Episodes
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In this episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh is joined with Professor T.V. Paul, an expert on international security and South Asian geopolitics at McGill University, Canada to discuss India’s rise as a major global power. Drawing on his recent book The Unfinished Quest: India’s Search for Major Power Status from Nehru to Modi, Professor Paul offers a nuanced analysis of India's trajectory toward global influence.
They delve into India’s strategic challenges in a changing global order, emphasizing the India-China dynamic, India’s bilateral relations with the United States, and the complexities of its foreign policy shaped by a multi-alignment approach. They discuss India’s role as a 'swing power', its strengthening ties with Western powers, including Australia, and the evolving role of the Quad in the Indo-Pacific region.
Tune into this episode as Lisa and Professor Paul unpack the historical and contemporary factors shaping India’s quest for a prominent role on the global stage. -
Recorded live at the University of Melbourne, CEO Lisa Singh hosted award-winning author, diplomat, and politician Dr Shashi Tharoor on November 13.
They delve into Dr Tharoor's political views, leaders who have influenced him, India and its place in the world, the current global geopolitical shifts and impact of the US election outcome, and the growing significance of the Australia-India relationship.
Listen to this insightful panel discussion Shifting Perspectives: The State of the World in 2024, hosted in partnership with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.
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Recorded in Chennai, India, Lisa Singh visits Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan (PTR), Tamil Nadu's Minister of Information Technology and Digital Services. Dr Rajan brings deep insights into Tamil Nadu’s impressive growth story and its growing connections with key states of Australia.
They dive deep into Tamil Nadu’s transformation into becoming India’s top investment hub, its leadership in renewable energy and Dr Rajan’s vision for Tamil Nadu as a future IT powerhouse and his efforts in digital transformation. They also discuss the impact of Dravidian philosophy on politics, linkages of social justice and women’s rights through technology and Tamil Nadu’s strategy for fostering tech innovation, including a new deep tech fund.
Tune in as they explore Tamil Nadu’s dynamic journey and its promising future with one of its key visionaries.
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CEO Lisa Singh was joined by stalwarts of foreign policy and the Australia-India relationship, Ambassador Anil Wadhwa, Mr Peter Varghese AO, and Dr Pradeep Taneja at a panel event at the University of Melbourne on September 4, 2024, exploring the burgeoning partnership between the two nations amidst the evolving strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific.
They delved into how both nations navigate the contested Indo-Pacific region, balancing Beijing-Washington tensions while fostering a trusted partnership grounded in shared democratic values. They also discussed the Pacific and regional implications, strategic collaborations, and the shifting political landscapes in India and Bangladesh.Listen to our panel discussion on “Australia, India, and the World”, hosted in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Faculty of Arts.
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🎙️The unique cross-border impacts of climate tech start-ups 🎙️
How can a bilateral partnership successfully support start-ups pioneering sustainable change?The India Australia Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion (RISE) Accelerator is a purpose-built program that helps Indian and Australian start-ups fast-track their cross-border impact. The start-ups focus on solutions to challenges felt by both countries, including clean energy, waste and the circular economy; and climate-smart agriculture.
In this Chats Over Chai conversation, CEO Lisa Singh speaks to Pramit Dash, Program Director at the Atal Innovation Mission and Tamara Ogilvie, Program Director at CSIRO for a fascinating look at the intricacies of business diplomacy and the exciting and innovative start-ups looking to make their mark in Australia and India through the RISE program.
The next round of applications for the RISE Accelerator open soon! For more information, go to https://riseaccelerator.org/
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In this episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh is joined by the Australia India Institute’s new Director of Security and Geopolitics, Darshana Baruah, to discuss the latest geopolitical developments in the Indo-Pacific, Australia-India, and the Quad as well as her visions for the Institute’s Security and Geopolitics program.
Lisa and Darshana explore the criticisms behind the Quad, discuss perspectives on the alliance system, Australia’s foreign policy priorities, and the missing links in the Indo-Pacific debate. Their conversation delves into the evolving challenges and strategic imperatives that define our oceans today.
Darshana’s extensive knowledge is on full display, as the pair also discuss her upcoming book, a compilation of her ten years of experience exploring the complex world of maritime security.
Tune into this episode to hear more about developments in the Indo-Pacific and how AII’s Security and Geopolitics program plans to contribute to the interlinkages between think tanks and foreign policy debates. -
Following the success of the inaugural Australia India Renewables Dialogue in Sydney, this episode of Chats Over Chai features a key delegate at the dialogue, Mr JP Chalasani, Group CEO of leading Indian wind energy firm, Suzlon.
Lisa and JP Chalasani discuss his rich experience in the renewables sector and how Australia and India can continue to place themselves as renewable energy superpowers in the Indo-Pacific. The pair delve into the importance of policymakers and thought leaders in the renewables space and their thoughts on how the government's approach, ambition and response to the climate crisis has evolved.
Join us for an insightful conversation on the Australia-India clean energy partnership.
