In the backdrop of the 6th BIMSTEC Conference in Thailand, India Foundation arranged an excursion for the delegates, including former ministers, diplomats, and scholars from BIMSTEC countries, to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam.

Though Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand are 3,500 kilometers apart, there is a significant connection between the two. These sites are bound together by a shared link to Lord Ram, uniting both nations and their people through history and culture.

Valedictory Session: Future Roadmap – Turning Imperatives into Action

The Valedictory Session focused on outlining the future roadmap for BIMSTEC, emphasizing the need to translate regional imperatives into concrete actions. The session was chaired by Dr. Ram Madhav, President, India Foundation, and was joined by His Excellency DN Dhungyel, Foreign Minister of Bhutan, and Her Excellency Ms. Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nepal.

Indramani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, provided an overview of the organization’s upcoming activities, particularly in the context of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. He highlighted that this will be the first in-person meeting of BIMSTEC leaders since the 4th BIMSTEC Summit, held in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 2018. He also noted that the last summit, held in Colombo in March 2022, took place in a virtual format. The session underscored the significance of strengthening regional cooperation through proactive engagement and collaborative initiatives.

At the conclusion of the session, Prof. Surat Horachaikul from Chulalongkorn University delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the speakers, delegates, and organizers for their valuable contributions and insights.

Session II at the 3rd BIMSTEC Dialogue 2025– Impediments to BIMSTEC: Challenges and Roadblocks

“India’s response to the crisis in Myanmar was commendable, demonstrating its commitment to regional solidarity and humanitarian assistance. As part of its swift response, India provided essential aid, including medicines, relief materials, and tents, to support those affected by the crisis—showcasing its dedication to the region.”
– Dr Zaw Oo, Director, CESD, Myanmar.

This session focused on the key challenges and roadblocks hindering regional cooperation within the BIMSTEC framework. Discussions highlighted issues such as policy inconsistencies, infrastructure gaps, trade barriers, and geopolitical complexities that slow down the integration process.

Speakers deliberated on the need for stronger political will, institutional reforms in BIMSTEC, and enhanced connectivity to overcome these challenges and strengthen regional collaboration. This year with the Bangkok Summit, showcases great promise.

The session was chaired by Amb Tariq Karim, Former Ambassador, Bangladesh, and featured esteemed speakers, including Shri Janardan Sarma, Former Minister, Nepal; Shri Harsha De Silva, Former Minister, Sri Lanka; Amb Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Former Vice Minister, Thailand; Amb Ashok Kantha, Former Ambassador, India; Amb Preeti Saran, Former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, India; and Dr. Zaw Oo, Executive Director, CESD, Myanmar.

The discussants for the session were Amb Ruchira Kamboj, Former Permanent Representative of India to the UN, and Dr. Shristi Pukhrem, Deputy Director (Academics & Research), India Foundation.

The session underscored the urgency of addressing these impediments to unlock BIMSTEC’s full potential for regional growth and cooperation.

Session I at the 3rd BIMSTEC Dialogue 2025 - Imperatives for BIMSTEC: Key Drivers of Regional Cooperation

“There remains a significant gap between action and reality. As the old order evolves, it is crucial to deepen regional relations. Our regional identity is the strength of the Global South.” - Dr. Pavithra Jayawardena, Senior Lecturer, University of Colombo.

This session focused on discussing the critical factors that shape regional collaboration among BIMSTEC nations. Key topics such as economic integration, investments, connectivity, and cultural cooperation were explored, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to strengthen regional ties.

The session was chaired by Shri MJ Akbar, Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, India, and featured prominent speakers, including Shri G L Peiris, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka; Shri RK Ranjan Singh, Former Minister of State for External Affairs, India; Shri Raj Kishore Yadav, Former Minister, Nepal; Amb Kinga Singye, Former Foreign Secretary, Bhutan; and U Thant Kyaw, Chairman, MISIS, Myanmar.

The discussants included Amb Rajiv Bhatia, Former Ambassador, Government of India, and Dr. Pavitra Jayawardene, Head of the International Relations Department, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

At the Curtain Raiser Address, Dr. Ram Madhav, President of India Foundation, highlighted the immense potential of BIMSTEC as a vital platform for regional cooperation and connectivity. He was joined by Alok Bansal, Director of India Foundation. Together, they emphasized the need for renewed focus and active engagement, underscoring the importance of deeper discourse to strengthen collaboration among member states.

