People are dying around the world in a tremendous heat wave, doctors say babies are dying while in the womb due to air pollution in Delhi and elsewhere. What is going wrong with the world? A noted environmental scientist Dr. Abhiroop Chowdhury, Dean of the Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability explains to Global Order's Swareena Singh. #heat #heatwave #globalwarming #heatwaves #globalwarmingawareness #airpollution #airpollutionawareness #environmentalawareness #environment

AI is changing the way we drive, work, create, and make decisions. But here's the question few people are asking: How do we know automated machines and AI are actually safe? In this episode of Common Ground, I sit down with Dr. Siddartha Khastgir, Head of Safe Autonomy at the University of Warwick, to explore the future of AI, autonomous systems, and the science behind building trust in intelligent machines. Would you trust AI to make an important decision for you? Why or why not? 👇 Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation. #ai #artificialintelligence #automation #AISafety #technology #innovation #future #CommonGround #podcast #globalorder

America, America, how does one solve a problem like (Trump's) America? This is question that perplexes Indians these days. What does Trump's America really want? Always caught between oscillating demands, India finds itself constantly negotiating see-saw-ing between conflicting messages from the Trump White House on everything from Russia, oil purchases, Iran and everything in between. In this conversation with the academic and historian Hindol Sengupta, India's former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal talks about how the country is dealing with Trump's America, and balancing China at the same time. In this episode, Ambassador Sibal discusses the complex dynamics of India-US relations, the impact of recent US policies, and the strategic considerations involving China and Pakistan. Read Ambassador Sibal's new Substack here - https://substack.com/@kanwalsibal Chapters: 00:00 The Current State of India-America Relations 10:33 The Impact of Trump's Policies on India 16:10 Potential Changes with a Democratic Administration 20:53 Pakistan's Role in U.S. Strategy 29:13 De-Americanizing India's Grand Strategy 37:16 The Indian Diaspora's Changing Influence 40:44 China's Thaw with India: Internal Motivations Keywords: India-US relations, geopolitics, China, Pakistan, diplomacy, foreign policy, Trump administration, Indo-Pacific, strategic partnerships #america #trump #india #china #geopolitics #indopacific #internationalrelations #modi

How can the Bay of Bengal emerge as a stronger hub for regional cooperation in an increasingly complex Indo-Pacific? What role can BIMSTEC play in strengthening maritime security, connectivity, institutional resilience, and regional governance? This panel explores the future of cooperation in the Bay of Bengal through the lens of BIMSTEC, examining how the organisation can move beyond dialogue to practical implementation. The discussion highlights institutional reforms, maritime security cooperation, regional norm-setting, disaster management, blue economy, climate resilience, and the importance of Track 1.5 and Track 2 diplomacy in building trust across the region. Moderator: • Captain Ranendra Singh Sawan, IN – Senior Fellow, National Maritime Foundation (NMF) Speakers: • Mr. Prasanth Chandran – Director, Security Division, BIMSTEC Secretariat • Dr. Pooja Bhatt – Professor, OP Jindal Global University • Dr. Sayantan Haldar – Associate Fellow, Strategic Studies Programme, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) • Ms. Muskan Rai – Research Associate, National Maritime Foundation (NMF) The panel discusses: - BIMSTEC's transition from dialogue to operational cooperation - Maritime security and regional governance in the Bay of Bengal - Legal and institutional harmonisation - Maritime domain awareness and disaster management - Blue economy, climate resilience, and sustainable development - Lessons from ASEAN-led regional cooperation - The role of think tanks, academia, and Track 1.5 diplomacy in strengthening regional cooperation. Watch the full discussion to gain insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of Bay of Bengal regional cooperation. #BIMSTEC #BayOfBengal #MaritimeSecurity #RegionalCooperation #IndoPacific #BlueEconomy #MaritimeGovernance #MaritimeConnectivity #DisasterManagement #ClimateResilience #MaritimeDomainAwareness #IndianOcean #RegionalIntegration #StrategicStudies #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations #NMF #SamudraManthan

