Maha Siddiqui is a distinguished Indian journalist, anchor, and policy analyst with a career spanning over two decades in television journalism. With her extensive experience in reporting and a recent shift towards advanced academic and policy work, she has become a prominent voice in foreign affairs and geopolitical analysis.
Siddiqui began her professional life with a background in science, earning a Bachelor’s in Botany before transitioning to journalism. She completed a Postgraduate Diploma in English Journalism at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and gained early experience as a Senior Copy Editor at Times of India Online. She then moved into television journalism, working as a Correspondent-Anchor at DD News and NewsX in the early 2000s.
Her career gained significant momentum during her six-year tenure at India Today, where she worked as a Senior Special Correspondent-Anchor. During this time, from 2010 to 2016, she extensively covered national politics, parliamentary proceedings, and foreign affairs. She was at the forefront of major legislative developments and reported on numerous national and state elections. Siddiqui also anchored a variety of news bulletins and long-form shows on social and political issues, cementing her reputation as a versatile and knowledgeable journalist.
In 2016, Siddiqui joined CNN News18 as the Editor, Foreign Affairs & Anchor. For nearly six years, she was a key figure in their international coverage, hosting popular shows like “World 360,” a weekly program focused on global events, and the prime-time current affairs show, “Viewpoint with Maha Siddiqui.” Her work during this period solidified her specialisation in geopolitical reporting.
Her two decades of consistent reporting have provided a deep understanding of India’s evolving foreign policy landscape. Siddiqui’s expertise has been recognised internationally.
As a Chevening Scholar, she studied broadcast journalism at Bournemouth University on a prestigious UK government scholarship, further enhancing her skills. Her work has been published in esteemed outlets such as The Diplomat and Policy Options, earning her accolades like the IAR Publication Awards.
In 2023, Siddiqui embarked on a new chapter, transitioning from full-time journalism to academia to bridge the gap between media and policy. She is currently a Graduate Student at the University of British Columbia (UBC), pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy and Global Affairs. Her academic work focuses on a range of contemporary issues, including the geopolitics of nuclear energy, India-Myanmar relations, and climate policy.
While pursuing her master’s, Siddiqui remains connected to journalism as a Consultant for NDTV, where she hosts “India Global,” a prime-time show dedicated to international affairs. She also serves as an Institute of Asian Research (IAR) Fellow at UBC, conducting research on India and South Asia. Her academic involvement includes a Co-op Policy Advisor role with the BC Provincial Government and work on multilateral projects, such as research on clean energy technologies in Mongolia.
Maha Siddiqui’s career is a testament to her versatility, demonstrating a unique trajectory from science to journalism and now to public policy. Her ability to combine extensive practical media experience with rigorous academic analysis positions her as a significant contributor to global discourse, offering valuable insights into both public opinion and policy formulation. She represents a new generation of “journalist-scholars” who are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of an interconnected world.