In this interview, Lakshmi Kaul, Contributing Editor, is in conversation with Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Investment, South Asia. From boardrooms to diplomacy, this conversation explores identity, ambition, trade, and the evolving UK–India relationship beyond the headlines. Born in India and now serving as a British diplomat, Chandru reflects on the personal and professional journey that took him from consulting to public service, what he left behind, what challenged him, and what continues to shape his work today. The discussion unpacks: •⁠ ⁠The transition from consulting to diplomacy •⁠ ⁠Identity, belonging, and navigating two worlds •⁠ ⁠The real economic impact of the UK–India partnership •⁠ ⁠India–UK CETA, trade reforms, tariffs, and market access •⁠ ⁠Digital trade, investments, and cross-border business •⁠ ⁠Mistakes founders make while entering the UK market •⁠ ⁠Untapped opportunities across the UK–India corridor •⁠ ⁠The future of diplomacy and youth engagement A candid conversation on policy, people, business, and the realities behind international partnerships. Chapters - 0:00-1:00 Opening 1:06-2:51 An Introduction to Chandru Iyer’s Journey 3:08-6:15 Between Two Identities: An Indian-Born British Diplomat’s Perspective 6:43-9:47 From Consulting to Diplomacy: A Career Shift 10:22-15:06 The Sectors Driving the UK–India Corridor 15:43-21:02 Understanding the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement 21:36-25:52 Why the UK Remains a Top Destination for Indian Investors 26:29-29:09 Digital Trade and Cross-Border Data Flow 29:29-33:35 Understanding the UK Market as an Indian Founder 34:19-38:18 Inspiring Initiatives in Diplomacy 38:42-40:55 Entrepreneurial Success Stories 41:04- Future Aspirations and the UK-India Corridor 42:51-43:53 Closing #UKIndia #Diplomacy #IndiaUK #Trade #CETA #Business #InternationalRelations #GlobalOrder #Policy #Economics #Startups #Investment #DigitalTrade

Mr. MJ Akbar, Former Minister of State for External Affairs, delivered the inaugural address at Samudramanthan 2026 - The Bay of Bengal Seminar. In his address, he examines the emergence of what he describes as the “war of the five seas” — stretching from the Mediterranean and Black Sea to the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and the waters surrounding the Malacca Strait and Taiwan Strait. He argues that modern conflicts are increasingly driven by control over energy routes, trade corridors, and maritime chokepoints such as Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, and Malacca. Mr. Akbar traces the roots of present-day instability to major geopolitical shifts beginning in 1979, including the Iranian Revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and reflects on how these developments reshaped global power structures, regional security, and India’s strategic environment. He examines India’s evolving maritime doctrine and strategic outlook under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly the shift from “masterly inactivity” to a forward-looking security posture in the Indian Ocean region. He highlights the growing significance of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India’s maritime reach from Hormuz to Malacca, and the centrality of sea power in the coming decades. Chapters 00:00 - 01:00 -Introduction to Geopolitical Dynamics 01:01 - 04:06 -The Changing Landscape of Global Security 04:07 - 06:05 - Invisible Seas and Strategic Planning 06:06 - 10:03 - Historical Context of the Iran Conflict 10:04 - 13:59 - The Impact of Regional Conflicts on Global Stability 14:00 - 18:50 - India's Evolving Security Strategy 18:51 - 21:07 - Redefining Neighborhood in Geopolitics 21:08 - 24:29 - The Sixth Sea and Regional Tensions 24:30 - 27: 21- The Nature of Modern Warfare 27:22 - 28:15 - Navigating a New World Order #geopolitics #regional #security #seas #energy #water #India #global #conflict #strategy #Indo-Pacific #maritime security

Abhii Dabas, Founder & CEO, INTRIC Technologies, shares insights on navigating international real estate hurdles, regulations, and market dynamics. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HizwhFnJb6g&t=1s

Abhii Dabas, Founder & CEO, INTRIC Technologies, breaks down the 5-step journey to investing abroad and navigating global expansion effectively. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HizwhFnJb6g&t=1s

“Embrace AI or risk being left behind.” Abhii Dabas, Founder & CEO, INTRIC Technologies, explains why adapting to AI-driven transformation is no longer optional for businesses and professionals looking to stay ahead. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HizwhFnJb6g&t=1s

“Diversification used to be a luxury; today, it’s a necessity.” In this insightful conversation, Abhii Dabas shares his perspective on changing markets, strategic growth, and why adaptability is now non-negotiable. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HizwhFnJb6g&t=1s

In this interview, Lakshmi Kaul, Contributing Editor, is in conversation with Abhii Dabas, Founder & CEO, INTRIC Technologies, as they dive deep into the evolving world of technology, investment trends, PropTech innovation, geopolitics, and the future of global markets. From discussing investment-friendly countries and the changing mindset around home ownership to understanding how technology is reshaping industries and human connection, this conversation explores the intersection of innovation, business, and modern living. Abhii Dabas also shares insights on navigating uncertain economic times, evaluating smart property investments, avoiding common mistakes first-time buyers make, and why cross-tech collaborations are becoming the future of business. The discussion further touches upon the mental health challenges of an increasingly hyperconnected world and the importance of staying grounded amidst rapid technological advancement. A thought-provoking conversation on markets, technology, real estate, entrepreneurship, and the human side of innovation. Chapters - 0:00-1:02 Opening 1:19-2:54 Travel & Investment-Friendly Countries 3:04-4:10 Debunking Market Misconceptions 4:34-6:20 How to Protect Investments Amid Global Uncertainty 6:52-8:51 How Real Estate Aspirations Have Changed Across Generations 9:15-11:45 UK and India Market Insights 12:06-14:38 How to Evaluate a Good Property Investment 14:47-17:22 What Every First-Time Property Buyer Should Know 17:42-21:05 How PropTech Is Simplifying Real Estate Investment 21:21-23:21 Lessons from Building A Global Platform 23:43-25:59 The Role of AI in Business Evolution 26:06-28:30 The Rise of Cross-Tech Collaboration 29:09-31:59 Maintaining Mental Health in a Fast-Paced World 32:31-37:10 Mental Health in the Age of Technology 32:37-40:01 What To Expect In The Next Decade 40:02-40:35 Conclusion #Technology #PropTech #Investment #RealEstate #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #GlobalMarkets #MentalHealth #Business #Leadership #TechIndustry

Ani Kaprekar argues that creative industries go beyond film and music, encompassing diverse art forms like theater, opera, and digital storytelling, and that the real opportunity lies in India–UK collaboration through co-creation, shared platforms, and immersive storytelling rather than just exports. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfOI8eGyb6s