Xi Jinping

On this edition of India Today Global, Geeta Mohan examines the shifting global alliances as US President Donald Trump’s 'confrontational trade and foreign policies' push traditional allies toward China. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Beijing for a three-day visit to revive economic engagement, marking the first such trip by a UK leader since 2018. The programme also highlights India’s growing diplomatic footprint as New Delhi prepares to host over 10 Arab foreign ministers for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting on January 30-31. Discussions are expected to cover regional stability, the Palestinian issue, and the launch of the India and Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the report covers the strengthening of India-Canada energy ties during India Energy Week in Goa and the escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney over tariff threats and economic sovereignty following the US capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

On this edition of India Today Global, Geeta Mohan examines the shifting global alliances as US President Donald Trump’s 'confrontational trade and foreign policies' push traditional allies toward China. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Beijing for a three-day visit to revive economic engagement, marking the first such trip by a UK leader since 2018. The programme also highlights India’s growing diplomatic footprint as New Delhi prepares to host over 10 Arab foreign ministers for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting on January 30-31. Discussions are expected to cover regional stability, the Palestinian issue, and the launch of the India and Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the report covers the strengthening of India-Canada energy ties during India Energy Week in Goa and the escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney over tariff threats and economic sovereignty following the US capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The India–European Union Free Trade Agreement is being seen as a strategic counterweight to China’s manufacturing dominance and shifting US trade policies, panellists said in a special report analysing the landmark pact.

This report examines the significant purge within China's military leadership as President Xi Jinping intensifies a crackdown on the Central Military Commission (CMC). The top command has reportedly been reduced to just two members, including Xi himself, following the removal of high-ranking generals. The speaker notes that a prominent vice chairman, described as a 'battle-hardened commander' and longtime loyalist, is under investigation for 'very grave violations of discipline and law.' Additionally, the chief of the CMC's Joint Staff Department, responsible for war planning, is also facing scrutiny. The programme highlights that thousands of officers are now under investigation for corruption related to military procurement and promotions. Analysts suggest this move leaves President Xi virtually alone at the apex of the military hierarchy, raising critical questions regarding the People's Liberation Army's combat readiness, particularly concerning the Taiwan front. The report underscores the scale of the purge, which has seen hundreds of officers facing the axe.

In this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant examines India's 77th Republic Day celebrations and the nation's evolving security paradigm. The program highlights European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement regarding India’s role in global stability and the progress of the India-EU security and defense partnership. A central focus is placed on 'Operation Sindoor' and a Swiss military think-tank report detailing India's air superiority over Pakistan. Experts Lieutenant General K.J.S. Dhillon and Air Marshal M. Mateshwaran analyze precision strikes on strategic targets, including Sargodha and Jacobabad airbases, which reportedly called Pakistan's nuclear bluff. The discussion covers reported casualties of 400 Pakistani soldiers in the Lipa Valley and the impact of Indian political will on regional dynamics. Additional coverage includes AI-enabled surveillance displays at Kartavya Path, the historic participation of women in military contingents, an internal purge within China's PLA, and the upcoming India-EU Free Trade Agreement. The report also addresses entry restriction controversies at Badrinath-Kedarnath temples.

On this special report, Gaurav Sawant, Senior Executive Editor at India Today, examines the newly released Indian Air Force video documenting Operation Sindoor. The report details the precision strikes carried out in May 2025, where the IAF and Indian Army dismantled nine terror headquarters and hit key Pakistani air bases including Noor Khan and Sargodha. Gaurav Sawant notes that 'this video shows you how terror bases were dismantled in Pakistan' using BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Rafale jets. The programme features insights from Air Marshal Vinod Bhatia and Major General Sanjay Meston, who discuss the strategic significance of hitting targets deep within Pakistan's Punjab province. The discussion also highlights a Swiss military think tank report confirming India's total air dominance during the 88-hour conflict. Additionally, the report covers the 77th Republic Day parade's focus on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and addresses reports of a massive military purge within China's People's Liberation Army.

