Predominantly, a foreign affairs specialist, Gowing has been presenting The World Today, Europe Direct among others. For his coverage on the imposition of martial law in Poland, he won the BAFTA and a medal at the New York Television Festival for his coverage of the Gulf War. On his recent visit to Delhi, Gowing talked to Anupama Ramakrishnan of Deccan Herald about the developing situations in South Asia, its impact in India and globally.

What brings you here this time and how’s India treating you?
As good as ever. As for the first question, I am here to analyse the major developments happening here in South Asia. The policy on India’s nuclear deal, Burmese crisis, Pakistan’s political situation, its impact on India and cricket, which evokes the same passion that Rugby does in England.

Looking at the current situation in Myanmar, how will the international community help in the popular movement there?
We’re now more than six weeks into what had happened in Myanmar. What we at the BBC World are doing is to mobilise public opinion on the conditions there. The availability of the network is the best way to bring it to the people. The happenings have shocked many. We analyse this night after night. India has a particular relationship with Myanmar. A line has been taken by the Indian Government. Recently, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee was at the UN and had to answer a barrage of questions from governments of other countries on India’s stand on it. Myanmar’s is a sovereign issue.

As for the India-US nuclear deal, what do you think is the US government thinking?
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expected the government to last 18 months. But the Left was not being responsible. But Sonia Gandhi’s remarks have left a strong impression. As for the Americans, it is difficult to say anything at the moment.

Going to Pakistan, do you think Musharraf selected a few of his men and got himself elected?
That is not quite right. The election is through an electoral college and in terms with the Members of Parliament. However, the whole situation there is complicated.

Following the blasts in Pakistan on Benazir’s arrival, do you foresee any kind of change in the political condition there. Will the planned alliance between Musharraf and Benazir take a backseat?
It is premature to say that the alliance will take a back seat. So far the signs are that it is central to ensure that democracy and the election process moves forward. However, there are major uncertainties, like the final verdict of the supreme court on several petitions relating to both President Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto, and whether Musharraf finally sheds his responsibilities as Army Chief by November 15. There remain plenty of uncertainties ahead.

Do you think the Pakistanis want this alliance even after the blasts?
There will obviously be changes to the political conditions after the blasts. The security challenges and threats have altered. The most important thing is to ensure a security situation that guarantees a full democratic process, with greatest security for the candidates whenever the election is finally declared. But there are obviously new and very serious risks. But an important new element to the political scene is the richness of the new media environment — especially television — which will be a central element in the election.

Back in England, what is the reaction of the British people on their government joining the US in Iraq?
That’s past. Something that happened more than four years ago. But yes, the government has said that there would be reduction of British forces in Iraq by next year. Well, we’re moving on.

‘Sting operations’ are now a matter of debate in India. How does it work in Britain?
We have strict regulations on these things there. They are designed to protect the facts. Our job is to mediate and you’ve to be sure about your equations.

At the time of the death of Princess Diana, you anchored the coverage for over seven hours, only having a few minutes of sleep before you went on air...
That was a long time ago. It was tough not because I was in bed at the time, but it was also about getting good information. After all these years, you can see that the official inquiry is still going on.

The Wire in 1988 and the The Loop in 1993, any more books up your sleeve?
Right now, no. I am not into writing books. I am just concentrating on what I am doing now.