The Bay of Bengal is emerging as one of the world's most strategically significant maritime regions—but many of its greatest security challenges remain invisible. From illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and transnational smuggling networks to climate change, environmental degradation, disaster preparedness and resource conflicts, non-traditional security threats are reshaping the region's geopolitical landscape. Addressing these interconnected challenges requires stronger regional cooperation, resilient governance frameworks and a broader understanding of maritime security beyond conventional military concerns. This distinguished panel at Samudramanthan 2026, examines how climate stress, illicit maritime activities, fisheries depletion, human security and cooperative mechanisms are influencing the future of the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific. Moderator Dr. Sriparna Pathak Professor, OP Jindal Global University Speakers Dr. Chime Youdon – Research Fellow, National Maritime Foundation (NMF) Dr. Shrabana Barua – Associate Professor & Director, Nehginpao Kipgen Centre for Southeast Asian Studies, OP Jindal Global University Captain Himadri Das – Indian Navy Mr. John J. Vachaparambil – Associate Fellow, National Maritime Foundation (NMF) #BayOfBengal #MaritimeSecurity #IndoPacific #NonTraditionalSecurity #MaritimeGovernance #IUUFishing #IllegalFishing #ClimateSecurity #BlueEconomy #DisasterPreparedness #EnvironmentalSecurity #MaritimeDomainAwareness #RegionalCooperation #BIMSTEC #IORA #IndianOcean #HumanSecurity #ClimateChange #Geopolitics #GlobalOrder

The Bay of Bengal has re-emerged as one of the Indo-Pacific's most strategically significant maritime spaces, serving as a critical hub for trade, connectivity, energy flows, and regional cooperation. As geopolitical competition intensifies and non-traditional security challenges—from climate change to supply chain disruptions—become more pronounced, building resilient maritime connectivity has become a strategic imperative. This session of Samudramanthan 2026 brings together distinguished experts from government, academia, and the strategic community to examine the evolving maritime landscape of the Bay of Bengal. The discussion explores the implementation of the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity, the role of multimodal transport networks, the importance of resilient port infrastructure, and the strategic potential of the Galathea Bay project in Great Nicobar. The panel also examines how regional cooperation can strengthen economic integration, improve logistics and supply chain resilience, and enhance maritime governance, while addressing the broader geopolitical dynamics shaping the Indo-Pacific—including the role of China, emerging connectivity initiatives, and the future of regional maritime architecture. As nations seek to balance development, security, and sustainability, this conversation offers valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges that will define the future of the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Speakers: Dr. Rupa Dutta – Former Principal Economic Adviser, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan – Former Chairman, National Shipping Board, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Dr. Prabir De – Professor, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) Rear Admiral Sandeep Singh Sandhu – Senior Directing Staff (Navy), National Defence College Moderator: Ishan Dhar – Senior Researcher, Global Order Chapters 00:00 - 01:18 - Introduction to the Panel and Regional Maritime Significance 01:19 - 03:32 - Connectivity and Resilience in the Bay of Bengal 03:33 - 04:15 - Overview of BIMSTEC Master Connectivity Plan 04:16 - 05:58 - Analysis of Transport Infrastructure Projects and Funding Challenges 05:59 - 07:22 - Trade, Soft Infrastructure, and Digital Harmonization 07:23 - 11:25 - Hard Infrastructure and Financing Constraints 11:26 - 13:58 - Trade and Economic Development in BIMSTEC 13:59 - 17:10 - Soft Infrastructure and Digital Standards 17:11 - 22:51 - Port Infrastructure and Port Competitiveness 22:50 - 26:59 - Historical Connectivity and Maritime Traditions 27:00 - 32:49 - India’s Port Development and Greenfield Projects 32:50 - 47:14 - Multimodal Connectivity for Landlocked Countries 47:15 - 52:54 - Galatia Bay: Geostrategic and Economic Significance 52:55 - 58:46 - India’s Maritime Posture and Strategic Shifts 58:47 - 01:04:01 - Implications for Indo-Pacific and Regional Security 01:04:02 - 01:05:20 - India’s Diplomatic and Geoeconomic Strategy 01:05:21 - 01:08:30 - Environmental and Ecological Concerns of Galatia Bay 01:08:31 - 01:21:47 - Geopolitical Challenges and Chinese Influence 01:21:48 - 01:22:18 - Balancing Security and Commercial Interests in Port Projects 01:22:19 - 01:24:32 - China’s Belt and Road and Regional Connectivity Challenges 01:24:33 - 01:26:36 - Implementation Challenges and Future Outlook #Samudramanthan2026 #BayOfBengal #IndoPacific #MaritimeSecurity #BIMSTEC #MaritimeConnectivity #SupplyChains #RegionalConnectivity #BlueEconomy #PortInfrastructure #MaritimeGovernance #IndiasMaritimeVision #StrategicAffairs #Geopolitics #IndoPacificSecurity

