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Chakravyuh

by India Today Podcasts · English · News

Chakravyuh with Gaurav Sawant is India Today Group’s sharp new podcast that cuts through the fog of war and diplomacy. Join veteran war correspondent and one of India’s most trusted voices in defence journalism, Gaurav Sawant, as he dives deep into the world of national security, strategy, and geopo

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 37 min
Latest: 28 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

28 Sep 2026 · 39 min

10 Years Of Strikes That Changed India's Response To Pak Terror | Chakravyuh | EP 41

Ten years after the Uri terror attack, Chakravyuh looks back at the events that led to India’s 2016 surgical strikes in Pakistan. Host Gaurav Sawant speaks to Lieutenant General Satish Dua (Retd.), Former Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and the then Kashmir Corps Commander, about the September 18, 2016 attack, the loss of 18 Indian soldiers and the decisions that followed. Lt Gen Satish Dua recalls receiving the first information about the attack, reaching Uri after the four terrorists had been eliminated and dealing with the scale of the casualties. He speaks about the security gaps at…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

25 Sep 2026 · 29 min
The Next Phase Of The Iran-US War: Energy, Trade And Gulf Security | Chakravyuh | EP 40
Can the conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine develop into a much wider global crisis? In this episode of Chakravyuh, host Gaurav Sawant speaks with Dr. John Sfakianakis, Chief Economist at the Gulf Research Center, for a detailed look at the wars, economic pressures and strategic risks shaping the region. The episode examines the continuing conflict involving Iran and the US, the growing pressure around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandab, and the consequences for Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf. Sfakianakis discusses the possibility of continued escalation, the role of regional proxies and…
17 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Miracle Or Word Of Mouth? The Incredible Rise Of Hanuman Ansh | Chakravyuh | EP 39
On this special episode of the Chakravyuh podcast, Gaurav Sawant speaks with Hanuman Ansh director Dr. Vishal Chaturvedi about the film's extraordinary theatrical journey. From a reported ₹2 crore production budget and a modest opening day to ₹231 crore-plus in India net collections, Chaturvedi explains how promotions helped bring audiences in initially, while word of mouth eventually drove the film's growth. He also shares stories from the making of Hanuman Aansh, his spiritual experiences, his connection with Neem Karoli Baba and the role of Hanuman devotion in inspiring the project. The…
14 Aug 2026 · 34 min
Can India Break The Shackles Of Foreign Arms? | Chakravyuh | EP 38
On this Independence Day special episode of Chakravyuh, host Gaurav Sawant speaks with former Chief of Air Staff RKS Bhadauria about India's quest for defence self-reliance. They examine India's dependence on foreign weapons and fighter engines, the unfinished Kaveri engine programme, and why technological sovereignty is essential for future wars. The discussion also explores whether buying foreign fifth-generation fighters such as the Su-57 could undermine the indigenous AMCA programme, and how India can build a stronger ecosystem around drones, AI, missiles and indigenous defence…
2 Jul 2026 · 12 min
Can There Be Normalisation Without An End To Terror? | Chakravyuh | EP 37
In this episode of the Chakravyuh podcast, host Gaurav Sawant speaks with Congress MP and strategic affairs commentator Manish Tewari on the growing debate over resuming dialogue with Pakistan. The discussion comes in the backdrop of an open letter signed by 117 eminent personalities from India and Pakistan calling for the restoration of diplomatic engagement, trade, people-to-people contact and broader normalisation of ties between the two neighbours. Questioning the timing of such appeals, especially in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and decades of Pakistan-sponsored…
11 Jun 2026 · 39 min
The Great Nicobar Game Changer | Chakravyuh | EP 36