They stated that, in an era increasingly defined by minilateralism, BIMSTEC can serve as an effective medium for fostering regional interconnectivity and advancing shared interests.

On April 1, 2025, as part of the 3rd BIMSTEC Dialogue, the India Foundation, in collaboration with the BIMSTEC Secretariat and the Indian Study Centre at Chulalongkorn University, hosted an informal networking dinner for all participants, delegates, and policy leaders to discuss the future of regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean Region.

India Foundation hosted a 2 Member Delegation from China Center for South Asian Studies, Sichuan University, China, for a Bilateral Dialogue on India-China Relations on 29 March 2025.

Participants of the Capacity Building Programme engage with democracy in action during their insightful visit to Parliament, gaining firsthand experience of legislative processes and governance.

🎓 Successful Conclusion of Capacity Building Programme! 🎉

The 12-day Capacity Building Programme on Cultural & Political Traditions in Ancient & Medieval India concluded with an insightful Valedictory Session by Sachchidanand Joshi (Member Secretary, IGNCA).

Participants received their completion certificates, marking their journey of learning and research. 📜✨

A big thanks to CPDHE (UGC-MMITC, University of Delhi), and ICSSR for supporting this academic endeavour!

India Foundation hosted the 27th Breakfast Briefing on 29th March, featuring Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman (Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Government of India).

The briefing was attended by ambassadors from multiple missions.

The participants of the Capacity Building Programme, organised by India Foundation, held an interaction with the senior leadership of India Foundation, including Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, Chairman Board of Trustee, Maj Gen Dhruv Katoch and Capt Alok Bansal, Directors of India Foundation.

The participants of the Capacity Building Programme, organised by India Foundation, held an interaction with the senior leadership of India Foundation, including Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, Chairman Board of Trustee, Maj Gen Dhruv Katoch and Capt Alok Bansal, Directors of India Foundation.

The ICSSR-sponsored Capacity Building Programme successfully concluded its Day 10 session on “Cultural & Political Traditions in Ancient & Medieval India” on March 27, 2025.

✨Distinguished Speakers :
🔹 Prof. Chander Shekhar (University of Delhi) provided deep insights into the Political Thought of Ziauddin Barani.
🔹 Dr. Kedar Phalke (Historian & Author) analyzed Abul Fazl’s Political Thought and its influence on Indian administration.
🔹 Prof. Raziuddin Aquil (University of Delhi) explored the Philosophy & Contributions of Sufi Traditions in shaping India’s socio-cultural fabric.

✅ Day 8 of the Capacity Building Programme was a day of deep insights as we explored the wisdom of Adi Shankaracharya and Thiruvalluvar in the context of India’s cultural and political traditions.

Distinguished Speakers :
🎤 Subamanian Chidambaram (Cummins, India) shared thought-provoking perspectives on Adi Shankaracharya’s philosophy.
🎤 Sudha Seshayan (Central Institute of Classical Tamil) enlightened us on Thiruvalluvar’s timeless teachings.

Stay connected for more such enriching discussions. ✨

India Foundation, in collaboration with India Habitate Centre, organised a book discussion on the book, ‘Our Constitution Our Pride’ by Dr Ram Madhav, President, India Foundation on 25 March 2025 at Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre.

The panel consisted of Shri Shekhar Gupta, Founder & Editor-in-chief, ThePrint; Shri Vikramjit Banerjee, Additional Solicitor General of India; and Shri Swapan Dasgupta, Former Member of Parliament & Distinguished Fellow, India Foundation.

Day 7 of the Capacity Building Programme on Cultural & Political Traditions in Ancient & Medieval India was an enriching experience! The session featured thought provoking discussions on Buddhist & Jain political thought along with Philosophies of Gargi & Maitreyi.

🎤 Key Takeaways from Our Distinguished Speakers:
✅ Balaganapathi Devarakonda (University of Delhi) – Explored the nuances of Buddhist Political Thought and its relevance today.
✅ Pankaj Jain (FLAME University) – Offered deep insights into Jain Political Thought and its impact on governance.
✅ Prerna Malhotra (University of Delhi) – Highlighted Gargi’s philosophical contributions and their significance.
✅ Deepak Kalia (University of Delhi) – Shed light on Maitreyī’s wisdom and her role in ancient intellectual traditions.