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In this episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh is joined by Australian-Indian writers hailing from different parts of the diaspora in a powerful panel discussion celebrating our country’s diversity and their unique experiences growing up.
The discussion was conducted at the book launch event of “Growing Up Indian in Australia” by Aarti Betigeri in Melbourne. The anthology is a colourful and energetic collection of stories that offers reflections on identity, culture, family, food, and expectations, delving into the deep truths about the Australian and Indian identity. Preeti Maharaj, Shreya Tekumalla, and Tasneem Chopra, three of the 29 contributors to the book, along with author Aarti were panellists, exploring the importance of diaspora voices in our national identity.
Lisa and the panellists unpacked the motivation and inspiration behind their stories and their legacy. They discussed their fears with raw honesty, revealing the constant struggle of navigating between cultural and national identity while sharing more about the clash of their Indian heritage with the Australian landscape in shaping the way they approached every personal challenge.
The conversation explored the journey of reconciling the two distinct worlds that ultimately forged their current identities, blending the richness of their ancestral traditions with the expansive spirit of the land they called home.
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In this episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh discusses India's rapid modernisation with Dr. Reuben Abraham, CEO of Artha Global. The pair delve into India’s increasing urbanisation and digitalisation and how this transformation is advancing India’s goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047- the 100th year of India’s independence.
Lisa and Reuben converse on how urbanisation is unfolding in India through smart cities and people-to-people links. They also discuss how digitalisation has become ubiquitous across India, considering the drivers of India’s rapid digitalisation and the effect it has on lifting people out of poverty. Saliently, the pair also examine what Australia can learn from India’s extensive financial digitalisation including the competition fueling interoperable digital ecosystems, the emerging concerns accompanying increased digitalisation, and the necessary safeguards that could be implemented.
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In this episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh and British-Bangladeshi author Mohammad Chowdhury discuss his book “Border Crossings – My Journey as an Outsider”, a life story that intersects cultural and societal differences within countries as well as across borders.
Lisa and Mohammad trace the journey that migrants face as they move from one country to another, exploring how it feels to chase down queries and curiosities about one’s ethnicity and faith in the cosmopolitan world. They dive deep into the kaleidoscope of different narratives and experiences the author has collected during his travels; stories that have helped him unravel the layers of his origin, beliefs and heritage, and to story tell his life in a way that sheds light for the rest of us.
Tune into this episode as Lisa and Mohammad unpack his story celebrating the beautiful mosaic of cultures that has helped shape who he is, and how learning how to deal with “not” belonging can, in fact, be a superpower in making a distinct impact in this world.
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In this episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh unpacks the Indian Election results with India’s High Commissioner to Australia, His Excellency, Gopal Baglay. In his first interview on the subject, High Commissioner Baglay discusses the surprise election result for Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
The 2024 Indian Election was the largest-ever democratic exercise in the world and saw more than 642 million people voting over a six-week period, to elect 543 MPs to the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament). While Prime Minister Narendra Modi won a historic third consecutive term in office, the result was much tighter than most were predicting.
Ms Singh and High Commissioner Baglay also unpack what this third-term Modi government means for India, Australia and the world, they cover India’s development agenda and its foreign policy among other topics.
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In this special episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO Lisa Singh joins Ela Gandhi, a peace activist, politician and granddaughter to Mahatma Gandhi, at the Phoenix Settlement in Durban.
Ela Gandhi has devoted her life to carrying forward the legacy of her grandfather, and his values of truth and non-violence. She fought tirelessly to end apartheid and achieve social justice in South Africa.
Lisa and Ela Gandhi discuss the significance of the Pheonix settlement in Mahatma Gandhi’s transformation as an individual, his way of thinking and lifestyle. They touch on her upbringing with parents who actively fought against discrimination. Her early involvement into political activism, the experience of her father being jailed during apartheid and her continued efforts to fight discrimination despite her own political bans all arise in this powerful episode.
Ela sheds light on her involvement with the United Democratic Front and Natal Organisation for Women and her experiences visiting Nelson Mandela in prison.
Ela spoke of being inspired by women leaders including her grandmother Kasturba Gandhi and how she continues to work to inspire and educate other women through her work at the Natal Organization for Women.
During the visit, Ela shares with Lisa the house she grew up in at Phoenix and the exhibitions that showcase the story of Mahatma Gandhi's political activism in South Africa, his legacy of peace and nonviolence on other global movements for freedom. -
This episode of Chats Over Chai discusses the story of the Anzac-India friendship forged amidst the trials of Gallipoli in 1915.
Australia’s most distinguished military social historians, Professor Peter Stanley and the Institute’s defence researcher, Samuel Bashfield unpack the little-known details of the Australia-Indian military connection.
This episode builds on Professor Peter Stanley’s book ‘ Die in Battle, Do Not Despair: The Indians on Gallipoli, 1915’.
