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When Krishna Menon met Stalin

An Indian diplomat nicknamed the sombre porcupine met Joseph Stalin in 1953, one of the most controversial figures of the 20th century.

In 1953, an Indian diplomat nicknamed the sombre porcupine was given a rare opportunity when he was invited to the Kremlin to meet Joseph Stalin, one of the most controversial figures of the 20th century.

Vengalil Krishnan Krishna Menon was a key figure in India's fight for independence from British rule, and was close to Jawaharlal Nehru, who'd become independent India's first Prime Minister.

Reena Stanton-Sharma listens to archive recordings of Menon recalling his impressions of the Soviet Union's leader in a 1967 BBC interview.

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9 minutes

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  • Wed 20 May 202607:50GMT
  • Wed 20 May 202611:50GMT
  • Wed 20 May 202617:50GMT
  • Wed 20 May 202621:50GMT
  • Thu 21 May 202602:50GMT

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