Indian army chiefs have consistently emphasised the sensitivity of the India-China situation for the past four years. What is the current ground situation, and why is it unfavorable for India with the looming Chinese threat? Host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor delve into these questions in this episode. Numerous reports have been of Chinese "spy ships" in the Indian Ocean region. What defines these "spy ships," and why isn't India's response widely discussed in the media, considering ...
Feb 08, 2024•48 min
We live in an age where drones are everywhere. In this episode, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor delve into the world of UAVs or UAS, commonly known as drones. These unmanned air systems have played pivotal roles in global events, from the U.S. war on terror to conflicts in Ukraine, Israel-Hamas, and Azerbaijan-Armenia. Despite their ubiquitous presence, popular culture and mainstream defense writing lag in portraying the significance of these non-human aircraft. Why? While India b...
Feb 01, 2024•1 hr 3 min
In this Republic Day special, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor analyse the delayed progress of PM Modi's 'Atmanirbharta' in defence. Why the prolonged wait? What's the stark reality we must confront? Why are we still dependent on Russian equipment even now? Why is self-reliance a painful birthing process? The episode starts with reflections on the Republic Day fanfare, notably the annual parade at Kartavyapath. Amidst the grand spectacle, critics question the hefty costs. Is there ...
Jan 25, 2024•1 hr 3 min
The Middle East, also referred to as West Asia, is on fire. In the three months since the Gaza-based terrorist group Hamas launched a dastardly attack on Israel, events in the region have started resembling a 'World War' but perhaps not in the sense that we understand the term. On Episode 7 of In Our Defence, host Dev Goswami and defence expert Shiv Aroor break down the goings on in the Middle East, starting with the Iranian air strikes into "terrorist" camps in neighbouring Pakistan. While not ...
Jan 18, 2024•1 hr 3 min
The 2019 Balakot airstrike was a significant military operation conducted by the Indian Air Force in response to the Pulwama terrorist attack. This marked the first time since the 1971 War that Indian aircraft had conducted an airstrike on Pakistani soil. The strike targeted a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot, Pakistan. The Indian Mirage-2000 fighter pilots carried out the airstrike, aiming to eliminate terrorist threats. The following day, the Pakistan Air Force retaliated with a s...
Jan 11, 2024•1 hr 9 min
In 2024, India's focus on strengthening its air power centers around the Tejas, its indigenous fighter aircraft. The Defence Ministry's approval for acquiring 97 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk 1A marks a significant step in bolstering the Indian Air Force's capabilities. With just two Tejas squadrons currently in operation, the Air Force faces the challenge of maintaining its strength at 31 squadrons, well below the standard requirement of 42. In a discussion between India Today TV Output’s Seni...
Jan 04, 2024•1 hr 6 min
In this episode, India Today TV Output’s Senior Executive Editor Shiv Aroor and host Dev Goswami explore the complexities of Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on the volatile districts of Rajouri and Poonch. They analyze a recent deadly ambush in Poonch that claimed the lives of four Indian Army jawans and the mysterious deaths of three civilians in Baffliaz, allegedly due to torture during Army questioning. What makes Rajouri-Poonch, situated near the Line of Control, such a contentious flashpoint? I...
Dec 28, 2023•52 min
Dawood Ibrahim, the notorious figure behind the 1993 Mumbai blasts, is once again in the spotlight amid claims of being poisoned. Designated a global terrorist in 2003 by both India and the United States, Ibrahim carries a staggering $25 million bounty on his head due to his alleged orchestration of the 1993 Bombay bombings and involvement in various crimes such as extortion, murder, and smuggling. Although rumours abound regarding his alleged poisoning and subsequent hospitalisation, reliable i...
Dec 21, 2023•51 min
In this episode, India Today TV Output’s Senior Executive Editor Shiv Aroor joins host Dev Goswami to discuss a speculative yet intriguing topic – the mysterious deaths of individuals predominantly linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed or Lashkar-e-Taiba, deemed as anti-India elements, occurring in locations like Canada, the UK, and predominantly in Pakistan. The most controversial case being that of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader and Canadian citizen. Canada PM Trudeau made a series of cla...
Dec 14, 2023•50 min
In Our Defence team is back and how! With a different avatar! In Season 2, India Today TV Output’s Senior Executive Editor, Shiv Aroor, joins host Dev Goswami, where they will talk of more guns and battles, wars and coups, interspersed with tales of glory from the battlefields! This episode delves into major global events—Russia's war in Ukraine, the India-China conflict, and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Shiv provides on-the-ground insights from Tel Aviv, analysing whether Israel, in comb...