On this Five Live special report, Gaurav Sawant examines the massive purge within the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). Reports indicate that General Zhang, a top member of the Central Military Commission and once a close ally of President Xi Jinping, is under investigation for allegedly leaking highly sensitive nuclear secrets to the CIA. Gaurav Sawant notes, 'General Zhang is second only to Chinese President Xi Jinping, one of the top generals in China, and he was at one point of time described as one of the most trusted allies of Xi Jinping.' The discussion with Pranay Upadhyay highlights a potential power struggle and friction within the Communist Party, suggesting that over-centralization of power has led to internal camps. The investigation also involves Liu Zhenli, Chief of Staff of the CMC’s Joint Staff Department. This crackdown follows a reported purge of 100 generals as Xi Jinping consolidates control, raising questions about China's military readiness and command integrity.

In this exclusive interaction at Davos, Ian Bremmer, President of Eurasia Group, analyzes the shifting global dynamics in the 'Trumpian era'. Bremmer asserts that while Donald Trump dominates headlines, leaders like Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi hold more consistent power due to their domestic stability. He highlights that 'Modi is in one of the stronger positions to push back against Trump' compared to European leaders, citing India's 7% growth and strategic importance as a hedge against China. Bremmer discusses the 'G0 world'—a state of geopolitical recession where no single power leads—and evaluates Trump's 'Board of Peace' and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. He also clarifies his stance on India's AI capabilities, noting that while the US and China lead, India is developing significant human capacity and talent. The discussion provides a comprehensive outlook on how middle powers like India must navigate a 'technopolar' and multipolar economic world while dealing with a unipolar security order dominated by the United States.

In this exclusive interaction with India Today at Davos, Ian Bremmer, President of Eurasia Group, said that President Donald Trump is not the most powerful leader, but it is Xi Jinping.

In this exclusive interview from Davos, Ian Bremmer, President of Eurasia Group, provides a sharp analysis of the 'Trumpian era' and its impact on global geopolitics. Bremmer argues that while Donald Trump dominates headlines, Chinese President Xi Jinping remains a more powerful leader due to his lack of domestic institutional constraints. He discusses the recent failure of Trump's Greenland policy, citing it as a rare instance where European pushback forced a retreat. Bremmer highlights India's strong position, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is well-placed to resist US coercion due to India's economic growth and strategic importance in the Quad. On the 'Board of Peace' for Gaza, Bremmer advises India to ensure participation does not undermine multilateral institutions. He further elaborates on his 'G0 world' theory, describing a 'geopolitical recession' where the world is transitioning into a multipolar economic order but remains unipolar in security, while technology becomes increasingly 'technopolar' under the influence of major corporations.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, renowned foreign policy analyst Fareed Zakaria said that Donald Trump's doctrine seems to be to fight with your allies and make up with your enemies.

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury joins India Today to discuss the appointment of Nitin Naveen as the new BJP President. Chowdhury questions the autonomy the 45-year-old leader will have, stating, "I congratulate Mr. Nitin Naveen," but notes he was "anointed by the RSS" rather than through a democratic process. She defends the Congress party's internal elections, citing the contest between Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor as evidence of a genuine democratic setup. Addressing the BJP's focus on a generational shift, Chowdhury argues that leadership should not be judged by age alone, pointing to global leaders like Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. She further critiques the BJP's organizational structure, alleging a lack of internal freedom and autonomy within institutions. The conversation also touches upon the Congress party's handling of young leaders in states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, with Chowdhury emphasizing the importance of dovetailing experience with youth in political leadership.

A Special Report with Gaurav Sawant details India's dual security and diplomatic challenges. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi confirms that "Operation Sindoor" is ongoing, revealing a fierce fire assault in the Lipa Valley sector killed at least 100 Pakistani soldiers. This occurs amid intense political friction in New Delhi after a Communist Party of China (CPC) delegation met with both the BJP and the RSS, a first since the 2020 Galwan clash. The Congress party criticized the government for the engagement, which happened as China reaffirmed claims over the Shaksgam Valley. However, a senior Congress leader also met the same delegation. Experts Brahma Chellaney and Shrikant Kondapalli analyze if this signals a tactical shift while border disputes in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh persist and India maintains that Shaksgam Valley is its sovereign territory.

