India is playing an increasingly important role on the global stage, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Now the world's most populous country, India is in the midst of its largest general elections, with a staggering 969 million eligible voters, making it the biggest election the world has ever seen.

While experiencing rapid economic growth and projected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2030, India is also facing concerns about the curtailment of democratic freedoms and minority rights and the rise of Hindu nationalism.

In this week's episode, we delve into the complexities of India's current political environment, from the reshaping of its domestic politics to its strategic importance on the global stage.

In the first part, I speak with Professor Sumit Ganguly to explore the last decade of India's domestic political landscape under the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party and PM Narendra Modi. We also examine the significance of Prime Minister Modi's larger-than-life persona, as well as concerns about democratic backsliding.

The second part of the episode is focused on India's foreign policy and diplomacy. Professor TV Paul shares insights on Ind ia's more assertive and globally engaged approach to international relations, and examines its evolving relationships with key partners.

Further Reading: Ascending India and Its State Capacity (Yale University Press, 2017)

The Unfinished Quest: India’s Search for Major Power Status from Nehru to Modi (New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2024)