Dec 07, 2023•59 min
In Episode 82 of "In Our Defence," we share a special and bittersweet moment as we bid farewell to our insightful "Def Savvy" Abhishek Bhalla, as he embarks on new endevaours. Our Host Dev Goswami, and Abhishek take a nostalgic journey, reflecting on the highs and lows of the episodes done so far. What are the key takeaways from the diverse themes covered thus far? They delve into significant global conflicts, including India-China, Russia-Ukraine, and Israel-Hamas, raising essential questions a...
Nov 09, 2023•50 min
The recently released movie "Tejas," featuring Kangana Ranaut, has sparked a debate around nationalism, with the actress suggesting that every nationalist should watch her film. But regarding the intersection of cinema and nationalism - how problematic is it to equate patriotism with watching a particular movie? Our host, Dev Goswami and "Def Savvy" Abhishek Bhalla discuss everything about the representation of defence and war-themed movies in Bollywood, where the evolution from traditi...
Nov 02, 2023•51 min
Why do Indians seem to be more interested in the Israel-Hamas conflict compared to the Russia-Ukraine war, which has greater geopolitical impact and trade-business implications for India, considering the significant defense partnership with Russia? Many Indians draw a simplistic parallel between Israel and themselves as victims of terror. Why is this belief prevalent, and why do our host, Dev Goswami, and "Def Savvy" Abhishek Bhalla hold differing views on this? What are the key differences and ...
Oct 26, 2023•41 min
Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, and there are preparations for a potential ground offensive. The Israeli military has issued an ultimatum, calling for the evacuation of 1.2 million civilians in northern Gaza, urging them to relocate to the southern part of the region. On our show, Dev Goswami and "Def Savvy" Abhishek Bhalla delve into the strategic implications of Israel's decision to launch a ground invasion. Israel's challenge lies in fighting a war in a densely p...
Oct 19, 2023•51 min
The surprise attack launched by Hamas over the weekend is just the latest chapter in a seventy-year-long saga of war and strife between Israelis and Palestinians, with far-reaching consequences that have involved external powers and created turmoil in the broader Middle East. Why does this conflict stand out as uniquely complicated compared to others? Unlike more straightforward conflicts with defined boundaries, the West Bank is a mosaic of distinct pockets, housing Palestinian and Jewish commu...
Oct 12, 2023•57 min
The row between India and Canada has only escalated and is showing no sign of ending soon. A lot has happened in the past week and in this podcast, our host Dev Goswami and "Def Savvy" Abhishek Bhalla do a comprehensive analysis on the various nuances that have unfolded. With the responsibility now squarely on Trudeau to present supporting evidence, the pressure is on him to produce substantive material. Will he be able to? Contrary to the prevailing narrative suggesting that Canada has been put...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 2 min
This week, India-Canada relations hit a new low, as experts have noted. The tension escalated when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused 'agents of the Indian government' of being involved in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar, a designated terrorist, was fatally shot outside a Gurdwara in June of this year. The souring of relations can be traced back to Trudeau's visit to New Delhi during India’s G20 presidency when, according to Trudeau, he raised Nijjar's killing wi...
Sep 21, 2023•52 min
The world of defence is intertwined with the world of diplomacy. On this episode, host Dev Goswami and “Def Savvy” Abhishek Bhalla explore just that against the backdrop of the recently concluded G20 Summit. The Summit attracted praise for India’s ability to ensure consensus on a joint statement at the end of the mega two-day event that took place in New Delhi.  What went on behind the scenes as diplomats and bureaucrats carried out tough, rugged negotiations on the content of the joint...
Sep 14, 2023•47 min
The NCERT curriculum for Class 7 has taken a meaningful stride by incorporating a chapter titled 'National War Memorial - an homage to our brave soldiers,' as announced by the defense ministry recently. This collaborative effort between the defense and education ministries aims to “instill vital values of patriotism, devotion to duty, courage, and sacrifice within school children”. Moreover, it seeks to enhance youth engagement in the process of nation-building. Delving into the details of this ...
Aug 31, 2023•48 min
Yevgeny Prigozhin, a prominent Russian mercenary chief is reported to have been killed in a private jet crash in Moscow. He was reportedly listed as a passenger in the jet. This crash resulted in the unfortunate demise of all 10 passengers on board, as confirmed by Russian authorities. The reported passing of Prigozhin, though yet to be definitively confirmed, adds a layer of intrigue given the recent uprising by Wagner forces in June. The uncertainty surrounding Prigozhin's fate is compounded b...