In this episode of the Chakravyuh podcast, host Gaurav Sawant speaks with Admiral DK Joshi, Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Vice-Chairman of the Islands Development Agency and former Chief of Naval Staff, about the Great Nicobar Island Project. Joshi explains why the project is strategically vital for India, highlighting its location near key maritime choke points and its potential to strengthen India's position in the Indo-Pacific. He addresses criticism surrounding environmental concerns, tribal displacement and forest diversion, arguing that safeguards are in place and…
14 May 2026 · 24 min
From Shallow Surgical Strikes To Deep Precision Strikes | Chakravyuh | EP 35
In this episode of Chakravyuh, host Gaurav Sawant speaks with former Indian Air Force chief R. K. S. Bhadauria on how Operation Sindoor forced Pakistan to seek a ceasefire within 88 hours. The discussion breaks down India’s unprecedented strikes on terror hubs like Bahawalpur and Muridke, the role of Rafales, S-400 systems, drones, and precision weapons, and how India punched through Pakistan’s air defence network under a nuclear overhang. From Balakot to Operation Sindoor, the conversation explores India’s evolving military doctrine, escalation control, indigenous defence capability, and…
7 May 2026 · 14 min
The Naval Challenges Of Keeping Global Trade Moving | Chakravyuh | EP 34
In this episode of the Chakravyuh podcast, Gaurav Sawant speaks with the Deputy Commander of the Netherlands Navy, Major General Rob De Vitt on rising global maritime tensions as the Strait of Hormuz remains choked amid the Iran conflict. The discussion explores how navies from over 40 nations, including India and the Netherlands, are preparing to secure vital sea lanes of communication once a ceasefire is in place. From mine-clearance operations and drone threats to Indo-Pacific deployments and India-Netherlands strategic cooperation, the conversation examines the future of naval warfare,…
9 Apr 2026 · 18 min
No Pause For Lebanon As More Israeli Strikes Loom On The Horizon | Chakravyuh | EP 33
In this episode of Chakravyuh, Gaurav Sawant speaks with Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar on the fragile ceasefire in West Asia after weeks of conflict. While tensions with Iran ease temporarily, Azar makes it clear that the front remains active, stating that “operations against Hezbollah will continue” in Lebanon. He outlines plans to neutralise threats and maintain a buffer along the northern border, signalling no pause in military action there. They also explore shifting regional dynamics, ceasefire uncertainties, and whether diplomacy can hold amid continued strikes and rising…
2 Apr 2026 · 24 min
India’s Maritime Shield Activated Amid Rising Tensions | Chakravyuh | EP 32
In this episode of Chakravyuh, Gaurav Sawant speaks with Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy on the escalating West Asia conflict and its impact on maritime security. Swaminathan explains how disruptions in key choke points like the Strait of Hormuz are threatening global trade and India’s energy lifelines. He says India’s heavy dependence on sea-borne imports makes maritime security critical, with the Navy actively escorting tankers and maintaining surveillance. He also highlights lessons from the conflict,…
26 Mar 2026 · 15 min
Escalation Trap Deepens As Ground Operations Loom | Chakravyuh | EP 31
In this episode of Chakravyuh, Gaurav Sawant speaks with the founding director of the CPOST, Robert Pape on the reported deployment of US Marines and 82nd Airborne troops to West Asia. Pape describes the situation as an “escalation trap,” warning that tactical gains against Iran may not translate into strategic success. He cautions that ground operations could trigger a prolonged war of attrition, rising oil prices, and wider global instability. He also highlights risks of terrorism beyond the region, including potential threats to US and global security, as the conflict expands both…
19 Mar 2026 · 16 min
Iran Under Pressure: Can The Regime Survive? | Chakravyuh | EP 30