On March 22, 2025, we had an insightful session on Cultural & Political Traditions in Ancient & Medieval India.

🎤 Neena Bansal spoke on Political Thought of Brihaspati, shedding light on his philosophies and governance ideas.
🎤 Rajvir Sharma discussed Political & Strategic Thought of Kautilya, emphasizing his contributions to statecraft and strategy.

Their insights provided a deeper understanding of India’s intellectual and strategic traditions.

On 21 March 2025, India Foundation hosted the Second Round of ‘Technology Ecosystem Roundtable,’ chaired by Dr Ram Madhav, President of India Foundation, and Shri Jayant Sinha, Former Minister of State for Finance & Civil Aviation, along with key stakeholders from industry, government and academia.

✅ Exploring Cultural & Political Traditions in Ancient & Medieval India

Prof. Heeraman Tiwari (Centre for Historical Studies, JNU) delivered an insightful lecture on Bhishma on Rajdharma, shedding light on governance and ethical dilemmas in ancient texts.

Dr. Nitin Paliwal (University of Delhi) conducted an engaging E-Library Training Session, highlighting digital research tools and resources for scholars.

Day 4 of the ICSSR-sponsored Capacity Building Programme had an intellectually stimulating session delving into the role of feminist icons like Sita and Draupadi to the deep political philosophy of Manu, and insights into research methodology!

The third day of the ICSSR-sponsored ‘Capacity Building Programme’, oganised by India Foundation in academic collaboration with CPDHE & UGC-MMTTC (University of Delhi) featured:

🔹 Dr Ram Madhav, President of India Foundation, who engaged in a powerful interactive session, sharing invaluable insights on the Idea of ‘Rashtra’.

🔹 Prof. Ruchi Tyagi from the University of Delhi, who delved deep into the Political Thought of Shukracharya, shedding light on its relevance in today’s world.

Today i.e 19 March 2025, we had the privilege of hosting a fascinating session with the visiting Russian delegation at the India Foundation office, featuring:

➡️Dr. Victoria Panova – Vice-Rector, HSE University Moscow; Head, BRICS Expert Council, Russia; W20 Sherpa, Russia
➡️Dr. Lydia Kulik – Head of India Studies, Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO; Senior Research Fellow, RAS Institute of Oriental Studies

Ms. Rami Niranjan Desai, Distinguished Fellow, India Foundation, held a session at the day-long workshop organised by the Indian Embassy in Myanmar, with CPR Myanmar’s support, on ‘Constitution & Federalism’ on 18 March 2025, along with Justice Ravindra Bhat and Prof. R. Sudarshan.

Some glimpses from Day 2 of the “Capacity Building Programme” organised by India Foundation.

On 17 March 2025, India Foundation, in collaboration with India Habitat Centre, organised a panel discussion on ‘The Geopolitics of Technology, Trade and Tariffs’ at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

The panelists for the session included Amb Ashok Sajjanhar, Former Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Sweden and Latvia, Amb Smita Purushottam, Founder, SITARA and Prof Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, RIS. The session was moderated by Capt Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation.

Inaugural Day of the Capacity Building Programme!

Shri Sanjeev Sanyal (Member, EAC-PM) addressed the Inaugural Session of the two weeks Capacity Building Programme on ‘Cultural & Political Traditions in Ancient & Medieval India’.

Prof. Geeta Singh (Director, CPDHE, UGC-MMTTC, University of Delhi) conducted the Orientation Session for the participants of the Capacity Building Programme.

Today’s sessions set the stage for thought-provoking discussions on India’s rich intellectual and political heritage. Stay tuned for more insights as the programme unfolds!

#CapacityBuilding #AncientIndia #MedievalIndia #CulturalHeritage

On the occasion of International Women’s Day Dr Shristi Pukhrem, Deputy Director (Academics & Research), India Foundation participated and spoke on the topic “Women in Diplomacy” on 11th March 2025 organized by Amity Institute of International Studies (AIIS), Domain of Arts, Humanities, Journalism, Mass Communication and Social Sciences, Amity University.

Research Fellow at India Foundation, Dr Pavan Chaurasia delivered a lecture on ‘Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar - Women Empowerment with Indian Perspective’ at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Women’s College on 10 March 2025.