EP-138 | India-China, The Russian Response, US Elections and Raisina 2024 Ft Samir Saran

Samir Saran is the President of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), India’s premier think tank headquartered in New Delhi. Saran is a well-known figure in the field of diplomacy and serves as the curator of the Raisina Dialogue. He has authored four books, focusing his research on global governance, climate and energy policy, technology policy, and India’s foreign relations.
In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he discusses India's role in shaping a new world order and emphasises why India's success matters globally, not just to Indians. Saran also shares insights into Raisina Dialogues 2024, India’s annual flagship platform on geopolitics and geo-economics, and provides reasons behind its inception.
Samir extensively talks about India-U.S. relations and their implications for New Delhi, particularly in the event of Donald Trump returning to power. Without hesitation, he notes that there is a growing sense in the West that Prime Minister Modi will secure a third consecutive term.
He also delves into the topic of the Ram Mandir and its impact not only in India but around the world. Samir criticises Western media for harbouring preconceived notions about India and consistently portraying it in a negative light.
#ANIPodcastWithSmitaPrakash #SamirSaran #Podcast
Timestamps
00:00-Introduction
03:59- Munich Security Conference 2024
11:16-Western nations' economic anxiety
12:47-India and The European Union
15:04- India buying oil from Russia
17:49- India’s strategy on exporting and importing weapons
21:10-Raisina Dialogue 2024
25:02-How Raisina Dialogue Started
30:11- Chaturanga: Theme of Raisina Dialogue 2024
35:10- HM Shah’s interview on ORF Survey
40:11-World confident on PM Modi’s return?
47:22-India’s ‘agile’ foreign policy
50:14- Trump vs Biden: who’s better for India?
01:01:55-India-China relations
01:06:51- India’s ties with West Asia
01:15:04- Raisina Dialogue and its impact
01:32:49- Raisina Young Fellows Program
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[@loudpurr]

Smita stop interrupting, please. Just when Dr Saran is about to drop a juicy nugget, you rush in...and the moment is lost😑

[@LAK1948]

She does it mostly & with almost all her guests involved with geo politics & defense

[@ethanhunt937]

True.. lots of interruption.. they should let the guest talk and not show off that they also know stuff.

[@Kaafiristani]

Typical of her.

[@dnyanpatil7043]

😂

[@sleepingduty2987]

she has to show that she is knowledgeable about the subject even though she is not.

[@venugopalrao3597]

One point which is always missed in such discussions is that China's super growth was driven by State controlled capitalism. No protests, no dissensions, land simply acquired where required and the fear in the contractors to complete projects in time. India is a functioning democracy with a humongous population. Political agendas, activism, dissent at the drop of a hat, pushback of all kinds. Our growth will be gradual or at best on track. Those who celebrate the China growth story always miss out on this single, critical dimension which made much of the difference.

[@SriramNarasimhan90]

Whatever you said are 100% true, but maybe why we are feel its missed is because its a missed opportunity of India even when China started to outpace us starting 1950's we never realized until we opened up in 1990's. So even if we are a democracy we saw enormous growth that happened in last decade that if it had happened post independence, we might already be an India of 2047 that we imagine today. Jain hind!

[@venugopalrao3597]

@@SriramNarasimhan90 China's growth story started in 1979 under Deng Xiao Ping. Our economic liberalisation started in 1992-93. One critical component of China's Ultra fast growth was that the Communist Government dictated the path to State Capitalism. Nothing stood in the way of say infrastructure projects. And for the first 20-25 years they became Factory to the world with cheap labour. All big MNC companies set up factories in China. The CCP being the only political party controlled everything.

[@ganapatibhat2161]

This question was asked to Shri Arun Shouri, disinvestment minister in Vajpeyi government comparing China's growth as against Bharat's. And he answered in the same way as mentioned here! and I am also of the same opinion!

[@alyasagan3620]

​@@SriramNarasimhan90jai hind jai hind... Chnai don't politics, no praise but China rise is not incremental so fast i dint know hie to say but india is incremental.. How can we compare with China that is exponential.. Wake up

[@vocvoc9895]

In the past 30 years in China When the government acquires your land, for 99% of the people it's THE once in a life time opportunity you climb up to the higher level of economic social ladder, because the government pays several times more money than the land or property is sold in regular way.

