Figuring Out with Raj Shamani Figuring Out with Raj Shamani

China's Biggest Threat: India, Japan & Asia's Power Shift | Sreeram Chaulia | FO542 Raj Shamani

Jul 30, 2026 · 1h 27m

Summary

Raj Shamani interviews foreign affairs expert Prof. Shriram Chawla on India’s “live-in” foreign policy, emphasizing strategic autonomy over rigid alliances. They discuss key partnerships with Japan, Australia, the US, France, Israel, and Russia within the Quad framework to counter China’s rise. The episode highlights how India balances diverse global interests to secure economic and security benefits without becoming a subordinate ally.

Topics discussed

Introduction: India's 'live-in' diplomatic strategy Partnerships with Japan, Russia, and France Sponsor segment: Remitly money transfers Defining 'live-in' vs. marriage in alliances The Quad and Indo-Pacific security architecture Western partnerships: Israel, Europe, and France Balancing relations with Russia and the US Japan's constraints and India's multi-alignment Moral arguments vs. strategic interests Japan-China dynamics and India's strategic focus Japan as a development and infrastructure partner Countering China's economic colonization in the Global South India's vision of a multipolar world order US hegemony, the Thucydides trap, and great power logic India's independent stance on Ukraine and Gaza The India-Australia strategic partnership Brain drain reversal and talent return to India US-India friction, tariffs, and strategic asymmetry Managing the Russia relationship and Ukraine war France as a key partner for autonomy and defense India-Israel cooperation in defense and counter-terrorism India-UAE relations and the Gulf partnership Conclusion: India's rising global stature and future
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