Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), in collaboration with Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Kolkata, will host a day-long event, bringing together experts and researchers in order to share insights about key issues shaping India's engagement with the global community. The discussions will focus on India’s position and role vis-à-vis systems of politics and governance in other regions; and its entry into a range of partnerships that aim to advance growth and accelerate progress on the SDGs.
This is an Invite-only event.
10:00 - 10:15 (IN)
Adrian Haack, Director, KAS Office in India
10:15 - 10:30 (IN)
Nilanjan Ghosh, Director, ORF Kolkata and Centre for New Economic Diplomacy (CNED)
10:30 - 11:45 (IN)
This panel will explore areas of convergence and divergence between India’s strategic interests and those of certain other nations, regions and international groupings. The Indian approach to democratic governance and external relations will be compared / contrasted with other models, and possible system conflicts that could arise as a result will be examined. The panel will include a particular focus on Indian priorities and engagements with respect to the EU, China and the Indo-Pacific, and its cross-cutting emphasis on promoting the rise of the Global South.
11:45 - 12:00 (IN)
12:00 - 13:15 (IN)
A highlight of India’s G20 presidency in 2023 was its emergence and unanimous acceptance as the voice of the Global South. Over the years, the country has actively championed efforts to achieve the SDGs, and to promote development and inclusive growth more broadly. This panel will explore India’s approach to development partnerships and other strategic collaborations in support of Agenda 2030 and other regional / bilateral efforts to advance growth. The thematic areas examined will include climate action, health and technology, and the regions of consideration will include the Indo-Pacific (including certain Quad initiatives), South Asia, and Africa, as well as the Global South more broadly.
Adrian Haack, Director, KAS Office in India
13:15 - 14:00 (IN)
14:00 - 14:55 (IN)
Building on broad insights from the two panels, the roundtable will provide an open forum for the exchange of views, queries and other interventions. Its overall objective will be to better understand India’s expanding influence in a changing world, and the newer opportunities for cooperation and collaboration it opens up.
14:55 - 15:00 (IN)
Ashish Gupta, Head of Programmes, KAS
