A weekly podcast on key developments in South Asia.
| Title: | Episode 287: The Delimitation Controversy in India |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Milan Vaishnav |
| Designation: | Senior Fellow and Director (South Asia Program) Carnegie Endowment for International Peace |
| Abstract: | There is a controversy brewing around the delimitation of constituencies in India’s lower house of parliament or Lok Sabha which is scheduled for 2026. The southern states of India in particular are fearing a loss of seats and political power if the redrawing of electoral seats is done based solely on population figures. The number of seats in Indian parliament has been increased thrice, based on the decennial census, since the country’s independence. The last time it happened was in 1972, following the 1971 Census, when the number of seats in the Lok Sabha was fixed at 543. Dr Ronojoy Sen, Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Politics, Society and Governance), is in conversation with Dr Milan Vaishnav, Senior Fellow and Director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, about the intricacies of the delimitation process. |
| Audio: | |
| Date: | 27 April 2025 |
| Title: | Episode 286: Realigning India-ASEAN Trade Ties |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Evelyn Devadason |
| Designation: | Professor, Universiti of Malaya |
| Abstract: | The economic relationship between India and ASEAN holds significant potential, yet is layered with complexity—especially when it comes to trade, which remains a central pillar of their engagement. With the decision to revisit the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, concerns over trade imbalances, shifting global supply chains, and the impact of recent geopolitical tensions are taking center stage. In this episode, Saeeduddin Faridi, Research Analyst, ISAS-NUS, is in conversation with Dr Evelyn Devadason, Professor, Universiti of Malaya, to discuss what is driving trade negotiations, Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair, and the impact of recent US trade policy disruptions. |
| Audio: | |
| Date: | 16 April 2025 |
| Title: | Episode 285: Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy – Navigating New Regional Realities |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Ambassador Tariq Karim |
| Designation: | Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow |
| Abstract: | In the wake of recent political transitions in Bangladesh and shifting regional equations, Dhaka’s foreign policy is undergoing a subtle yet significant recalibration. From a growing openness toward Pakistan to navigating its strategic relations with India, China, and beyond, Bangladesh is stepping into a more assertive regional role while grappling with long-standing challenges like the Rohingya crisis and climate vulnerability. In this episode, Raghaw Khattri, Research Analyst at ISAS, NUS, is in conversation with Ambassador Tariq Karim, Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow at ISAS, NUS and Director of the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies at Independent University, Bangladesh. Drawing on his extensive diplomatic career, Ambassador Karim unpacks the key drivers behind Bangladesh’s evolving foreign policy and explores how the country is positioning itself amid South Asia’s shifting geopolitical landscape. |
| Audio: | |
| Date: | 11 April 2025 |
| Title: | Episode 284: Trumps Discounted Reciprocal Tariffs – Implications for India |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Amitendu Palit |
| Designation: | Senior Research Fellow, ISAS |
| Abstract: | In a historic declaration of economic independence on 2 April 2025, President Donald Trump announced a fresh wave of tariffs on its trading partners and adversaries. Despite a relatively successful meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, India was unable to dodge a bullet on tariffs. President Trump declared a 27% ‘discounted reciprocal tariffs’ on India. The move was seen as a response to India’s trade surplus with the US, which has nearly doubled since President Trump’s first term and is projected to widen further given India’s strong manufacturing and service sectors. The tariffs aim to address trade imbalances and promote domestic manufacturing in the U.S. by countering what President Trump described as "unfair trade practices." This announcement comes at an important juncture as both leaders in February agreed to work on the first phase of a bilateral trade deal in the second half of 2025. In this episode, Mriganika Singh Tanwar, Research Analyst at ISAS-NUS, is in conversation with Dr Amitendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economics) at ISAS-NUS, to discuss the implications of reciprocal tariffs on the competitiveness of Indian exports. The discussion draws on the long-standing geoeconomic relationship between India and the US, as well as the salient reliance of the Trump administration on using tariffs as a prominent tool to shape global trade dynamics. |
| Audio: | |
| Date: | 04 April 2025 |
| Title: | Episode 283: NPP’s Inaugural Budget 2025 |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Mr Umesh Moramudali |
| Designation: | Lecturer Department of Economics University of Colombo |
| Abstract: | Sri Lanka’s national budget for 2025 was presented last month by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. This marks the inaugural budget of the National People’s Power (NPP) government, which came to power in November 2024. To provide an overview and analysis of the 2025 budget, ISAS Research Fellow Dr Rajni Gamage is joined by Mr Umesh Moramudali, a lecturer at the Department of Economics, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. |
| Audio: | |
| Date: | 18 March 2025 |
| Title: | Episode 282: Trade Policy – Tariffs and Turmoil |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Mr Stephen Olson |
| Designation: | Visiting Fellow ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute |
| Abstract: | In the first 50 days of the Trump administration, President Trump has signed several executive orders, many of which focus on tariffs and trade issues. Tariffs have come to be used as instruments of foreign policy, and this has important implications for the global trading architecture. Dr Amitendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economics), Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore in conversation with Mr Stephen Olson, Visiting Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute unpacks the chaos, unpredictability and pauses emerging from the US and its implications for global trade. |
| Audio: | |
| Date: | 14 March 2025 |
| Title: | Episode 281: Six Months In – Bangladesh’s Path to Reform and Accountability |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Sayeed Ferdous |
