Policy Beyond Borders

EP 23 | Navigating the West Asia Crisis: India, the GCC and the Kerala Connect

As tensions escalate in West Asia in 2026 drawing in the United States, Iran, Israel, and key regional actors the crisis is no longer distant for India. It is reshaping energy security, trade routes, and the lives of millions of Indians in the Gulf. In this episode of Policy Beyond Borders by Centre for Public Policy Research, we unpack the real implications of the conflict beyond headlines. From India’s strategic balancing act and Indo-Pacific security shifts to the risks faced by the diaspora and Kerala’s economic dependence on remittances, the conversation explores how deeply interconnected this crisis is with India’s national priorities. Featuring insights from T. P. Seetharam, Former Ambassador of India to the UAE, this episode examines key questions around diplomacy, energy vulnerability, maritime security, and the urgent need for economic resilience. Host: J Paul Zachariah, Programme Officer, Chairman's Office, CPPR. 🎧 Tune in for a sharp, policy-driven discussion on how a global conflict is shaping India’s immediate and long-term future.

EP 22 | Rebuilding Momentum in 2026: The Canadian Prime Minister’s Visit to India

As India and Canada move toward stabilising a relationship that witnessed diplomatic strain in recent years, the proposed 2026 visit of the Canadian Prime Minister marks a critical moment in bilateral recalibration. Anchored by the resumption of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations and renewed strategic dialogue, the visit signals cautious normalisation amid shifting geopolitical realities. About the Episode In this episode of Policy Beyond Borders by CPPR (Centre for Public Policy Research), titled “Rebuilding the Momentum in 2026: The Canadian Prime Minister’s Visit to India," we explore: The diplomatic significance of the Canadian Prime Minister’s visit and what indicators will determine whether it reflects stabilisation or substantive recalibration The resumption of CEPA negotiations and the prospects for interim sector-specific agreements in trade, services, and investment Cooperation in critical minerals, clean energy, nuclear fuel supply, and supply chain resilience as pillars of strategic engagement The broader geopolitical context of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy and India’s approach to diversified partnerships with G7 economies SPEAKER: Ambassador Sanjay Kumar Verma Former High Commissioner of India to Canada MODERATOR: Dr Dhritishree Bordalai Senior Research Associate - International Relations Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kochi, Kerala, India

EP 21 | India-EU Summit 2026: Trade, Strategic Convergence, and the Road Ahead | Policy Beyond Borders

The India-European Union partnership has entered a decisive phase as long-standing negotiations culminate in the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement at the 2026 Summit. Amid shifting geopolitical alignments, fragmented supply chains, and growing economic uncertainty, the agreement signals a deeper strategic convergence between two major global actors, extending beyond trade into security, connectivity, and people-to-people cooperation. At a time when economic interdependence is increasingly shaped by regulatory standards, sustainability concerns, and strategic autonomy, the India-EU FTA raises important questions about market access, sectoral gains, and the challenges of implementation. From labour-intensive exports and manufacturing to skills, mobility, and connectivity initiatives, the Summit reflects a broader recalibration of India-EU relations in a changing global order. The podcast series Policy Beyond Borders by CPPR, through this episode titled India-EU Summit 2026: Trade, Strategic Convergence, and the Road Ahead, examines the key outcomes of the Summit and unpacks what the agreement means beyond the headlines. The discussion explores how trade, strategy, and connectivity are shaping the future trajectory of the India-EU partnership. SPEAKER: Professor Dr Ummu Salma Bava Professor and Jean Monnet Chair, Centre for European Studies, School of International Studies (SIS), and Chairperson, Special Centre for National Security Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi MODERATOR: Kalyani S K, Associate Research (International Relations) at Centre for Public Policy Relations (CPPR), Kochi, Kerala, India

EP 20 | Diplomacy and Dialogue: Peace Pathways in West Asia | Policy Beyond Borders

The region of West Asia remains tense as  historical conflicts merge with contemporary political dynamics to create a volatile environment. The region faces growing challenges, as the escalation between Iran and Israel, the ongoing Gaza conflict, the developments in Syria, etc., all have led to direct and indirect regional tensions, which call for a fundamental reason to pursue new diplomatic initiatives. The  time has arrived for peace pathways in West Asia through dialogue and understanding. India, with its strong diplomatic ties to all countries in the region, is invested in fostering peace and stability in West Asia. The podcast series Podcast Beyond Borders by CPPR, with the podcast title  Diplomacy and Dialogue: Peace Pathways in West Asia, explores effective methods to achieve stability and reconciliation. This discussion explores potential solutions through the advancement of dialogue.

EP 19 | Kananaskis & Beyond: Understanding the G7's Global Impact | Policy Beyond Borders

G7 SUMMIT 2025: A DEFINING MOMENT IN KANANASKIS, CANADA After 23 years, the G7 will reconvene in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, from June 15 to 17, 2025. This summit marks a significant milestone, as it also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the G7. The journey of the G7 began in 1975, when the heads of state from six nations—Italy, the UK, France, Japan, Germany, and the USA—met in Château de Rambouillet, France to address the oil shock and financial crisis. Today, with Canada added to the group, the G7 nations collectively account for approximately 30% of global GDP. The podcast will focus on: * G7 vs BRICS: A Shifting Global Power Balance * Canada at the Helm: Symbolism and Strategy * Summit Agenda: Key Global Flashpoints * India’s Watchful Eye * Future of Western Alliances SPEAKER: Dr Johannes Maerk, Professor of Diplomacy and International Relations at the University of Applied Sciences, FH Campus, Vienna, and Professor of International Relations at the Diplomatic Academy Vienna, & the University of Vienna.  MODERATOR: Adithyan Puthen Veettil, Research Consultant (International Relations) at Centre for Public Policy Relations (CPPR), Kochi, Kerala, India. 🎧 Hit play to find out in this episode of Policy Beyond Borders.