In this special report, Ian Bremmer, President of Eurasia Group, discusses the 'Top Risks 2026' report and India's evolving role in a shifting global landscape. Bremmer highlights that while the United States has become 'unpredictable and unreliable' for many nations, India remains in a 'strategically quite strong position' due to its consistent leadership and economic reforms. He notes that India serves as a crucial hedge for the US against China and maintains robust relations with the G7 and the Global South. The discussion explores the emergence of a 'G0 world' where traditional rules are weakening and raw power gains significance. Bremmer also addresses the impact of US tariffs, the rise of multipolarity in the economic order, and the challenges posed by unregulated artificial intelligence. He concludes that despite the 'chaos' of declining American global leadership, India’s capacity for consistent foreign policy provides it with a unique advantage in the current geopolitical climate.

In this Special Report, India Today Global Editor Pranay Upadhyay analyses the geopolitical fallout of the US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Upadhyay highlights China's strong reaction, noting that Beijing has called on the US to 'ensure the personal safety of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife' and to resolve issues through dialogue. The report discusses the implications for China's Belt and Road Initiative and its investments in Latin America. Upadhyay also observes that President Donald Trump is pursuing the 'Monroe Doctrine', viewing the region as a US sphere of influence. The discussion touches on the historical context of US interventions, referencing the cases of Panama and Honduras. Upadhyay notes that China is the 'biggest gainer' of the Venezuelan territory since 1999 and has significant concerns about its oil infrastructure and future political influence under US control.

In this Special Report, India Today chronicles the defining moments of 2025 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The programme details 'Operation Sindoor', India's decisive retaliatory strikes on Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, and the subsequent ceasefire. It highlights the economic resurgence with 7.2% GDP growth and the rollout of GST 2.0. The report also covers PM Modi’s diplomatic achievements, including the 'Order of Oman' and the 'Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia'. Additionally, it features Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s historic mission to the International Space Station and India's sporting glory.

On this Special Report, the focus is on the escalating tension in the Taiwan Strait as China launches 'Justice Mission 2025'. The large-scale live-fire drills come days after the US announced an 11.1 billion dollar arms package for Taiwan. A China expert joins the programme to discuss Beijing's message of 'normalizing' blockades and the potential for a 'quarantine' of the island. The guest notes that China is establishing itself as the 'de facto new order' in the region. The discussion explores the strategic fallout for the US, Japan, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the risks of 'grey zone warfare' and the impact on global trade routes like the Malacca Strait. The report also touches on the wider alliance blocs forming between China, Russia, and Iran versus the US-led order.

In this special report, a panel of analysts debates whether Donald Trump has completely upended the post-Cold War world order with his foreign policy in 2025. The discussion centres on a recently released US national security strategy that notably does not label Russia as an adversary and diminishes Europe's traditional role. One analyst describes Trump's approach as a 'vision of imperial collusion,' suggesting a world where major powers like the US, Russia, and China tacitly accept each other's imperial ambitions. Other topics include the prioritisation of the Western Hemisphere, reminiscent of the Monroe Doctrine, and a controversial proposal to rebuild Gaza. The panel also explores whether Trump is merely an accelerant for the decline of 'Pax Americana' or the primary architect of a new, more volatile global landscape.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an exclusive interview with India Today, addresses critical geopolitical and economic issues ahead of his visit to New Delhi. Speaking to Foreign Affairs Editor Geeta Mohan, Putin emphasizes Russia's neutrality in India-China tensions, stating, "India and China are our closest friends... I do not believe we have the right to interfere." He reveals a significant policy directive to address the trade imbalance, noting his "direct instruction" to the Russian government to identify more Indian goods for purchase. Putin also declares India a "full ally" in the fight against terrorism and discusses the recognition of the Taliban in Afghanistan as a strategic necessity. The interview covers BRICS, the use of national currencies, and the emerging multipolar world order.

In a special broadcast, India Today’s Gaurav Sawant and Sandeep Unnithan discuss the geopolitical significance of President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India following his meetings with Jared Kushner and Steve Whitcoff in Moscow. Former Ambassador Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty analyzes the potential for a Russia-India-China (RIC) alliance amidst 'fatigue' with the Ukraine war. However, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor warns of the 'mistrust' due to China’s infrastructure buildup along the border, referencing the recent 'Op Sindhur'. The panel debates whether Russia can act as a pivot between India and China given the US pressure under President Trump.