| Designation: | Professor of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University |
| Abstract: | Six months into the administration led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh finds itself navigating troubled waters. The country is currently grappling with socioeconomic instability, political issues, and governance challenges. The coming months will be crucial as more reports from the interim government's appointed reform commissions emerge and the government responds to allegations of human rights violations committed by the previous regime. In this episode, Mr. Saeeduddin Faridi, Research Analyst, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore, converses with Dr. Sayeed Ferdous, Professor of Anthropology, Jahangirnagar University. The podcast discusses the progress of reforms, responses to human rights violation allegations, and the constitutional reform commission's report. |
| Audio: | |
| Date: | 28 February 2025 |
| Title: | Episode 280: Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to Washington D.C. – New Opportunities in US-India Ties |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Professor C Raja Mohan |
| Designation: | Visiting Research Professor, ISAS |
| Abstract: | In this episode of South Asia Chat, Ms Devyani Chaturvedi, Research Analyst at ISAS, speaks with Professor C Raja Mohan, Visiting Research Professor at ISAS, on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington D.C. and the new opportunities and challenges the meeting set out for US and India. |
| Audio: | |
| Date: | 18 February 2025 |
| Title: | Episode 279: Piety Politics and Post feminism in Pakistan |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Afiya Zia |
| Designation: | Researcher, Writer and Activist |
| Abstract: | Populist leaders in South Asia leverage mass appeal, nationalism, and religious identity to consolidate power. In recent years, politicians such as Narendra Modi in India and Imran Khan in Pakistan, while often claiming to empower marginalised groups as part of their campaign rhetoric, frequently exploit religious cleavages as part of a strategy termed ‘piety politics’. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Ms Tanujja Dadlani, Research Analyst, ISAS, is in conversation with Dr Afiya Zia, a researcher, writer and activist based in Karachi. She is the author of “Faith and Feminism in Pakistan”, having conducted extensive research on the role of religion in politics and the way it influences women and their voting behaviours. |
| Audio: | |
| Date: | 14 February 2025 |
| Title: | Episode 278: India’s 2025 Budget |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Mr Vinod Rai |
| Designation: | Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow, ISAS |
| Abstract: | On 1st February 2025, India’s Finance Minister, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget. While last year’s budget was shadowed by coalition politics, this budget seems to be very different. It has focused on stimulating weak consumer expenditure while also prioritising capital expenditure to sustain the economy’s growth at 6 percent. In this episode of South Asia Chat , Ms Devyani Chaturvedi, Research Analyst, ISAS, is in conversation with Mr Vinod Rai, Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow at ISAS and former Comptroller and Auditor General of India to discuss the strengths, gambles and long-term measures of the Budget 2025. |
| Audio: | |
| Date: | 07 February 2025 |
| Title: | Episode 277: Delhi Votes 2025 – Welfare Politics, Voter Sentiments, and the Battle for Power |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Neelanjan Sircar |
| Designation: | Assistant Professor Ahmedabad University |
| Abstract: | In the upcoming Delhi elections, welfare promises and populist measures take centre stage. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Raghaw Khattri, Research Analyst at ISAS, hosts Dr Neelanjan Sircar, Assistant Professor at Ahmedabad University, to delve into the dynamics shaping this high-stakes electoral contest. Dr Sircar discusses the escalating 'auction of votes,' the long-term economic implications of welfare politics, and the 'Kejriwal versus who' narrative. He also examines voter sentiment, anti-incumbency factors, and the prospects of major players such as the BJP and Congress in the Delhi Assembly elections. |
| Audio: | |
| Date: | 28 January 2025 |
| Title: | Episode 276: Trump’s Second Term – Implications for India and the World |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Ambassador Nirupama Rao |
| Designation: | Former Foreign Secretary of India |
| Abstract: | Donald Trump’s recent re-election marks a pivotal moment for India-US relations, with his administration set to shape trade, immigration, and global power dynamics in ways that could significantly impact India. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Kanika Kaur, Research Analyst at ISAS, is joined by Ambassador Nirupama Rao, former Foreign Secretary of India to discuss the implications of Trump’s second term. They delve into the potential for heightened tariffs on Indian exports, the challenges posed by Trump’s hawkish immigration policies on skilled Indian professionals, and the evolving power balance between China and the US. |
| Audio: | |
| Date: | 23 January 2025 |
| Title: | Episode 275: South Asian Strategic Outlook 2025 – Trade and Economics |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Dr Amitendu Palit |
| Designation: | Senior Research Fellow, ISAS |
| Abstract: | With global and regional economies still stabilising from the various events of the first half of the decade, in this episode of South Asia Chat, Dr Amitendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economics) at ISAS-NUS shares the strategic economic outlook for the region in the year 2025. He is in conversation with Ms Divya Murali, Research Associate, ISAS. They discuss the year that was for South Asia economically, the region's economic outlook for 2025, debt stress of the states in the region, graduating LDCs prospects and risks that the region has to deal with while in pursuit of its growth agendas during 2025. |
| Audio: | |
| Date: | 17 January 2025 |
| Title: | Episode 274: South Asia in 2025 |
| Guest Speaker/s: | Associate Professor Iqbal Singh Sevea |
| Designation: | Director, ISAS |
| Abstract: | The year 2024 was marked by human conflicts, political shifts and intensification of transnational challenges. In this episode of South Asia Chat, Associate Professor Iqbal Singh Sevea, Director, ISAS discusses with Ms Devyani Chaturvedi, Research Analyst at ISAS, the impact of these crises on South Asia. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities for the region in 2025. |
| Audio: | |
| Date: | 10 January 2025 |
Load more
South Asia is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Podbean.
For any podcast-related queries, please contact us at hkaur@nus.edu.sg