[@mukulkjha2959]

I have been following ANI podcast with Smita Prakash ji for quite some time now and I think that the whole discussion, its length and its pace, its gravitas and its levity, are simply on point. I simply prefer these podcasts over all others. Kudos!!

[@BharatiyaVaasi]

I wholeheartedly concur with Mr. Saran's viewpoint that Bush Jr. was undoubtedly the best American President for India. His policies and initiatives towards strengthening India-US relations were exemplary and unparalleled, which has benefited India in numerous ways.

[@josephselvadurai3093]

Pppp❤

[@MrAshwijshenoy]

God, I dont know how I have missed listening to this person in so much time. Absolute gem. The Talk Shop banter and the 5th Beatle banter were the best😂😂😂 Lots of luck for Raisina and this time I will follow it.

[@Xyz.xyz.xyz.xyzzzzzz]

He’s actually a little annoying. 😅😂

[@bradmayer1639]

This guy is a very irritating fellow. He is so rude that during this year's Raisina Dialogue he was interrupting the guests so rudely, he has no manners. An idi-ot masquerading as an intellectual.

[@bradmayer1639]

@@Xyz.xyz.xyz.xyzzzzzz totally agree, he is extremely annoying, very uncouth. The way he treated his guests at Raisina Dialogue was revolting. He is an uncouth idi-ot.

[@akshayakumarpatra1850]

The Raisana Dialogue programme is of a very high standard, we are privileged to watch it in KZbin. Mr Saran is very smart, sharp and articulative. He was seen in commanding position as a curator. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@user-vp7bq3tc7l]

Smitaji, you should invite General Syed Ata Hasnain for a podcast. He was a GOC of Corps in Srinagar and has extensive knowledge and experience to talk about the excellent work done by our government at Pakistani and Chinese fronts.

[@souvikchakraborty8055]

India has to emerge as a civilization state which functions as a Continental economy where different parts are moving in Coordination with Speed and accuracy towards the same goal.

[@madhukarmurthi9064]

Thoroughly impressive and concise summary of our nation's mission

[@yaswardhansingh6600]

Why you are keep on interrupting 1. It breaks the flow of conversation 2. It change or switch the subject in its entirety I understand u want to ask and have opinion about 1000 things but please let a topic get over or atleast conclude before giving new que

[@bhumirealtors3635]

I agree

[@Vikram_l]

On a side note, i feel it would be better if you could in the least acknowledge the person serving your refreshments during the taping with a basic "Thanks" or in the least a "smile with a nod" if you feel the flow of conversation will be interrupted. Ignoring that person completely while you have your grandstanding conversations on where India is now shows that we as a society still have a long way to go to fully embrace "Dignity of Labour" at even the top rungs of society. And this is coming from a person who completely agrees with the nature and scope of this podcast. No offence intended to either Smita or Samir. Fully support Raisina Dialogues to become a global phenomenon that eclipses even Davos.

[@Anonymous-vf1mq]

Kuch bhi , focus on the topic

[@qwerty83484]

thanks for saying it. I notice it too

[@eliray837]

Thanks for bringing it up. It bothered me a bit too.

[@vivekchahal6644]

I’ve seen them thank many times.. it could be that they didn’t this time

[@narengupta1060]

Are you outraged?

[@ThePremanand711]

Is Samir Saran gonna be next in line to Dr. Jaishankar? His voice is 100% match to Farhan Akthar

[@naysayer7540]

No ways. You need subtle and diplomatic people to be in those high and crucial posts. These guys are way too loud.

[@tapsimavinkeredayanand8454]

Samir Saran sounds like Farhan Akhtar for sure!!

[@taniabachhar2962]

No

[@Sunny12-23]

You need intelligent people for that. Not bubble headed jokers who can't speak even one sentence without script writer and prompter.

[@gauravipal9518]

​@@Sunny12-23Huh? Did you hear this VLOG? Do you think he was speaking from pre-written scripts?

[@va8085]

When Dr Jaishankar retires, Samir should get the top job in the Foreign Ministry. Clearly, PM Modi is fond of him & vice versa. He’s a smart smart man & can fill Dr J’s shoes 🇮🇳

[@shikharsingh8141]

Excellent choice...

[@minerjopeace5915]

As Sameer said *There are so many people of higher grades than me* But also possible, jab tak Modi hai to sab kuchh mumkin hai

[@peace110258]

Why are you thinking of retiring him? Long way to go. He is just 68 and looks 58.