Aug 24, 2023•57 min
A brand-new airbase has been established at an incredibly high altitude of over 13,000 feet. This airbase is designed to boost our ability to respond to a more assertive China. It includes fighter aircraft, advanced radars, and upgraded drones, all aimed at improving surveillance in Ladakh. Named the Nyoma air base, it's the third such facility in Ladakh for fighter aircraft operations. There are already similar bases in Leh and Thoise. The Nyoma air base's construction has begun, and it's less ...
Aug 17, 2023•47 min
It's been four years since the Article 370 & 35A abrogation. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government has celebrated the decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir's autonomy, terming it a rectification of a "historic blunder" after seven decades. Yet amidst these claims, a critical question emerges: What substantive changes have truly transpired? According to the government, data indicates a decline in militancy, reduced local unrest, absence of ceasefire violations, and a dec...
Aug 10, 2023•52 min
Earlier this week, communal violence erupted in Haryana, spreading to Gurugram and other areas with reports of vandalism. The clashes in Nuh during a religious procession resulted in six deaths. The violence allegedly stemmed from rumors that a cow vigilante, Monu Manesar, involved in previous killings in Bhiwani, would attend the procession. However, as reported, Manesar did not show up at the event and claimed that he has nothing to do with the violence or the killings. Another distressing inc...
Aug 03, 2023•43 min
For close to three months now Manipur has been burning. Unfortunately, it was a viral video that sparked outrage across India. The video depicted several men parading and assaulting two Kuki women, sparking widespread condemnation. But what specific factors led to both state and centre administration's failure to contain the conflict between the Meiteis and the Kukis? Why did it require a viral video to trigger outrage and media attention to the crisis? And how do internet shutdowns in ...
Jul 27, 2023•56 min
In this captivating landscape, a complex web of questions surrounds the tale of Pakistani citizen Seema Haider and her partner Sachin Meena. Could their relationship be an authentic love story, or is Seema concealing a covert life as a spy? And this is what has been dominating the mainstream media space for weeks now! Theories abound, but the undeniable truth is that Seema's entry into India was "illegal," raising concerns about internal security. The involvement of the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS...
Jul 20, 2023•1 hr 2 min
The Indian Defense Ministry has recently approved plans to procure 26 Rafale fighter aircraft and three Scorpene class conventional submarines for the Indian Navy from France. In this episode, host Dev Goswami and "Def Savvy" Abhishek Bhalla delve into the significance of this deal and its implications for the concerned countries. “India's defense acquisitions are entering an exciting phase, particularly after the recent predator drones deal with the US. Now, India is eagerly looking forward to ...
Jul 13, 2023•40 min
During the state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US from June 21 to 24, India successfully finalized a significant government-to-government deal with the United States. The agreement involves the procurement of 31 Predator drones, amounting to a value exceeding USD 4 billion. In this episode, host Dev Goswami and "Def Savvy” Abhishek Bhalla, discuss why this is a big deal and what are its implications for the respective countries involved. Abhishek Bhalla emphasizes the magnitude of...
Jul 06, 2023•44 min
Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, a surprising internal strife has erupted between the Russian military and the Wagner mercenary group, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Did Putin foresee the possibility of creating a powerful private military company that could challenge the Kremlin's forces? With Wagner turning against Putin, does this development alleviate the threat to Ukraine and Europe? Why did the uprising fizzle out quickly and require Belar...
Jun 29, 2023•55 min
Join host Dev Goswami and "Def-Savvy" Abhishek Bhalla, who are joined by a special guest Col. Rajvir Sharma, a distinguished infantry officer from the 15 Jat Regiment, as they delve into the requirements and qualities necessary to become an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. Col. Sharma, who served the Indian army for over 30 years in challenging regions like the Line of Control, high-altitude areas of J&K, and the Indo-Tibet border, now shares his vast experience through a successful edtec...
Jun 22, 2023•44 min
In this episode, host Dev Goswami engages in a discussion with , "Def Savvy," Abhishek Bhalla about the distressing series of ethnic violence currently plaguing Manipur. Abhishek emphasizes the allure of the North East, describing it as a “civilization with a deeply rooted heritage and pride”. The ongoing issues in Manipur, he suggests, “directly relate to this pride”. The duo lists reasons behind Manipur's volatile situation, addressing factors such as its ethnic composition, the Meitei argumen...
Jun 15, 2023•41 min
