EP-379 | Venezuela Crisis, Trump’s Foreign Policy, Greenland, Chinese Weapons & India | Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar

EP-379 | Venezuela Crisis, Trump’s Foreign Policy, Greenland, Chinese Weapons & India | Amb. Ashok Sajjanhar

Author: Asian News International (ANI) January 10, 2026 Duration: 1:01:54

Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar served in the Indian Foreign Service for over three decades. During his distinguished career, he served as India’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Sweden, and Latvia, and held key diplomatic assignments in Washington, D.C., Brussels, Moscow, Geneva, Tehran, Dhaka, and Bangkok. Today, Ambassador Sajjanhar regularly writes and speaks on issues related to international relations and India’s foreign policy.


In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ambassador Sajjanhar discusses the United States’ actions in Venezuela and what this means for global politics. He also talks about Chinese weaponry, which he claims failed to perform during the Venezuelan crisis. The conversation further explores why Indian godmen enjoy a massive following in South American countries, a phenomenon that often surprises many.


Ambassador Sajjanhar also shares his views on Donald Trump’s interest in buying Greenland, the way the US is handling trade negotiations with India, and what the future may hold for India’s foreign policy.


00:00 – Introduction

01:08 – US move to capture Maduro legitimate?

04:33 – Narco-terrorism charges against Venezuela

05:54 – When US captured Manuel Noriega (1989)

08:27 – Can the US run Venezuela?

11:41 – Venezuela is not just about oil

15:21 – Venezuela & Sathya Sai Baba connection

17:54 – Can Trump buy Greenland?

20:17 – Europe on Venezuela crisis & Greenland

24:31 – Putin’s war in Ukraine legitimate?

26:20 – China’s weapons failed in Venezuela

29:05 – China vs USA: The No. 1 global rivalry

34:00 – Will China invade Taiwan?

37:10 – India’s response to Maduro's capture

41:54 – India’s crude oil needs

44:19 – India–USA trade tensions

50:14 – India’s pivot towards China

52:28 – China–Pakistan–Bangladesh nexus


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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