Dr. Rahul Sen, Senior Lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, explains that once the agreement comes into force, New Zealand’s key exports like forestry, wool, sheep meat, hides, and skins will immediately become tariff-free in India, with nearly 95% of its exports expected to gain tariff-free access over the next 5–10 years. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilzV4ohlBX4&t=1s

Pradeep Chauhan, Vice Admiral (Retd.), argues that the blue economy is not merely an “ocean economy” contributing a share to GDP, but the entire economy viewed through an ocean-centric lens. He calls for “blueing” the economy across the country and regionally, emphasizing that since there is only one interconnected world ocean—despite multiple basins—economic thinking must reflect this unity. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvO0mrJWzZ0

Pradeep Chauhan, Vice Admiral (Retd.), notes that Bangladesh’s conventional submarines are classic sea-denial assets meant to temporarily prevent adversaries from using certain maritime areas, raising uncomfortable strategic questions for India about their intended target. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvO0mrJWzZ0

In this interview with Dr. Rahul Sen, Senior Lecturer at the Auckland University of Technology, we take a deep dive into the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and why it is being described as one of the most significant trade deals signed by New Zealand in recent years. This conversation unpacks both the economic and geopolitical stakes of the agreement. Dr Sen explains: • Why this FTA is strategically important for New Zealand’s trade diversification efforts • Which sectors, including agriculture, services, and high-value exports, stand to gain the most • How quickly New Zealand exporters can realistically expect to see benefits • Why the agreement has faced backlash within New Zealand, and what concerns are driving domestic debate • The contentious dairy sector, why even limited market access in India is seen as unprecedented from India’s perspective, yet insufficient by some in New Zealand • What India gains from this agreement economically, politically, and strategically in the Indo-Pacific We also explore the difference in perception between the two countries: for India, dairy remains one of the most politically sensitive and tightly protected sectors; for New Zealand, expanded access is central to the commercial logic of the deal. Is the compromise fully understood on both sides? Beyond tariffs, this discussion situates the FTA within the broader Indo-Pacific trade architecture and shifting global supply chains. Is this a strategic masterstroke that reshapes India–New Zealand economic ties? Or a politically delicate agreement that will take time to prove its value? Watch for a detailed, policy-focused breakdown of what could become a defining chapter in India–New Zealand relations. Chapters - 0:00-1:08 Introduction 1:11-3:47 Understanding the India–New Zealand FTA 4:10-7:24 Why This FTA Is a Game-Changer for New Zealand 8:03-13:33 Beyond Agriculture: Sectoral Impact of the India–New Zealand FTA 13:49-20:17 What Sparked the Backlash in New Zealand? 21:09-26:43 Why Dairy Is the Most Controversial Part of This Deal 26:45-27:32 Closing #india #newzealand #freetradeagreement #fyp #internationalrelations #foreignaffairs #geopolitics #trade #economics

Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan (Retd.) explains that the blue economy isn’t limited to coastal areas even inland activities, like a factory in Sonipat, can pollute water systems that eventually reach the ocean, meaning the blue economy is essentially the entire economy, not just selected sectors. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvO0mrJWzZ0

Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan (Retd.) ays the Coco Islands issue is likely overhyped, while limited Chinese surveillance could monitor areas like Landfall Island and parts of the Andaman Islands, building major military infrastructure so close to India would be difficult to defend, reducing the chances of it becoming a major threat from China. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvO0mrJWzZ0

Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan (Retd.) explains that Bangladesh’s conventional submarine acquisitions are classic sea-denial tools meant to restrict adversaries from using certain maritime areas, raising uncomfortable strategic questions for India about their intended target. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvO0mrJWzZ0

(AUDIO ONLY) India has taken a decisive step in reshaping its maritime future. With the clearance of a massive $11 billion mega-project in the Andaman & Nicobar region, the focus is now firmly on transforming Great Nicobar Island into one of the most strategic maritime hubs in the Indo-Pacific. Spanning nearly 30 years and covering approximately 166 sq km of the island, this ambitious development plan is far more than an infrastructure push - it is a geopolitical statement. At the heart of the project lies the proposed International Container Transhipment Terminal at Galathea Bay, designed to position India as a major global trade and shipping hub. Located close to the vital Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints, the project dramatically enhances India’s ability to influence trade flows across the Indian Ocean. The development blueprint also includes: - A Greenfield international airport with dual civil-military capability - A 450 MW power plant (gas and solar-based) - A modern township to support long-term economic growth - Advanced maritime and surveillance infrastructure Strategically, this location strengthens India’s maritime posture, enhances surveillance across key sea lanes, and improves power projection capabilities deep into the Indian Ocean Region. Economically, the project aims to attract major foreign direct investment (FDI), elevate India’s transhipment capacity, and reduce dependence on foreign ports. It seeks to transform the island into a global trade hub while catalyzing economic activity in India’s eastern maritime frontier. Geopolitically, many analysts see this move as a long-term counter to China’s expanding footprint in the region, particularly its so-called “String of Pearls” strategy, a network of ports and maritime assets stretching across the Indian Ocean. In this in-depth conversation, we are joined by Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan (Retd.), who breaks down: - The strategic importance of Great Nicobar - The naval and security implications - India’s evolving maritime doctrine - How India's nuclear submarine program is expanding - The balance between economic ambition and environmental concerns - What this means for India’s competition with China - And whether this marks the rise of a stronger Indian maritime consciousness Is this India’s most ambitious maritime move yet? Can Great Nicobar redefine the strategic balance in the Bay of Bengal and beyond?And how does this shape India’s long-term deterrence and power projection? Chapters - 0:00-0:40 Opening 1:47-6:10 India vs China in the Bay? The Great Nicobar Project Explained 7:12-11:39 Strategic Concerns Rise Over Chinese Activity Near Andaman Waters 12:51-17:55 After Sheikh Hasina: Who Shapes Bangladesh’s Maritime Future? 19:00-22:05 Seven Sisters Without India: A Diplomatic Message from Bangladesh? 23:00-31:37 India’s Third Nuclear Submarine: A Turning Point Against China? 32:06- 38:21 Beyond Trade: Why the Ocean Is Also a Security Frontier 38:23-39:10 Closing #greatnicobarproject #indiamaritimestrategy #indopacific #indianoceanstrategy #indiachina #geopolitics #maritimesecurity #blueeconomy #indiannavy #bayofbengal #indopacificsecurity #strategicaffairs #globaltraderoutes #maritimepower #oceangeopolitics #southasiageopolitics #defenseanalysis #seapower #indianoceanregion #strategicstudies