[@jdz_channel]

Samir may know a lot about the world but Dr. Jayshankar is a class apart. The later knows geopolitics about specific countries that matters the most to Bharat. Also Samir talks a lot which makes him a very bad candidate to replace Dr Jayshankar. You only answer what is asked and also know what and how much u need to disclose.

[@kmr512]

Samir and his entire org are puppets of their western masters. Just see how they interview Russian FM last year compared to western puppets.

[@zaara33]

Outstanding podcast with the brilliant Samir Saran. I thought I knew ‘something’ but this podcast showed me I know nothing and there is so much to learn! 🙏🏾

[@eliray837]

An excellent conversation (bravo) and have inspired me to attend Raisina dialogues next year. I am pharma data scientist and interested in cooperation between India and Switzerland in this area. Hope to have more talks in Pharmaceutical and health equity sector for the Raisina dialogues 2025.

[@saratsaratchandran3085]

Samir is always a pleasure to listen to. Good to see him in Smita’s podcast👏👏🌺‼️

[@paddynair6446]

Could listen forever to these deep insights by someone who knows😂😂and has dealt practically and operationally.... Brilliantly compared by Smita... Well done😊😊😊

[@SP-bx7vm]

Wonderful talk .... but Smita pls don't interrupt your guest while he speaks

[@bradmayer1639]

Actually it is this guy Saran who is an abject idi-ot. This guy is very irritating. He was so rude that during this year's Raisina Dialogue he was interrupting the guests so rudely, he has no manners. An idi-ot masquerading as an intellectual.

[@WorldPeaceAlways]

Samir Saran is always logical, coherent and articulate in his thoughts

[@swapnilredekar1321]

Wonderful conversation. Side note is Smita Prakash is looking young and beautiful.

[@iammclovin227]

Who said she was old 😊

[@anon7641]

Such a disgusting comment

[@simplifiedforyou1465]

Abe thadkiyon, yahan toh chod do.

[@surya_11]

Although the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) may seem to be a mere foreign policy think-tank, actually it's far more than that. In the last ten years it has emerged as the sole agency that is behind India's foreign policymaking, similar to the Council on Foreign Relations in the US. As a result of that India's foreign policy is now consistent and is unlikely to be effected by changes in ruling parties at the centre. Which has its own benefits as well as drawbacks.

[@GuzzarAwan]

It maybe equivalent of CFR of india. But never compare CFR with anyonther think tank. CFR decide fate of world

[@surya_11]

​@@GuzzarAwan Like they've “decided” the fate of Russia? But last time I checked, Russia was doing well and it was the US-proxy Ukraine which was in a disaster, its entire young generation is now likely gone.

[@SanatanRevival]

​@@surya_11 great analogy, couldn't have said it better. Are you an analyst yourself?

[@sangramraje5667]

This is not only think tank. There are many. One started by son of ajit doval. Then there IDSA (institute of defence studies and analysis) now named as manohar parrikar IDSA after his death.

[@kmr512]

​@@sangramraje5667ORF is a western puppet agency to keep Indian minds colonised through their puppets like this Saran guy. His entire group is full of western puppets.

[@ethanhunt937]

Please stop interrupting the guest everytime. This has become the norm now in ANI podcasts. Please don't break the chain of thoughts of these guests. Mr Saran was interrupted multiple times when he was about to share some juicy info!

[@sujanagavirneni3199]

We need more such podcasts. Thanks to Samir Sarin for his insights. Great job at Raisina. Bharat is arriving at International arena. Well done, sir🙏🏽

[@vssiyer3884]

Such a wonderful talk by Mr Sameer....

[@arian1569]

This is was a Mutton biriyani with deserts and a large Tamil Thali meal on Foreign policy and global leaders and thinkers look at it .... superb podcast...on the content and what i could learn and understand. I saw this podcast after I had seen the Munich dialogue where Samir was discussing Viswamitra- Ex-PM Canada, KSA Foreign Min, EU , Havard think Tank and our very own Dr Jai Shankar. One small concern, Smita ji ..you seemed to have put on weight or seems little unwell. Pls take care . I love all your podcasts and enjoy them , share them.

[@aravinddnivara803]

Samir sir is an outstanding thinker of our time.

