In this compelling interview, Mr Vijay Gokhale, who previously served as India's Ambassador to China and later as Foreign Secretary, and is widely regarded as one of India's foremost experts on China, discusses his latest book, China's Wars. Drawing on extensive research and historical case studies, Mr Gokhale examines the drivers behind China's military coercion. The conversation also explores the implications of Xi Jinping's rise, the future of India-China relations, the realities of armed coexistence along the Line of Actual Control, and the potential challenges posed by the eventual succession of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. 00:00 - 01:49 - Opening 01:50 - 03:46 - China's concept of deterrence 03:47 - 06:25 - Conflict and Diplomacy as One Continuum 06:26 - 11:29 - Information Warfare and the 1962 War 11:30 - 15:53 - China's Use of Strategic Deception in Foreign Policy 15:54 - 21:07 - Do Internal Crises Drive Chinese Military Coercion? 21:08 - 25:25 - From Deng's Restraint to Xi's Assertiveness 25:26 - 28:30 - Explaining China's Grey Zone Tactics 28:31 - 30:40 - Why Beijing Avoids Conflict Without a Clear Path to Success 30:41 - 33:53 - When Might Grey Zone Coercion Escalate Into War? 33:54 - 37:09 - How The Triangular US-China- Russia Balance Shapes India's Security Environment 37:10 - 39:20 - Armed Coexistence on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) 39:21 - 42:18 - Could the Dalai Lama Succession Trigger a New Crisis? 42:19 - 42:33 - Closing #ChinasWars #VijayGokhale #China #IndiaChinaRelations #Geopolitics #ForeignPolicy #XiJinping #IndoPacific #NationalSecurity #DalaiLama #MilitaryStrategy #CurrentAffairs #WorldAffairs #PodcastInterview #StrategicAffairs

“India is not one homogeneous market - it’s multiple economies within one,” says Dr Param Shah, CEO, Government Relations and Strategic Communications at Arvind Ltd. He argues that businesses entering India often underestimate its institutional maturity, digital infrastructure, and the importance of patience, localisation, and long-term thinking. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdxAId6t0gg

“India is not one market - it’s many markets within one,” says Dr Param Shah, CEO, Government Relations and Strategic Communications at Arvind Ltd. He argues that businesses often misread India by focusing only on population size, when they should instead see the country as both a complex consumer landscape and a strategic capability hub. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdxAId6t0gg

“This decade could define India’s transition from an emerging economy to a shaping power,” says Dr Param Shah, CEO, Government Relations and Strategic Communications at Arvind Ltd. From economics and digital transformation to geopolitics, he argues that India is no longer just participating in global conversations; it is helping drive them. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdxAId6t0gg

Climate tech remains one of India’s most underestimated opportunities, says Dr Param Shah, CEO, Government Relations and Strategic Communications at Arvind Ltd, alongside a shift from hierarchy-driven leadership to credibility-led leadership. He also points to Japan and Singapore as models for industrial strategy, governance, and execution. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdxAId6t0gg

“India’s apparel manufacturing sector is at a pivotal moment,” says Dr Param Shah, CEO, Government Relations and Strategic Communications at Arvind Ltd, highlighting how FTAs and lower tariffs are helping create a more level playing field and turning the China+1 opportunity into something more tangible. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdxAId6t0gg

"There is always a cost to securing your country." Hindol Sengupta argues that sovereignty and security are never guaranteed. Every nation faces difficult choices, trade-offs, and long-term commitments. The question is not whether there is a price to pay—but whether a country is willing to pay it. Watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/mnp4pNB19FA #NationalSecurity #Sovereignty #India #Geopolitics #StrategicAffairs #ForeignPolicy #Defence #InternationalRelations #Statecraft

"We are at a turning point in history." Hindol Sengupta reflects on how conversations about the Bay of Bengal, strategy, and India's eastern frontier are moving from policy conferences into everyday public debate. Watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/mnp4pNB19FA #BayOfBengal #India #Geopolitics #Bengal #IndianOcean #SouthAsia #StrategicAffairs #History