A weekly podcast and a deep dive into the most pressing global issues through the lens of India and Russia. Two civilizational powers. The world’s largest democracy, India, and the world’s largest nation, Russia – like chess pieces navigating a shifting global board. Hosted by Runjhun Sharma, head of news at RT India, the show draws on her years of covering foreign policy from New Delhi, Moscow, and beyond.
Conversation with Smita Prakash, Editor of ANI (Asian News International), India’s biggest news agency
Smita Prakash, Editor of ANI (Asian News International), India’s biggest news agency, is the latest guest on ‘India, Russia and the World,’ the weekly podcast hosted by Runjhun Sharma, Head of News, RT India. Smita reflects on ANI’s journey from producing news packages for foreign broadcasters to becoming the backbone of Indian newsrooms after liberalisation opened up the market. She explains that much of the Western media captures only one face of India, and says the country should stop worrying about being liked and focus on becoming successful instead. Drawing on ANI’s decades of covering Indian prime ministers since Jawaharlal Nehru, she reveals which leaders were the easiest and most challenging to work with. On the Modi-Putin relationship, she says the two share an unusually strong vibe of their own. The veteran journalist wraps up with a confession, saying never interview someone you have a crush on before revealing who’s on her podcast wish list.
Conversation with Dilip Cherian, veteran communications strategist
In the latest episode of ‘India, Russia and the World’, Runjhun Sharma, head of news at RT India, sits down with Dilip Cherian, veteran communications strategist widely regarded as the ‘Image Guru’. Cherian traces how image management went from a rejected concept that both corporates and politicians dismissed, to today’s most decisive political currency. He breaks down the calculated symbolism behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘56 inch ka seena’ (56-inch chest) branding and describes him as someone with the instinct of an expert, always knowing what works and what to say, calling him a ‘PR person’s wet dream.’ Cherian also gives an insider read on how Russian President Putin’s photographs with horses symbolize power, while those with his dogs show a warmer side, drawing a parallel to Modi’s own ear-pulling gesture with children. He also reveals who the most popular leaders on the world stage are right now, and who Indian media’s undisputed number one is.
Conversation with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The Art of Living
In the latest episode of ‘India, Russia and the World’, Runjhun Sharma, head of news at RT India, sits down with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The Art of Living, on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The spiritual leader discusses the growing role of wellness and spirituality in today’s economy and reflects on the breakdown of trust and dialogue driving global tensions. He also describes Russia as a steadfast friend that has stood by India during challenging times and praises the rapport of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin, calling it a genuine friendship marked by genuine care for each other and their countries.
Conversation with Nara Lokesh, the Minister for IT, Electronics & Communication from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh
In the latest episode of ‘India, Russia and the World’, the weekly podcast on RT, Runjhun Sharma, head of news at RT India, speaks to Nara Lokesh, minister for IT, electronics & communication from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The minister was in Russia for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2026. He explains that India’s AI mission is all about democratizing AI, and it is building localized models to enable effective use of the technology by all sections of the society. The mobile phone revolution in India has enabled the use of AI at the grassroots level. On India-Russia partnership he says that it’s a two-way street – Russia brings investments and tech to India, and vice versa.
Conversation with Palki Sharma, IGR founder, and journalist
In the latest episode of India, Russia and the World, the weekly podcast on RT, Runjhun Sharma, Head of News-RT India, speaks to Palki Sharma, the founder of IGR and one of India’s most popular journalists, known for her sharp insights on geo-politics and India’s place in the global order. Palki says that the rules-based order often has been for others, while the United States hardly lived by the same standards. She explains why Iran continues to hold leverage in the negotiations with the US despite America’s superior military power. On Putin-Xi ties, she is of the opinion that it’s an uncomfortable proposition for India – yet a level of maturity keeps Delhi-Moscow ties strong. She also questions the credibility of global rankings like the Press Freedom Index, and their inherent bias against India, arguing that they are often shaped by political and business pressures.
Conversation with Jaiveer Shergill, national spokesperson of the BJP
In the latest episode of India, Russia and the World, the weekly podcast on RT, Runjhun Sharma, Head of News-RT India, speaks to Jaiveer Shergill, national spokesperson of the BJP – the world’s largest political party. Jaiveer argues that India’s greatest strength is its economic stability, describing it as a bigger ornament than gold in the present circumstances. Reflecting on India-Russia ties, he emphasizes that the relationship is built on decades of trust and is not hostage to shifting geopolitical winds or global power rivalries. On the West labelling the BJP as Islamophobic, Jaiveer asserts that India is a land of incredible diversity, and if it was Islamophobic, then the Hindu majority community wouldn’t have waited for the Supreme Court verdict to construct the Ram Temple.