[@Bharatnamo]

Samir well said ..sharp insight

[@anon7641]

Not true but let that pass! To talk of samir as a thinker is stretching it a bit!

[@azadsingh133]

Much more of an outstanding organizer that a thinker

[@DevDJP]

What a brilliant man!!!! Samir Sir is an excellent analyst and policy expert. And Smita ji has been able to create the best podcast in India for sure.

[@tejasoza7010]

Samir Saran is an amazing individual. Loved the episode.

[@anilmalhotrausa]

What an engaging discussion! Sameer's grasp of geopolitics is truly impressive. He articulates India's perspective with remarkable ease and eloquence, consistently leaving me in awe. Sameer, your insights are truly commendable and greatly appreciated. Keep up the fantastic work! Regards and Love - Anil

[@jatinderbhan]

An outstanding discussion! 👏👏

[@bablutiwary8416]

One of the best!!

[@ritag.adiyodi854]

Thank you Smita Prakash. I learned a good deal from this podcast.

[@shashidharkv9031]

And Samir saran he is delight to hear, what a phenomenal intellect.

[@OrangeDurito]

Fantastic podcasts! Thank you for this celebration of ideas and opinions.

[@ShashiprabhaSingh-yz6qz]

Sir, I am your regular listener. Your thoughts always inspired me❤❤❤❤❤

[@sanathkaushik8113]

Always a pleasure to hear Samir Saran speak on world affairs

[@senturi9645]

Enjoyed ❤

[@Agyanani]

41:06 the best part starts here And the bestest part is this 😅👉🏻 41:40 And the funny one is this 😂😂 42:01

[@sistanarasimharao]

Dr Samir made a very valid & brilliant point that - India is a continental economy and should have its own FTA. I fully agree with him. All the states should immediately jettison the narrow, parochial तु,तु, और मै, मे attitude and come together as a nation and promote the economy in a wholesome manner. 👋👋👍

[@Krishnay447]

I would really appreciate it if you could get him again on your show for more long conversation

[@venkatab2745]

He is a gem ❤❤❤

[@gaganbhaskar4303]

wonderful discussion Thank you

[@abbastajmir3181]

Excellent analysis, Continue, good luck.

[@paulroy9639]

excellent conversation !

[@mk-uk6hy]

If only I could like this episode a thousand times

[@sonusharma-su8hb]

Amazing conversations

[@sprashant26]

Such an awesome podcast very very informative thank you Smita ji 👏👌

[@Ank-Tiw]

Excellent conversation

[@shashidharkv9031]

That’s a powerful discussion any one can’t restrain admiring. Thanks Smitha madam.

[@ratnakamal1]

Samir Sarin, yes a real dynamo.

[@personaldata1270]

This guests voice manner & texture is so in resemblance of Farhan akhtar's 😮😮

[@petergriffin3565]

Great conversation

[@shankysays]

I can listen to his gossips from the power corridors for hours.😂 For some reason, i find these gossips contagious and addictive.

[@sekharyaramala460]

Glad that I am not alone with that obsession 😄

[@vanshsapkal2826]

Same here.... 😂😂 Journalists are the most lucky people in this scenario because they get to know each and every gossip from the power corridor....

[@umaneelakantan9327]

Chaturanga.. The four Cs.. Awesome Strategic Word Games.

[@raulasharma]

Excellent podcast 👍

[@divyasatheesh2529]

Excellent podcast👍🏼

[@OPKakroo]

another wonder talk🌷

[@ritukiran]

The internal security dialogue should be hosted in Kolkatta or a place in WB. It would not only bring economic benefit to the population but also offer a healing touch to the population.

[@dishamukherjee5939]

Came from world economic forum... he is really a gem

[@DeePod205]

Great work ❤

[@vloggermegha7965]

what a fantastic conversation. thankyou @podcastwithsmitaprakash for introducing him to me ..absolutely amazing!

[@manohark4858]

Enjoyed your many podcasts. But please have English translation when you guys converse in Hindi

[@zkykmxgj7490]

I appreciate the gentleman guest...a future EMA perhaps as he had d best approach which is to give a response/answer at individual level...ie d reply must to human 2 human level to hit the message home!

[@ashokashtekar4265]

Supra movement.....

