EP-370 | India–Russia ‘Dosti’: Why is the West Rattled? | Ex-Diplomat Talmiz Ahmad Explains

EP-370 | India–Russia ‘Dosti’: Why is the West Rattled? | Ex-Diplomat Talmiz Ahmad Explains

Author: Asian News International (ANI) December 7, 2025 Duration: 1:01:29

Talmiz Ahmad is one of India’s most experienced diplomats, with decades of work across West Asia, the Gulf, and global strategic affairs. A former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE, he has watched world politics change from the front row.


In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ambassador Ahmad breaks down India–Russia ties and why the West is rattled by New Delhi’s independent foreign policy. He explains the new Saudi–Pakistan defence pact, China’s growing influence in the Gulf, and what these changes mean for India.


He also discusses India’s role in the Middle East, the Israel–Gaza war, and why the era of unquestioned Western power may be ending.



00:00 – Introduction

01:04 – Takeaways from Putin’s India Visit

05:58 – India’s Strategic Autonomy

11:06 – Why the USA is Rattled

14:48 – Conflicts in the Middle East

23:45 – How the USA Broke the World Order

39:24 – Saudi–Pakistan Defence Pact

45:02 – Middle East’s View on India–Pakistan

47:13 – Saudi Arabia’s Fight Against Terror

52:09 – India’s Fight Against Terrorism


Conversations that shape our world often happen behind closed doors or in the quiet moments after the headlines fade. ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash pulls up a chair to those discussions, offering a direct line to the minds of influential figures. Hosted by veteran journalist Smita Prakash, this series moves beyond the soundbite, creating a space where politicians, athletes, artists, and thinkers can explore the nuances of the issues that define contemporary India and global affairs. The dialogue here is driven by curiosity and a commitment to depth, allowing guests to elaborate on their perspectives, their decisions, and the personal experiences that inform their public lives. You will hear candid reflections on current events, policy debates, and cultural shifts, all through the lens of those at the center of the story. Produced by Asian News International, the podcast leverages a legacy of journalistic access and integrity, ensuring every conversation is both insightful and substantive. It’s more than an interview; it’s an opportunity to understand the motivations and narratives driving today’s news. For anyone looking to move past the surface and engage with the substance of politics, society, and human endeavor, this podcast provides a consistently thoughtful and compelling listen.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash
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