In this insightful conversation, Lakshmi Kaul, Contributing Editor, speaks with Bob Blackman, Member of Parliament (MP), United Kingdom, on a wide range of issues shaping the UK today, from UK–India relations and diaspora engagement to domestic policy challenges and community dynamics. This conversation is part of a new series titled “Common Ground”, which focuses on India–UK ties and explores shared perspectives on politics, policy, and people-to-people connections between the two countries. The interview explores the progress and future of the UK–India Free Trade Agreement, examining both the opportunities it presents and the persistent barriers that remain. Drawing from his experience representing a diverse constituency, Bob Blackman shares his perspective on the role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening bilateral ties and shaping political discourse in the UK. The discussion also delves into complex and sensitive issues - including concerns around community tensions, protests, and the broader implications of global conflicts on domestic harmony. With reference to recent policy developments, such as evolving definitions around Islamophobia, the conversation highlights how governments navigate the balance between safeguarding communities and preserving open dialogue. A key focus of the interview is the functioning of the UK’s democratic system - particularly how local concerns are brought into Parliament through platforms like the Backbench Business Committee. The conversation sheds light on how representative democracy works in practice, and the extent to which grassroots issues influence national debate and policy direction. The interview further addresses rising concerns around displacement, immigration, and homelessness in the UK. Bob Blackman discusses the responsibilities of public authorities, the challenges of capacity and policy implementation, and the need for long-term solutions in an increasingly uncertain global environment. Finally, the conversation turns to the growing political engagement of the Indian diaspora in the UK. With encouraging signs of increased participation, Bob Blackman offers advice to aspiring leaders from diasporic communities looking to make their mark in public life. Watch the full conversation to gain deeper insights into: • UK–India relations and the Free Trade Agreement • The role of the Indian diaspora in UK politics • Community tensions and policy responses • Parliamentary processes and public representation • Immigration, displacement, and homelessness • Opportunities for diaspora political participation Chapters - 0:00-2:00 Opening 2:09-6:50 Changing Impressions of India Through the Years 7:38-10:56 Strengthening the UK–India Free Trade Agreement 11:20-14:42 The State of the Indian Diaspora in the UK Today 15:41-19:47 Rising Tensions in the UK: Protests, Safety, and Minority Concerns 20:06-21:33 Rising Divisions in a Multicultural Constituency 21:53-25:53 How the Iran–Israel Conflict Is Influencing Crime and Social Tensions in the UK 26:50-30:35 From Constituencies to Parliament: How Local Issues Shape National Debate 31:36-40:12 Displacement, Immigration, and the Growing Challenge of Homelessness 40:43- 45:19 Rising Political Engagement Among the Indian Diaspora in the UK 45:33-46:53 Closing #indiandiaspora #ukpolitics #politicalparticipation #communityvoices #representationmatters #backbenchbusinesscommittee #migrationpolicy #homelessnessuk #ukindiarelations #publicpolicy #communityleadership #diversityinpolitics #civicinvolvement #globalpolitics

In this conversation, Hindol Sengupta and Ambassador Prabhat Shukla discuss the current geopolitical landscape surrounding Iran, particularly in light of the recent death of Ali Larijani, a significant figure in the Iranian regime, and its security chief. They explore the implications of leadership changes, the structure of Iranian society, and the resilience of the Islamic regime despite ongoing conflicts. The discussion also delves into the legitimacy crisis facing the Iranian government, the potential for regime change, and the critical concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions and their ideological threats to Israel. In this conversation, Hindol Sengupta and Ambassador Prabhat Shukla discuss the ongoing crisis in Iran and its implications for regional and global dynamics. They explore the lessons India can learn from the Strait of Hormuz crisis, the control Iran has over the strait, and the need for India to strengthen its naval capabilities. The discussion also touches on the future of West Asia amidst conflict, the cautious stance of China in global affairs, and the impact of the Iran war on international relations. Chapters 00:00 - 01:11 -Introduction to Global Order and Ambassador Shukla 01:12 - 02:09 - The Impact of Larijani's Death on Iran 02:10- 04:59 - Understanding the Current Conflict in Iran 05:00- 12:28 - The Resilience of Iranian Society and Leadership 12:29- 16:15 - The Possibility of Regime Change in Iran 16:16- 23:09 - Iran's Nuclear Program and Future Prospects 23:10- 30:06 - Crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and Lessons for India 30:07- 35: 03 - The Future of West Asia Amidst Conflict 35:04- 44:15 - China's Role and Reactions to the Iran Conflict #Iran #geopolitics #iranisraelwar #internationalrelations #westasiaconflict #westasiawar #westasiacrisis #conflict #india #china #russia #iranusatension #irannews #iranwar

Dr Rahul Sen explains that once the agreement takes effect, likely by the end of this year or early next year, key New Zealand exports such as forestry, wool, sheep meat, hides, and skins will be tariff-free in India. Over the next 5–10 years, nearly 95% of New Zealand’s exports are expected to gain tariff-free access to the Indian market. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilzV4ohlBX4&t=1s

Dr. Rahul Sen highlights that the agreement creates a major opportunity for New Zealand’s dairy sector, especially dairy ingredients, to partner with India’s vast dairy industry, not just to increase volumes but to improve quality. He emphasises that the deal is unique in focusing on quality enhancement and collaboration, including setting up centres of excellence to strengthen India’s agricultural produce. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilzV4ohlBX4&t=1s

Dr. Rahul Sen describes the deal as far more than a traditional FTA, emphasising that it goes beyond trade in goods and services to include mobility, investment, and broader economic and strategic cooperation, effectively making it a comprehensive strategic economic partnership. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilzV4ohlBX4&t=1s

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