In this episode of Chakravyuh, Gaurav Sawant speaks with John Bolton, who served as National Security Advisor during President Donald Trump’s first term and earlier as US Ambassador to the UN. He outlines how the US-Israel campaign is aimed at weakening Iran’s regime while enabling internal opposition to rise. He warns of escalation risks, including threats to the Strait of Hormuz and possible global terror retaliation. While supporting regime change, he criticizes gaps in planning and coordination, stressing that without sustained pressure and support to opposition forces, the objective may…
5 Mar 2026 · 26 min
The Iran, Israel And US Confrontation Could Change The Global Order | Chakravyuh | EP 29
In this explosive episode of Chakravyuh, host Gaurav Sawant speaks with renowned American economist Jeffrey D. Sachs, who delivers a blistering critique of the US military strike on Iran. Calling the attack a premeditated move rooted in decades of pressure from Israel, Sachs questions Washington’s claims of an imminent threat and warns the conflict could spiral into a catastrophic global confrontation. He also raises alarm over the growing geopolitical divide and urges countries like India to think carefully before aligning with major power blocs. Tune In! Produced by Areeb Raza Sound mixed…
13 Feb 2026 · 37 min
Firepower & Fallout: The Naravane Revelations | Chakravyuh | EP 28
On this special episode of Chakravyuh, host Gaurav Sawant is joined by former Army Commander Lt Gen Raj Shukla, former Corps Commander Lt Gen Devendra Pratap Pandey, and Senior Journalist Sandeep Unnithan to debate the controversy surrounding former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane’s unpublished memoir Four Stars of Destiny. The panel examines claims by Rahul Gandhi that the government abdicated responsibility during the post-Galwan Valley standoff, questioning whether India’s response reflected strategic ambiguity—or calibrated military resolve under political oversight. Produced by…
6 Feb 2026 · 22 min
“Bring Him Back”: Celina Jaitly’s Emotional Appeal for Brother | Chakravyuh | EP 27
In this episode of Chakravyuh, host Gaurav Sawant speaks with actor Celina Jaitly as she opens up about her painful and relentless fight to bring back her brother, Major Vikrant Jaitly, a former Special Forces commando, detained in the UAE since September 2024. She recounts the moment he was taken, the months of silence, and her personal struggle to find answers. Don't miss this deeply emotional conversation on family, sacrifice, and hope. Tune In! Produced by Areeb Raza Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti
20 Jan 2026 · 58 min
Iran’s Uprising Is About Liberation, Not Regime Change | Chakravyuh | EP 26
Description: In this episode of Chakravyuh, host Gaurav Sawant speaks with German-American human rights activist, Gazelle Sharmahd. She discusses the escalating tensions in Iran and the potential for a transition of power. She further asserts that the current situation is not merely a call for change of government, but a movement for the "liberation of a nation from a foreign occupying murderous regime.” Produced by Areeb Raza Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti
30 Dec 2025 · 37 min
Dharma Yuddha vs Jihad: Indian Army on War, Peace & Pakistan | Chakravyuh | EP 25
India Today’s Gaurav Sawant speaks with Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Army Commander – Western Command on What Dharma Yuddha truly means, how India balances peace and preparedness, ethics and force, and why India’s wars have always been fought as a last resort. Produced by Areeb Raza Sound mixed by Aman Pal
11 Dec 2025 · 41 min
Inside the New India–Russia Equation: What the West Gets Wrong | Chakravyuh | EP 24
In this powerful episode of the Chakravyuh podcast, host Gaurav Sawant sits down with geopolitical expert Michael Kugelman from the Atlantic Council to decode the global implications of Vladimir Putin’s visit to India. Together, they break down U.S. reactions, Western double standards, shifting alliances, and what India’s strategic autonomy means for the future world order. From Ukraine to Indo-Pacific tensions, this conversation offers rare clarity that reshapes how you see global politics. Tune In! Produced by Areeb Raza Sound mixed by Aman Pal
27 Nov 2025 · 29 min
US Deep State, ISI, Islamists: The Hidden Forces Shaping Bangladesh? | Chakravyuh | EP 23
