EP-225 | Israel-Iran War, 'Nuclear Option', USA Role with Lt Gen Shukla (Retd) & Lt Col Rajan (Retd)

It has been one year since Hamas launched a significant attack against Israel, which was one of the deadliest incidents in recent history. Over 1000 were killed, and over 250 people were taken hostage. In response, Israel initiated ground operations in Gaza, resulting in hundreds of casualties and continuing strikes.

Amid this conflict, Israel has opened two new fronts in the war. They have targeted the entire Hezbollah leadership, including its chief, Hassan Nasrallah. This move has provoked a strong reaction from Iran, which launched over 180 missiles toward Israel.

How Israel will respond and whether it will consider attacking Iran’s oil and nuclear facilities. The outcome of these events could significantly alter the landscape of the Middle East.

In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Retd.), former General Officer Commanding of the Army Training Command and an expert in counter-insurgency operations, along with Lt. Col. Pavithran Rajan, a former intelligence operative, academician, and tech entrepreneur.

They discuss whether the U.S. will support Israel in attacking Iranian facilities and what lessons India can learn from the Israel-Iran conflict. They also delve into Israel's unique Pager Attack and how AI is transforming modern warfare. They also talk about the role of Russia and China in the Middle East.

#anipodcastwithsmitaprakash #israeliranwar #middleeastwar #podcast

Timestamps:

00:00 - Coming Up

01:25 - Introduction

04:00 - Israel’s 3-Front War

06:00 - Israel's Pager Attack

12:50 - Killing of Hassan Nasrallah

22:15 - Russia’s Role in the Middle East

31:50 - Persian Civilization

38:57 - China’s Stand on the Israel War

43:07 - China vs. Taiwan

46:04 - Regime Change in Iran

1:00:42 - India's role in the Middle East

1:04:15 - How AI is Changing Warfare

1:12:08 - What is AI Assassination

1:22:10 - Weaponization of Social Media

1:28:49 - Private players in Defence sector

1:32:09 - Lessons for India

1:42:35 - China Leading in Manufacturing

1:46:19 - Should India Embrace AI?

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[yp]

I really like how Gen Shukla backs every argument that he makes with spot on examples. He adds so much substance to any conversation. Hats off!!

[leviathn]

This is what we need. A brilliant podcast and it's high time our veterans start integrating into our private space and our people start driving a national strategy based on our own understandings and theory and not based on any other cultures understanding. We are the only ones who know what will be best for us. Jai Hind!

[ankurchaudhary]

Smita never loose a chance to cut off when someone is making good point .

[lighteningstrike]

Lt Gen Shukla is the best, his depth of knowledge and understanding is extraordinary seeing Gen Shukla gives lot of pride and confidence about Indian defence force

[tarunsinghjadaun]

It's always privilege to listen Lt Gen Shukla sir's insights about the geopolitics and military affairs.

[sahanaathreya]

This podcast really picks up after the first hour! With my background in AI, I completely resonate with what Pavithran Rajan brilliantly articulated about data control. The one who controls data controls the narrative, and ultimately, the one who controls the narrative controls world order. His deep insights on data localization and ICT manufacturing are spot on – it’s crucial that we safeguard our infrastructure and data. Pavithran sir’s clarity and foresight on these critical issues are truly commendable. The future of any nation’s security and sovereignty will depend on how well it can protect and leverage its own digital resources. A must-listen for anyone thinking seriously about these issues!

[georgeneha]

This podcast has brought out very important aspects of how seriously India should take it's national security. The need to control crucial technologies has been very well brought out by Col Pavithran, along with the need for the military establishment to wake up from it's stupor and play an active role in defining the national security narrative.

Gen Shukla has also brought out valid points on how important it is for the military commanders to understand emerging technological trends and cultivate a culture that encourages out-of-the-box thinking, even if it does not conform to the thinking of the top leaders.

Looking forward to more such podcasts. Hopefully the political establishment is listening in.

[anujtiw]

we need more podcast like this gen shukla col pavi brilliant poadcast smita maam.

[AniketPandey-cx]

I have been following many podcasts related to national security and ongoing conflicts. What I’ve noticed is that many content creators struggle to frame their questions and keep the discussion engaging. That's something I truly like about your podcast. You not only ask great questions but also bring in highly knowledgeable guests for the discussions. Thank you for producing such good content, and please keep it coming!

[chakabcd]

Superb! Making a Podcast with Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Retd.) and Lt. Col. Pavithran Rajan is really Fascinating! Defense Ministry and Private companies co-operation is the Need of the Hour!