The Bay of Bengal has emerged as one of the most consequential maritime spaces in the Indo-Pacific, shaping regional security, connectivity, economic development, and geopolitical competition. At the panel discussion at Samudramanthan 2026, Amb. Riva Ganguly Das (retd.), Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, AVSM & Bar, VSM (Retd.), Rear Admiral Mukul Asthana, NM, and Dr. Hindol Sengupta, explore the Bay of Bengal as both a shared regional commons and a contested strategic space. The conversation examines the evolving maritime landscape through the lenses of diplomacy, history, strategy, regional cooperation, connectivity, climate resilience, and security. The discussion addresses: The Bay of Bengal's strategic significance in the Indo-Pacific Maritime security and regional cooperation BIMSTEC and India's maritime vision Connectivity, trade, and economic integration Historical and civilisational linkages Climate security and regional resilience Emerging geopolitical competition in the Bay of Bengal Watch the full discussion for an insightful exploration of one of the world's most dynamic maritime regions. Samudramanthan 2026 was co-organised by Global Order and the National Maritime Foundation Chapters 00:00 - 14:44 - Imagining the Bay of Bengal as a Shared Space 14:45 - 20:22 - Geopolitical Dynamics and Regional Cooperation 20:23 - 27:18 - India's Strategic Vision for the Bay of Bengal 27:19 - 32:59 - Historical Context and Cultural Significance of the Bay 33:00 - 34:56 - Cosmopolitanism and Contestation in the Bay of Bengal 34:57 - 40:17 - Colonial Legacy and Security Concerns 40:18 - 43:09 - Climate Refugees and Strategic Planning 43:10 - 49:13 - India's Role in Regional Cooperation 49:14 - 50:28 - Cultural Dimensions and Economic Opportunities 50:29 - 56:29 - Strategic Posture in the Bay of Bengal 56:30 - 01:00:59 - Non-Traditional Security Challenges 01:01:00 - 01:06:32 - Shared Ecological Vulnerability and Cooperation 01:06:33 - 01:08:58 - Governance Models for the Bay of Bengal #Samudramanthan2026 #BayOfBengal #MaritimeSecurity #IndoPacific #BIMSTEC #RegionalCooperation #Geopolitics #MaritimeStrategy #Connectivity #ClimateSecurity

The inaugural session of Samudra Manthan 2026, co-organised by the National Maritime Foundation and the Global Order, set the stage for a thought-provoking discussion on the strategic significance of the Bay of Bengal and the evolving maritime order. The session brought together Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, AVSM & Bar, VSM, Dr. Hindol Sengupta, and Mr. MJ Akbar. The conversation explored shifting geopolitical dynamics, emerging security challenges, and India's evolving role in the Indo-Pacific. From reimagining maritime spaces through multiple lenses to understanding the growing strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal, the discussion offered timely insights into an increasingly contested maritime landscape. Chapters - 00:00 - 03:11 - Welcome and Introduction to Maritime Perspectives 03:12- 06:00 - Understanding Maritime Spaces in International Relations 06:01- 08:47 - The Importance of Holistic Maritime Security 08:48- 11:47 - Geopolitical Dynamics of the Bay of Bengal 11:48 - 14:51 - The Great Nicobar Initiative and Regional Implications 14:52- 19:02 - The Changing Nature of Global Conflicts 19:03- 22:51 - Invisible Seas and Strategic Planning 22:52 - 27:01 - Historical Context of Geopolitical Tensions 27:02 - 30:11 - India's Evolving Maritime Strategy 30:12 - 33:49 - Redefining Neighbors and Strategic Partnerships 33:50 - 41:27 - Navigating the Future of Global Security #SamudraManthan #BayOfBengal #MaritimeSecurity #MaritimeStrategy #IndoPacific #Geopolitics #StrategicAffairs #IndianOcean #ForeignPolicy #BlueEconomy #MaritimeStudies