meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
SpyCast

“Former Senior Indian Intelligence Officer” – R&AW Special Secretary Vappala Balachandran

SpyCast

SpyCast

Education, News, History

4.41.7K Ratings

🗓️ 19 September 2023

⏱️ 62 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Summary Vappala Balachandran (Wikipedia) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to discuss his career and the ancient roots of espionage in India. Bala formerly served as Special Secretary for India’s Cabinet Secretariat.  What You’ll Learn Intelligence India’s Research and Analysis Wing The Tamil Tigers’ threat to Indian national security Intelligence considerations within India-Pakistan relations Lessons in intelligence from Ancient India Reflections Intelligence, the 2nd oldest profession Transitioning from leader to student And much, much more … Quotes of the Week “There was a lot of pressure. There was a lot of pressure, especially, for example: Certain incidents happening – What would be the repercussions in India? Now, anything that happens in Pakistan, it will have some repercussions in India. And, same thing in Afghanistan, and then all the neighboring countries, we are to watch them.” – Vappala Balachandran. Resources  SURFACE SKIM *SpyCasts* Irish Garda Intelligence Chief with Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn (2023) Venice’s Secret Service with Ioanna Iordanou (2023) Indian Intelligence & Cyber, A Conversation with Sameer Patil, ORF Mumbai (2023) Intelligence & the World’s Largest Democracy with Former Indian Intelligence Director Vikram Sood (2021) *Beginner Resources* The Entire History of India in Under 10 Minutes, Made in History, YouTube (2022) [10 min. Video] RAW: A History of India’s Covert Operations, Y. Yadav, New Indian Express (2020) [Short article] Timeline: India-Pakistan Relations, A. Hashim, Al Jazeera (2019) [Historical timeline] DEEPER DIVE Primary Sources  Agreement on a ceasefire between Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (2022) Pradhan Inquiry Commission Report, 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks (2009) Lessons from the Mumbai Terrorist Attacks, US Senate Hearing (2009) Kautilya’s Arthashastra (1915 translation) Thiruvalluvar’s Tirukkuṟaḷ (1886 translation)  The Police Act (1861)

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

You're listening to the CyberWire Network, powered by N2K.

0:14.0

Are you navigating the complex landscape of network transformation,

0:18.0

looming security challenges and resource constraints?

0:22.0

Look no further.

0:23.0

Sassy, secure access service edge is the solution you've been waiting for.

0:28.0

Join Netscope for an exclusive masterclass featuring Netscope executives,

0:32.0

industry experts, partners, customers, and special guests.

0:36.0

Don't miss this chance to learn how you can revolutionize your approach to networking and cyber security.

0:42.0

Secure your spot at Netscope's Sassy Week 2023

0:46.0

by visiting Netscope.com slash Sassy Week.

0:50.0

That's Netscope.com slash S-A-S-E week.

0:58.0

Welcome to Spycast.

1:06.0

The official podcast of the International Spy Museum.

1:12.0

I'm your host, Dr. Andrew Hammond, the museum's historian and curator.

1:16.0

Every week we explore some aspect of the past, present, or future of intelligence and espionage.

1:22.0

Please consider leaving us a five star review

1:26.0

so that other listeners can find us and subscribe to the show if you haven't already.

1:32.0

Coming up next on Spycast.

1:34.0

I specialized in international terrorism.

1:38.0

And that is why in 1992 and 1993, I led the Indian intelligence teams for our annual dialogue with USA.

1:56.0

This week is our fourth installment of our five week special on spy chiefs around the world.

2:02.0

This week's guest is Vapala Balakandran.

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from SpyCast, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of SpyCast and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.