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In this episode of Chats Over Chai, Head of Communications, Shuba Krishnan sits down with Melburnian comedian, writer and actor Urvi Majumdar to discuss the impact of the Indian diaspora in Victoria.
Urvi moved from India to Australia at the age of 6 and has openly talked about the struggles of juggling two words, having to live up to her parent’s expectations while fill fitting in with the Australian crowd.
The pair delve into the findings of the Institute’s report on 'Victorians’ Perceptions on India and the Indian Diaspora’ and Urvi shares her personal reflections on growing up as a diaspora member in Melbourne and how these experiences have helped shape her unique flavour of comedy.
Urvi and Shuba connect over the overwhelming value of the Indian community in Victoria, and how India culture can be positively promoted to wider audiences through the media, arts and culture industry.
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The Australia India Institute with CUTS International delivered an ‘In Conversation’ for CUTS 40th anniversary on Critical Minerals for Security and Prosperity: The role the Quad should play. This insightful panel featured Mr Pradeep S Mehta, Secretary General at CUTS International and Associate Professor Mohan Yellishetty from Monash University and was moderated by Australia India Institute CEO, the Hon Lisa Singh.
There is unprecedented interest in critical minerals and how these will help Australia and India to foster new commercial partnerships. This podcast discusses the role the Quad should play in building a prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific, what the main risks are in the critical mineral supply chain, how multilateral agreements could minimise inherent vulnerabilities and more. Tune in to find out more.
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In this episode of Chats Over Chat, CEO Lisa Singh hosts a delegation of Indian female MPs and delves into inclusive governance and women’s political empowerment. Joining Lisa is Agatha Sangma; from Tura, Meghalaya; Heena Gavit from Nandurbar, Maharashtra; and Fauzia Khan from Maharashtra.
Under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Canberra Fellowships Program, this visit aims to foster a deeper understanding of Australia’s policymaking context around women’s political participation and leadership from grassroots politics in local communities through to state and federal governments.
Listen to this insightful conversation on the challenges for women in politics and the advice for young women aspiring to enter politics and make an impact in governance.
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In this episode of Chats Over Chai, CEO, Lisa Singh and Federal Member for Parramatta, Dr Andrew Charlton MP, delve into his new book, ‘Australia’s Pivot to India’, recently launched by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Recorded in one of the hearts of the Indian diaspora in Australia, Parramatta, they trace the Australia-India relationship from "Acquaintances to Friends to Family to Partners”, and some of the key initiatives required at a business level to increase Australian investment into India.
A powerful declaration for the shared future between Australia and India underscores Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, as this timely book discusses the growing relations between Australia and India and how India is successfully positioning itself as a new global power. Anyone wanting to build an understanding of our relationship with India and why it is just so important for our security and prosperity in the 21st century? Tune in to this episode!
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The Institute is honoured that this episode of Chats Over Chai comes to you from the spiritual city of Dharamshala in the Indian Himalayas. The beautiful Himalayas are home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetan diaspora, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and our special guest, Sikyong Penpa Tsering.
This follows from the visit the Sikyong made to the Institute earlier this year. Penpa Tsering has had various roles within the Parliament of the Central Tibetan Administration spanning back to the mid-1990s. Before being elected as Sikyong of the CTA, he was notably the North America Representative of the Dalai Lama.
This episode explores the deep historical and cultural connections between India and Tibet and the Tibetan people’s close spiritual connection to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Penpa Tsering sheds light on the Sino-Tibetan conflict and the issues of human rights, peace, cultural identity and territorial integrity facing Tibetans. We explore the mission of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile and the role Australia can play to support the Middle-Way approach. Join us as we discover how we can continue to support an autonomous Tibet.
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In this episode of Chats Over Chai, the institute hears from a Nagaland leader and senior lecturer in Modern Asia at the University of Edinburgh, Dr. Arkotong Longkumer, who highlights intercultural learning and shares Naga stories and experiences. The journey of repatriation of Naga ancestral human remains from the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford invites a process of peace, healing and reconciliation. This is a journey that is initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), and the Recover, Restore and Decolonise (RRaD ) research team.
The podcast follows from the Institutes hosting of a delegation of 15 Naga elders and leaders who shared their stories that focused on social justice and decolonisation, allowing the delegation to share their perspectives, and heal from the burdens of a violent colonial past.
We delved deep into the region's historical contexts, its rich cultural heritage, and the contemporary issues it grapples with. Dr. Longkumer's expertise sheds light on the intricacies of this fascinating region in India.
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In this episode of Chats over Chai Ambassador Vohra and CEO Lisa Singh unpack India’s journey since independence, how its relationship with Australia has evolved since that time, and the incredible future for India and its people.
Ambassador Vohra's remarkable journey as the Indian High Commissioner to Australia has left an indelible mark on the bilateral relationship. Appointed to role in April 2021, his role in Canberra has been at a crucial time as the world grappled with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Along with the Australian government, he helped restore two-way mobility, advocated for the return of Indian students and reinforced the strong educational bond between our nations. - Show more
