Q+A S2023E18 - Modi diplomacy, truth-telling and Assange

This week on Q+A… writing the wrongs of history as literary giant Shehan Karunatilaka joins the panel. This author's most recent work tackles civil war and its impacts in Sri Lanka, so what can this conflict teach us about geopolitics today and the polarisation that is plaguing contemporary societies?

Closer to home, supporters of Julian Assange had been hoping to appeal directly to the US President to stop his country's pursuit of the jailed Wikileaks founder, but those hopes were dashed as Joe Biden's visit was cancelled. Assange's family says his life is in the hands of the Australian government now. What more could politicians do to secure his release?

But while one state visit was cancelled, another was just beginning, with India's Prime Minister here for talks with Anthony Albanese. Narendra Modi is a divisive figure at home and abroad – will Australia tackle the tough issues with him as he faces claims of human rights violations against minority groups in India?

And as signs point towards a rapprochement with China, Australia still has a precarious path to follow – keeping the trade relationship on track while staying strong on defence. So just how difficult a balance is that to strike?

Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel live in Sydney:

Jen Robinson, International human rights lawyer 
Shehan Karunatilaka, Booker Prize-winning author
James Blackwell, Research Fellow in Indigenous Diplomacy, Australian National University
Tim Watts, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
Kevin Hogan, Shadow Minister for Trade & Tourism