DR. SHASHI THAROOR: INDIA, SRI LANKA & THE GLOBAL POWER SHIFT | AT HYDE PARK | INDEEWARI AMUWATTE

SHASHI THAROOR: “THE OLD WORLD ORDER IS NOW UNRECOGNIZABLE” Is the post-World War II world order under unprecedented strain? What does the changing global power balance mean for India, Sri Lanka and the Global South? And can India play a greater role in shaping the future of South Asia? In this exclusive At HydePark with Indeewari Amuwatte interview, renowned Indian parliamentarian, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General, author and global affairs commentator Dr. Shashi Tharoor discusses India-Sri Lanka relations, regional integration, geopolitics, democracy, youth and the future of South Asia amid a rapidly changing world order. Dr. Tharoor reflects on the foundations of the post-1945 international order and argues that many of its underlying principles are now under unprecedented strain. He warns that a world in which powerful states simply do what they want risks returning to what he describes as the “rule of the jungle.” The conversation examines what this changing global order means for Sri Lanka and the Global South, and whether smaller countries can protect their interests amid growing geopolitical competition. Dr. Tharoor also discusses the evolving relationship between India and Sri Lanka, India's support for Sri Lanka during the economic crisis, questions surrounding sovereignty and regional security, and the possibilities for deeper economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. The discussion turns to the future of South Asian regional integration, including the limitations of SAARC, the potential of BIMSTEC, trade barriers, connectivity and the need for greater economic cooperation across the region. Dr. Tharoor also speaks about India's domestic political challenges, youth unemployment, the importance of democratic accountability, declining public trust in institutions and the growing influence of social media and misinformation. Drawing on his experience at the United Nations and in Indian politics, he shares his message to young diplomats and political leaders about putting national interest above political differences when representing their countries internationally. The conversation further explores the legacy of British colonialism and the arguments in his acclaimed book Inglorious Empire. Dr. Tharoor explains why he believes former colonies deserve moral accountability and why South Asians should reclaim and repurpose the tools and institutions left behind by colonial rule. The interview concludes with a message to the younger generation of South Asia and a reflection on the responsibility of today's leaders to leave behind stronger democratic institutions, values and opportunities for the generations that follow. The interview was recorded on 24 July 2026, a day before it was broadcast on 25 July 2026. Watch the full conversation. At HydePark with Indeewari Amuwatte A programme exploring the people, ideas and forces shaping Sri Lanka and the world. CHAPTERS 00:00 – The World Order Is Changing 03:05 – Is the Post-WWII Order Breaking Down? 05:20 – What Does This Mean for Sri Lanka & the Global South? 07:00 – India's Domestic Challenges & Youth Movement 09:25 – India, Sri Lanka & the Geopolitical Crisis 12:00 – The Future of India–Sri Lanka Relations 15:10 – Sovereignty, Trust & India's Role in Sri Lanka 17:30 – SAARC, BIMSTEC & South Asian Integration 20:30 – Trade, Investment & India's Economic Role 23:00 – India's Foreign Policy: Diplomacy for Economic Interests 25:00 – Colonialism, Reparations & Historical Accountability 28:00 – Can South Asia Decolonise the Mind? 30:00 – Democracy, Public Trust & Social Media 32:00 – A Message to South Asia's Youth 33:20 – The UN, Sri Lanka & the Future of Global Institutions 35:13 – End of Discussion #ShashiTharoor #IndiaSriLanka #WorldOrder #AtHydePark #IndeewariAmuwatte #SouthAsia #Geopolitics #India #SriLanka #GlobalSouth