[@rajeshm5087]

Amazing

[@technodestination4763]

Brilliant 🎉

[@sistanarasimharao]

ANI podcasts with Smita Prakash are always on point with their gravitas levity. 👍

[@prithvirajgowda4955]

I would like to see Bharth's Interaction and view on Javier milei's Argentina. Very interesting personality.

[@deeyarshree]

Thanks Smita , a wonderful podcast

[@1abc546]

Loved the conversation 😂

[@ArjunRadhakrishnan-wu3tj]

Very interesting talk.

[@Rudra_Jr]

Great podcast, loved it 👍🏼

[@prajwalshah]

Let the guest speak. It’s annoying to the listener to have the two host competing to disrupt the conversation. This is not a family evening competing to put one another down.

[@kikunamitapaul5654]

This was so interesting and informative. Please make a pact with Mr. Saran to do an episode ATLEAST once a month! 🙏🌞👌

[@narayanraju8589]

Excellent picturisarion of today's Bharat diplomatic world order. Saran nd the trio have given true insight of our diplomatic provess.

[@Anonymous-nf2df]

more podcast like this

[@divyanshsh]

what an interesting man

[@souvikchakraborty8055]

The commodification of human experience is true on each side of the battle. We wish to pass a message, and then we use a an event as rhetoric and trampoline through which we can launch and propagate our message

[@ratnakamal1]

Yes Samir, Europe is on the ropes. Germany and U. K. are in recession, Ukraine is mired in war, and the Russian economy is doing well. Samir makes a good point about the European anxiety expressed in throwing out the incumbents in power and, may I add, the growth of the rightwing nationalism.

[@AshokSingh-nf2qp]

Great Discussion

[@gulshanrailuthra3967]

Samir puts it well 🙏

[@NitinSharma-lz2gc]

So easy way out viewers want to see differences. Question is “why difference get more viewers?” Answer is “When you have agreement no further discussion needed. When there is difference discussion carries on and coverage continues and viewers see different opinions. Hence, viewership is more.”

[@DeePod205]

Good voice of the guest ❤

[@bujjireddy515]

Good interview.

[@anon7641]

Shuddup Smita! Just SHUDDUP

[@diveshanireddy150]

Thanks!

[@jaineetshakti]

Har Har Mahadev to all team of sumita ji and samir saran ji🕉️🔱

[@cpvn889]

Good to know about a Think Tank and what it's objective are and how it is done. 😊😊

[@abhijitbais2460]

Jai Hind

[@krishnasutra6296]

Good session

[@skrishnamoorthy8958]

Oh My God what a celebration of disagreements I have missed so long!

[@GoodSamatin]

Mr Saran, I think you are reading China's presence at MSC wrong. Chinese foreign minister was given the prime slot without having to share the stage with a panel. India's FM had to share the stage with others. That shows where China is placed on world affairs. Time to put the head in the sand is past, wake up Mr. Saran.

[@iammclovin227]

There is another way to look at it. China stands alone today, or with the countries who are also isolated (Read Russia, China, Pakistan, North Korea etc). Whereas Indian foreign minister shared the stage with US and German counterparts - the most powerful country, the most oowycountry in Europe and the largest democracy in the world. It is just point of view.

[@savvyn37]

China has broadcast model. India has conversation model. Conversation helps in response and respect.

[@GoodSamatin]

US was also given the same treatment. VP Harris had a solo presentation. Does it mean US is isolated? Not in the least. Germany and EU countries lick US like they are pet dogs.

[@purushottam_paramdharma]

Smita mam please stop interrupting the guest. People hear podcasts to hear from the guest, please mam kindly let the guest complete their thoughts

[@prago4629]

Thanks

[@alfa_romeo0701]

A tango can’t get better than this pair on a podcast !!

[@badrikarki9137]

Not only India matter to world every country matters to the world.

[@manishagrahari5335]

So I was watching this Podcast, suddenly I realised when did Farhan Akhtar started speaking in his costume. ! Indeed a good interview.

[@baratbushan8230]

Nice Analysis

[@Rvj.12]

Plz put timestamps

[@dragonjpt1195]

This guy is super ultra optimist with barely few bases..Seems like he was desperately waiting for India's growth to start so that he could shine himself on its sidelines..

[@a73366]

A bit lengthy, but too juicy to give it a break. Finished it in one go and it wasn't a waste of time at all!