Vikas Swarup

@vikasswarup.bsky.social

Ex-diplomat, television host, geopolitical expert and author of four bestselling novels, Q&A (adapted as Slumdog Millionaire), Six Suspects (adapted as The Great Indian Murder), The Accidental Apprentice and The Girl with the Seven Lives.

Went into 'Disclosure Day' expecting vintage Spielberg wonder, but it never took off. Spielberg and Koepp seem out of sync with the anxieties of our age, leaving this much-hyped sci-fi drama oddly toothless. One of Spielberg's weaker films. A pity.

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Thrilled to celebrate the Spanish publication of Las siete vidas de Devi with @EdDestino. I’m delighted to see Devi’s extraordinary journey of survival, resilience, and revelation reach new readers in the Spanish-speaking world.

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Silence can be as dangerous as escalation. My piece in @IndianExpress on a world drifting not just toward wider conflict, but toward the most consequential supply chain disruption in half a century, without urgency, clarity, or control. Are we sleepwalking into catastrophe?

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✨ Thrilled to share that my novel The Girl with the Seven Lives has been longlisted for the Crossword Book Awards 2025 (Fiction)! Grateful to the jury for this recognition and to all my readers who have embraced Devi’s journey of reinvention and resilience.

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As neighbours grapple with collapsing regimes and turmoil, India emerges as the region’s anchor — marked by democratic stability and economic resilience. Here is my article in The Daily Pioneer : The Anchor in the Storm: India’s Role Amid Regional Chaos

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Big thanks to my friend Reuben Gauci, the High Commissioner of Malta, for introducing me to the famous Maltese actor Manuel Cutajar, who's visiting India. Delighted to meet a fellow storyteller — and honoured that he's a fan of Slumdog Millionaire!

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As PM Modi returns to Canada after a decade, I've penned this piece for The Tribune on why the moment is ripe for a quiet reset in India-Canada ties. Strategic convergence, not tactical provocation, must guide the way forward. 📰 Hope floats for a thaw: www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment...

Hope floats for a thaw in India-Canada relations - The Tribune

The G7 invite to India is an attempt to mend fences and set in motion a quiet reset of relations at the highest level.

tribuneindia.com

Climbed the sandstone steps of Pre Rup, Angkor’s beautiful cremation temple glowing in the late afternoon light. Towering spires, warm stone, and sweeping views — it feels like time stands still here. A perfect place to pause and reflect. 🛕🌅✨ #PreRup

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Finally made it to Angkor Wat — the largest Hindu temple in the world and a masterpiece of ancient architecture. Standing before its majestic towers at sunrise was both humbling and awe-inspiring. A timeless symbol of devotion and imagination. 🇰🇭🛕✨ #AngkorWat

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Just back from a wonderful holiday in Koh Samui — a perfect escape of golden beaches, turquoise waters, and stunning temples. From lazy afternoons by the sea to exploring the island’s rich cultural heritage, it was an unforgettable blend of rest and discovery. 🌴🌺✨ #KohSamui

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Delighted to be in vibrant Guwahati to address the Northeast India chapter of Entrepreneurs Organization, last evening. Had a stimulating exchange on my literary journey, the shifting world order, geopolitics, and the forces shaping our future. Impressed by the insight and dynamism in the room.

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It was a pleasure to speak at the 10th National Leadership Conclave of the All India Management Association. The session titled "From Slumdog to Summits" delved into storytelling, soft power, and shaping global narratives.

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"Movies will make you famous; Television will make you rich; But theatre will make you good." Honoured to be part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the @METAwards at Kamani Auditorium and to present the award for Best Script, celebrating the power of storytelling on stage.

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Spoke at Shiv Nadar University on Geopolitics in the Age of Disruption. Discussed shifting power dynamics, the AI revolution,& the fragility of the global order. A probing Q&A followed—proof that the next generation isn’t just watching history unfold; they’re eager to shape it.

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Each book is a passport to unexpected journeys—some on the page, others on the stage. Had a lovely conversation with Mainka Raikwar at IIC Delhi for the Words in the Garden festival. A full house, sharp students from IILM University,& boundless literary energy. Thank you Nidhi Razdan for the invite.

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Thrilled to announce that The Girl With The Seven Lives has received the Best English Fiction Award at the Kalinga Litfest Book Awards 2025! Grateful to the jury, readers, my publishers & organizers. A privilege to receive the award from the Hon'ble Minister for Tourism and Culture.

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Where else but at Jaipur Literature Festival can you casually rub shoulders with a former UK Prime Minister, a Hollywood star, a Bollywood legend, and a World Cup-winning cricketer—all in the space of 24 hours? Forget six degrees of separation; at JLF it’s more like six feet of serendipity!

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Thrilled to see The Girl with the Seven Lives shortlisted for the Kalinga Literary Festival Book Awards 2025 in the Fiction (English) category! Honored to be among such incredible storytellers.

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After becoming a national bestseller in India,Devi's story is making waves internationally,longlisted for the prestigious Dublin Literary Award. Honoured to see my book amongst those chosen by 83 libraries across 34 countries.My heartfelt thanks to the librarians and readers who made this possible!

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Just watched Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine as Light. A powerful and poetic exploration of love, loneliness, and belonging. Also an evocative tribute to Mumbai in all its squalor and glory, it captures the soul of the city with rare artistry.

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Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, a leader of great vision, integrity, and humility. His contributions to India’s economic growth and global standing are unparalleled. A true statesman who will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

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Delighted to dive into What the West Should Learn from India by my friend, former German Ambassador to India, Walter J Lindner. Many thanks to Chiki Sarkar and Juggernautbooks for sending me this thought-provoking read!

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