A Joint USI-Ananta Aspen Round-table Discussion on “India-West Asia Relations Two Years after the Modi Engagement: What Next?” was Held at USI on 12 December 2017.
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Lt Gen PK Singh, PVSM, AVSM (Retd),The Director, USI commenced the session with his Welcoming and opening remarks followed by remarks from Ambassador S K Lambah, Chairman, Ananta Aspen Centre and Former Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of India.
Former Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad, Adviser, West Asia & North Africa, Ananta Centre Former Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman & UAE gave a brief introduction on the first two years of Modi government’s engagement with West Asia and on the evolving India-West Asia relations.
In the first Session, Ambassador Ranjit Gupta, Former Ambassador of India to Yemen and Oman highlighted critical issues in India’s Interactions with Saudi Arabia and the GCC countries.
Later, Ambassador Sanjay Singh, Former Secretary (East), India spoke on the issue of India’s Engagements with Iran and Israel.
In the concluding session Maj Gen Rakesh Bhadauria, VSM (Retd), Distinguished Fellow, USI gave a presentation on the Role of Big Powers in West Asia – Implications for India.
In the Question & Answer session participants discussed India-West Asia relations, its limitations, and how to overcome those limitations and bolster engagements. The distinguished gathering comprised of ambassadors, scholars, academicians and members from other institutes and organisations.
The session ended with the closing remarks from the Director, USI.
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