[absoluteravin]

Pavithran nailed it & countered the erudite Col Shukla with sapient points. Both gracious.

[Priya-jnvv]

Smita, why do you interrupt so much!??? Let them complete or have your self as guest.

[rscsingh]

It was such a charm to listen to Gen. Shukla & Col. Rajan.

Beautiful minds.

Kudos 👏 💐 to Smitha Prakash for bringing in such knowledgeable people and conducting a mighty good podcast.

Lovely 😍.

[bharatmishra]

the conversations about AI and technology prowess is something everyone in military industrial complex in india should think about and work on it. it is really scary to think that we have not achieved much in this field, i wish people like Lt Gen Shukla & Lt Col Rajan become more vocal and the top brass take actions.
very good podcast and i admire Lt Gen Shukla because of his diverse thoughts and ideas, i wish i get mentored under him.

[UMS]

I find Lt. Col. Rajan is Tactical (practicality and reality) and Lt. Gen. Shukla is Strategic (policy & political). Lt. Col Rajan is well connected with the ground realities. Both have contributed handsomely to the discussion.

[sunnypant]

A wonderful free flowing podcast where the two brilliant military minds spoke with openess (sometimes dangerously frank ..😀) and originality. They were professional enough to respect the difference in perception of future warfare and the challenges we as a nation face in addressing these issues. Incisive questioning by Col Pavi who in his own inimitable style brought home the point of why senior military leadership should not sucuumb to the ailing dogma of political & bureaucratic system and must think freely. The General was professionaly honest enough to concede that the three stars & four stars must bring in their A game to prepare for the future wars and not for the last war fought as it would most definitely have disastrous consequences without a bullet being fired.

The inherent resistance bred in old school thinking which has often misunderstood and even undermined the need for a fully indigenised ICT was brought to fore during the discussion. It's about time that we break the shackles of our mindset that is overly dependent on the western technologies and build our own fully indigenised ICT systems. If China can do it for themselves why can't India. The only limiting factor it seems is in the space between the two ears at the decision making levels.
Special Kudos to Smita Prakash for bringing such topical subjects in her podcasts.

[FriendSanjay]

Thank you ANI. Listening to Gen Shukla's analysis on the Israel-Iran dynamics was an absolute masterclass in strategic foresight. His perspective on the integration of AI and technology beyond mere hardware is spot on. It's not just about the tech; it's about building a comprehensive tradecraft. His emphasis on persistent surveillance, drawing parallels to the Ukraine situation, reveals a deep understanding of modern warfare's evolving demands. Gen Shukla's thoughts on ISRO's limitations in combat scenarios and the criticality of data interoperability ('Data must talk to data') showcase his unparalleled grasp of multi-dimensional warfare.

Salute to you, Gen Shukla Sir, for breaking down these complex concepts with such ease and clarity. Your strategic brilliance and eloquence continue to inspire all of us who keenly follow the intricacies of global defense. Jai Hind 🫡

[aucklandrenalcare]

Really good podcast. Sadly, Gen Shukla keeps pushing into areas of expertise of Col Rajan. This is where the problem is, you can see how Gen Shukla doesn't want to listen (patiently) and think about Col Rajan's point.

[RamyaAchar]

Very informative podcast !
Both Rtrd Army personnel’s view point inspiring youngsters like us. Lt Col Pavithran is amazing, I really admire how ge is not interrupting while others are giving their points, for the people who are saying they are degrading Indian system should also understand they are talking about the facts that we need to overcome. He rightly said that we just can’t sit here and say why are they fighting!!! Every nation has its unique reason to why they will go to war. We cannot do our AI unless we sort out our ICT. For the people who are saying against him should also have the depth knowledge about the technology and need to understand what he is trying to convey. We all are living with our phones most of the time. If OS is not ours, as he pointed out, if the phone blast happens once, we can reproduce it. Well said !

[swagat]

With all due respect I have a few requests:

1) Ms.Smita, please don't interrupt the expert once you are done asking your questions. Let them complete their points, your constant interruptions kill the spirit.

2) Advise for the gentleman you have as your correspondent :

- Sir, please ask your questions in Hindi, because it clearly depicts that you aren't comfortable with holding talks in English and that is absolutely fine. I'm guessing you are quite an experienced journalist and a knowledgeable person, so ask questions in a language you are most comfortable. Communications play a vital role when you are interviewing such personalities on topics such as Geo Politics & National Security.


Thanks!