In this episode, Uzair talks to Ashok Malik about Modi’s visit to the United States and the future of US-India relations. We also talked about India’s foreign policy in the Middle East, and prospects of trade between India and Pakistan.

Ashok Malik is a Partner at The Asia Group and Chair of its New Delhi-based subsidiary in India where he leads the firm’s in-market business strategy and services.

Drawing on over 30 years of experience in government, media, and thought leadership Ashok is a recognized specialist on India’s policy landscape and the intersection of business and politics. Ashok advises clients on tailored strategies for market entry and expansion in India, enterprise level risk management and crisis mitigation. His areas of expertise include India’s foreign and trade policies and the government’s approach to international business, resilient supply chains and national capacities.

Prior to joining TAG, Ashok served for three years (2019-22) as Policy Advisor/Additional Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs. In that capacity, he worked closely with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and others in the senior leadership of the Ministry to help shape and explain India’s foreign policy in a crucial and eventful period for the international system.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

1:30 Key takeaways from Modi’s US visit

25:46 India’s foreign policy in the Middle East

39:20 Future of India-Pakistan relations