In this hard-hitting episode of The Chakravyuh Podcast, host Gaurav Sawant speaks with author and analyst Jaideep Mazumdar on the explosive developments in Bangladesh following Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and death sentence in absentia. The discussion uncovers how a seemingly student-led movement was allegedly engineered by the US deep state, Pakistan’s ISI and radical Islamist groups, pushing Bangladesh towards instability. Mazumdar warns of rising anti-India sentiment, growing Pakistan-Bangladesh military ties, and the grave security implications for India’s eastern flank and the vulnerable…
20 Nov 2025 · 33 min
Dangerous Doctors of Death: Anatomy of Radicalisation | Chakravyuh | EP 22
In this gripping episode of Chakravyuh, host Gaurav Sawant is joined by Dr Vikram Singh, former DGP Uttar Pradesh, to dissect the shocking Red Fort blast and the doctors turned terrorists behind it. They expose the radicalisation networks operating in India and the loopholes exploited by terror outfits. Listen as Dr Singh, who led major anti-terror ops, shares rare insights into the mindset, recruitment, and de-radicalisation strategies, revealing why even the nation’s “healers” can turn deadly. Tune In! Produced by Areeb Raza Sound mixed by Aman Pal
30 Oct 2025 · 48 min
India in midst Pak-Bangladesh chakravyuh | Chakravyuh | EP 21
In this gripping episode of The Chakravyuh Podcast, host Gaurav Sawant discusses with Former Ambassador to Bangladesh Veena Sikri the clear and present danger India faces from Bangladesh. The episode highlights the alarming Pakistan-Bangladesh military cooperation near India's border, the rise in support for terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the controversial preacher Zakir Naik’s potential visit. Ambassador Sikri offers sharp insights into the "Trinity of terror" threatening regional security, emphasizing the urgent need for vigilance, intelligence coordination, and cooperation to…
23 Oct 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Pakistan’s Strategic Dilemma: Afghanistan and India’s New Equation | Chakravyuh | EP 20
In this episode of the Chakravyuh Podcast with Gaurav Sawant, former Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Vivek Katju dissects the rapidly shifting India-Afghanistan equation, the Taliban’s diplomatic outreach, and its implications for Pakistan’s internal problems. With historical insights into Pashtun nationalism, the Durand Line, and India’s evolving security doctrine post-Operation Sindoor, Ambassador Katju explains how New Delhi is reshaping its role in Kabul while Pakistan bleeds from within. Tune in for a gripping conversation on diplomacy and defense. Tune in! Produced by Areeb Raza Sound…
16 Oct 2025 · 51 min
Pulwama to Pahalgam: India’s Ready to Finish Terroristan | Chakravyuh | EP 19
In this explosive episode of the Chakravyuh podcast, Gaurav Sawant sits down with Lt. Gen. Kanwal Jeet Singh ‘Tiny’ Dhillon (Retd.) to reveal the untold story of Operation Sindoor--India’s daring 88-hour campaign that broke Pakistan’s air defenses, demolished terror launchpads, and forced an unprecedented ceasefire plea. From the Leepa Valley fire assault to hidden battles with global arms lobbies and Pakistan’s internal unraveling, Gen. Dhillon details how strategic restraint shaped India’s triumph and if war breaks out again, the Indian Army will decimate Pakistan because India’s war…
9 Oct 2025 · 27 min
Inside Operation Sindoor: India’s 88-Hour Assault That Rewrote the Rules of Deterrence | Chakravyuh | EP 18
India’s Operation Sindoor marks a historic shift in modern warfare — the first sustained air campaign between nuclear-armed states. In this exciting episode of The Chakravyuh Podcast, Gaurav Sawant speaks with Professor Walter Ladwig from King’s College London on India’s deep airstrikes inside Pakistan, the destruction of terror camps and airbases, and how China’s role complicates the regional balance. Don't miss this revealing discussion on deterrence, escalation, and the “new normal” in South Asian conflict dynamics. Produced By Areeb Raza Sound Mixed By Suraj Singh
2 Oct 2025 · 54 min
India's Thousand Years of Resistance and Cultural Unity |Chakravyuh | EP 17
