discusses Afghanistan’s relationship with Russia, saying Kabul wants to benefit from Russia’s experience in rebuilding the country, while also seeking greater cooperation in fuel and energy. We also speak to Muhajir Farahi, the Taliban government’s Deputy Minister of Information and Culture, who says Western sanctions are hurting ordinary Afghans. He defends the Emirate’s right to set its own laws based on Islamic values and national interests. “We don’t allow anyone to interfere in our internal affairs,” says Farahi.
Conversation with Kanchan Gupta, senior adviser in India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Kanchan Gupta, senior adviser in India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is the latest guest on India, Russia and the World, the weekly podcast hosted by Runjhun Sharma, head of news at RT India. Gupta argues that the Western media must revisit their ethical standards. According to him, biased reporting on India damages their own credibility. He criticizes Meta for blocking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video, calling it unacceptable interference in India’s democratic process. He also explains why absolute free speech does not exist under the Indian Constitution, what it mentions is conditional speech. Comparing the Gen Z-driven political turmoil in South Asia, Gupta argues that the recent protests in India cannot be compared with Nepal or Bangladesh because Indian society is far more layered and diverse.
Conversation with Sanjeev Sanyal
Sanjeev Sanyal, author, historian, and member of the Economic Advisory Council to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the latest guest on India, Russia and the World, the weekly podcast hosted by Runjhun Sharma, Head of News at RT India. Sanyal shares his views on why India has continued to grow faster than any other major economy despite a series of global challenges. He explains how Indians can play a leading role in the application of world-class AI models and how it will reshape jobs in the country: older jobs would be lost and newer ones created. He advocates the overhauling of India’s current higher education system to better prepare students for the changing job market. Speaking about China, he says the country is facing serious long-term demographic challenges due to its shrinking population.
Conversation with Smriti Irani
From one of Indian television’s biggest stars to a Union Minister, Smriti Irani has lived many lives. In this episode of India, Russia and the World with Runjhun Sharma, Smriti Irani reflects on her extraordinary journey and what it means to wield power as a woman in politics. Irani also shares her experience of working with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for over two decades, describing him as a leader who pushes those around him to do better. She goes down memory lane, recalling Vladimir Putin’s message at the inauguration of the AK-203 rifle factory in Amethi. “As somebody who’s had a lifelong desire of shaking the hand of Vladimir Putin, for me it was a personal big high and for the region it was a matter of great pride,” Irani said. On the West’s discomfort with India’s friendship with Russia, Irani says the best of friendships are those that need no explanation. Watch the full video for more.