In this episode, experts from Malaysia and India discuss the evolving concept of the Indo-Pacific, regional strategies, and the significance of the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean for Southeast Asia and India. They explore geopolitical shifts, regional cooperation, and future prospects in these strategic waters. Hindol Sengupta talks to Yanitha Meena Louis, analyst at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, Shrabana Barua, associate professor at the school of international affairs at the O. P. Jindal Global University in India. Key topics: - Different conceptions of the Indo-Pacific from Indian, ASEAN, and Malaysian perspectives - The evolution of regional strategies and ASEAN's role in the Indo-Pacific - India's strategic priorities and internal developments in the Indo-Pacific - The significance of BRICS for Southeast Asian countries and regional diversification - Chinese presence and influence in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea - The strategic importance of the Great Nicobar project and Northeast India - Malaysia's maritime claims and quiet diplomacy in the South China Sea - The underutilized potential of Indian connectivity with Southeast Asia - The binary trap in Bangladesh-India relations and regional multilateralism - Future prospects for regional cooperation and connectivity in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean Keywords: #indopacific #southeastasia #bayofbengal #regionalstrategy #brics #southchinasea #indianocean #regionalcooperation #geopolitics

In this episode, Vice Admiral G. Ashok Kumar (retd.) discusses India's maritime security challenges, the importance of undersea cables, and strategic port development in the Indian Ocean region. Gain insights into geopolitical risks, infrastructure resilience, and India's naval capabilities. Key topics: - India's vulnerabilities in undersea cables and infrastructure - Strategies for safeguarding undersea cables and port security - The significance of the Great Nicobar port project - India's maritime capability building and naval modernization - The Malacca dilemma and China's naval expansion - Maritime domain awareness and multi-agency coordination - Balancing conventional and nuclear submarines in India's navy Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and geopolitical context 00:56 Securing critical maritime infrastructure and undersea cables 02:20 Multilateral efforts to protect undersea cables 03:49 Accidental and deliberate threats to undersea cables 05:03 Weaponization of vulnerabilities and private sector roles 07:19 India's vulnerabilities and dependence on undersea cables 08:19 India's strategic port projects and regional security 12:30 Security challenges in the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal 14:00 The Malacca dilemma and China's naval efforts 17:23 Alternatives to Malacca and regional connectivity 18:07 India's maritime domain awareness and multi-agency coordination 24:12 India's naval capabilities: submarines and modernization 28:36 China's naval expansion and India's strategic response 31:10 India's international maritime cooperation and future outlook Keywords: #maritimesecurity #underseacables #indianocean #portdevelopment #navalstrategy #geopoliticalrisks #underseawarfare #maritimedomainawareness

Four invitations. One choice. A remarkable cricketing journey. 🏏🇬🇧 Farokh Engineer tells Lakshmi Kaul how he chose Lancashire—and recalls recommending Clive Lloyd to the club. A fascinating glimpse into the overseas talent that helped bring fresh excitement to English county cricket. Watch the legend tell his story on Common Ground. #FarokhEngineer #LancashireCricket #CliveLloyd #IndianCricket #CommonGround #GlobalOrder #Shorts

₹50 a day to play Test cricket. Then Brylcreem came calling. 🏏💰 Farokh Engineer recalls the endorsement deal that transformed his earnings—and revealed the commercial appeal of a cricketing star beyond the boundary. Speaking with Lakshmi Kaul on Common Ground, he offers a remarkable glimpse into cricket’s journey from modest match fees to the world of advertising, sponsorships and celebrity. Has commercialisation made cricket better—or changed what matters most? 👇 #FarokhEngineer #Brylcreem #CricketHistory #IndianCricket #CommonGround #GlobalOrder #Shorts

A wicketkeeper’s runs were once considered a bonus. Farokh Engineer asked: why? 🏏🔥 In this clip from Common Ground with Lakshmi Kaul, the cricket legend recalls challenging that mindset—opening the batting and proving he could deliver with both bat and gloves. Sharp reflexes. Clear ambition. A determination to give his team more. Who is your all-time favourite wicketkeeper-batsman? Tell us below! 👇 #FarokhEngineer #IndianCricket #Wicketkeeper #CricketLegends #CommonGround #GlobalOrder #shorts #batsmanincricket

“Such a huge honour.” 🏏 Farokh Engineer reflects on seeing his name honoured at the iconic Old Trafford cricket ground, alongside fellow legend Sir Clive Lloyd. Speaking with Lakshmi Kaul on Common Ground, he shares what this recognition means to him—a lasting tribute to a cricketing legacy that connects India and England. Watch a legend reflect on becoming part of the ground’s history. #FarokhEngineer #OldTrafford #IndianCricket #CricketLegends #CommonGround #globalorder #Shorts #EnglishCountyCricket #countycricket #manchester #LanchashireLegends #SirCliveLloyd #clivelloyd

What drives a cricketer when money isn’t the reward? 🏏 For Farokh Engineer, it was the honour of representing India—and pure love for the game. In this heartfelt moment with Lakshmi Kaul on Common Ground, the cricket legend remembers an era when wearing India’s colours was the ultimate prize. What can today’s young cricketers learn from his generation? Tell us below. 👇 #FarokhEngineer #IndianCricket #CricketLegends #CommonGround #LakshmiKaul #shorts #cricketlovers #countycricket

Some cricketers are remembered for their records. A rare few transform the game—and inspired generations until long after they left the field. In this special episode of Common Ground, Lakshmi Kaul is joined by Farokh Engineer, the fearless former India wicketkeeper-batsman and much-loved Lancashire icon. From facing the world’s most formidable fast bowlers to becoming one of the earliest Indian cricketers to build an extraordinary career in England, Farokh Engineer’s journey is a story of courage, charisma and uncompromising individuality. His contribution to Lancashire was recently immortalised when a stand at Emirates Old Trafford was jointly named in honour of Farokh Engineer and Sir Clive Lloyd. In this wide-ranging conversation, they explore: 🏏 The fearless style that made Farokh Engineer an original game-changer 🏏 His pioneering journey from India to Lancashire 🏏 The evolution of wicketkeeping and modern cricket 🏏 Belonging to—and being celebrated by—two cricketing nations 🏏 Cricket as a bridge between India and the United Kingdom 🏏 India’s growing influence within the global sports industry 🏏 Opportunities across the UK–India sporting corridor 🏏 His advice to young cricketers around the world 🏏 The legacy he hopes will endure beyond records and trophies This is more than a conversation about cricket. It is a tribute to a trailblazer whose life demonstrates what talent, courage and character can achieve. ▶️ Watch the full conversation now only on Common Ground, Global Order. #FarokhEngineer #LakshmiKaul #CommonGround #IndianCricket #LancashireCricket #CricketLegend #UKIndia #SportsIndustry #CricketInterview #YoungCricketers