The history of India is one of indigenous rulers valiantly fighting wars of resistance against waves of foreign invaders, determined to safeguard their culture, traditions and way of life. Across centuries, a rich tapestry of kingdoms and dynasties upheld the values and spirit of India, keeping its civilizational identity alive for millennia and shaping one of the world’s most vibrant cultures. Don’t miss this gripping episode of Chakravuyh where Gaurav Sawant joins author Amish Tripathi to uncover India’s story of resistance and resurgence. Produced by Areeb Raza Sound Mix by Rohan Bharti
29 Sep 2025 · 43 min
Pakistan’s Army Chief & PM In White House: What Does It Mean For India | Chakravyuh | EP 16
Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Sharif met President Trump at the White House just as U.S–India relations faced disruptions over tariffs, H-1B visas, and pharmaceuticals. Rare earth mineral deals and a landmark Saudi–Pakistan defense pact added new dimensions. Don’t forget to watch this exciting episode of Chakravuyh as Gaurav Sawant is joined by the Former High Commissioner of India to Pakistan & Canada Ajay Bisaria to analyze the rapidly shifting regional power dynamics and diplomatic consequences for South Asia.
25 Sep 2025 · 38 min
1965 War & Operation Sindoor: How India Defeated Pakistan | Chakravyuh | EP 15
Join us on the Chakravyuh podcast as we dive into the historic 1965 India-Pakistan War and the recent Operation Sindoor, where the Indian Armed Forces delivered a decisive blow to Pakistan without crossing the Ichogil Canal! Lt. Gen. Manoj Kumar Katyar, Army Commander, Western Command, and a key architect of Operation Sindoor, shares exclusive insights into India’s victories, the graveyard of Pakistan’s Patton tanks in Punjab, and the capture of Haji Pir Pass. Discover how India foiled Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar, turned the tide in battles like Asal Uttar, and continues to uphold the…
18 Sep 2025 · 58 min
From Shri Ram to Gurkhas: India-Nepal’s Unbreakable Bond | Chakravyuh | EP 14
Nepal, the Himalayan paradise, is in turmoil. From burning palaces to protests against political leadership, what’s driving the unrest? In this episode of the Chakravyuh Podcast, Lt. Gen. Rakesh Sharma, former Adjutant General of the Indian Army and Colonel of the 11 Gurkha Rifles, joins us to explore Nepal’s crisis and the deep civilizational bond between India and Nepal. From Lord Ram’s wisdom in the Ramayana ("Janani Janmabhoomishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi") to the shared valor of Gurkha soldiers, we discuss how India and Nepal are one culturally and emotionally. Can this bond help Nepal…
11 Sep 2025 · 52 min
Sanatan Dharma: Reconnecting with India’s Spiritual Legacy | Chakravyuh | EP 13
The Chakravyuh podcast features an exploration of India's cultural and spiritual foundations with Swami Dr. UmaKantAnand Saraswati Ji Maharaj, Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhada. The discussion addresses societal issues such as the abandonment of the elderly in Ayodhya and Maharashtra and the disrespect shown to PM Narendra Modi's late mother, questioning whether these incidents indicate a departure from the values exemplified by Sri Ram and Shravan Kumar. The episode aims to elucidate the essence of Sanatan Dharma, analyze the reasons for a declining connection to it, and propose methods for…
4 Sep 2025 · 50 min
Kiren Rijiju Slams Rahul Gandhi: Is Congress Killing Democracy?| Chakravyuh | EP 12
In this week’s edition of Chakravyuh, host Gaurav Sawant speaks to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju about the recently concluded Monsoon Session of Parliament. Rijiju attributes 83 hours of wasted Parliamentary time - costing taxpayers millions - to the Opposition, specifically the Congress and Rahul Gandhi. He highlights the passage of numerous bills, including anti-corruption laws and the 130th Constitutional Amendment, while refuting claims of a "police state" and the BJP acting as a "washing machine" for corrupt politicians. Rijiju criticises Rahul Gandhi's leadership and the…

About Chakravyuh

Chakravyuh is a English news podcast from India Today Podcasts. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: India Today Podcasts
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 37 min
Latest episode: 28 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1822767416
Website: podcasts.indiatoday.in/podcast/chakravyuh

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