On 27 July, 2026, India Foundation conducted a roundtable discussion on “India and the Gulf: Evolving a New Doctrine” at Hotel Taj Mahal, New Delhi. The topical roundtable discussion was prompted to discuss the plausible policy options before India amidst the significant geopolitical developments in Gulf.
The roundtable discussion was chaired by Dr. Ram Madhav, President, India Foundation, and was attended by eminent dignitaries, including Lt. Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.), Hon’ble Governor of Bihar, Shri MJ Akbar, Former Union Minister of State for External Affairs, apart from former diplomats, scholars, journalists, and academics. After the opening remarks by Dr. Ram Madhav, the discussion commenced with a thematic presentation that set the stage for the deliberations by highlighting key issues including connectivity, diaspora linkages, energy security, and supply chain resilience.
The presentation was followed by detailed deliberations, advocating for a flexible framework capable of addressing regional challenges and recurring crises. Participants noted the evolution and diversification of India’s interests extend beyond hydrocarbons to include maritime security, digital infrastructure, investment, and the resilience of critical undersea communication networks.
They broadly agreed that India’s approach should preserve strategic autonomy by maintaining constructive engagement with all major regional stakeholders while avoiding alignment with competing geopolitical blocs. Several interventions emphasised the need to strengthen institutional coordination through a whole-of-government mechanism integrating diplomacy, defence, commerce, intelligence, and strategic communications. Greater emphasis was also placed on maritime preparedness, energy resilience, diaspora protection, defence cooperation, and connectivity initiatives.
Beyond security and economics, the discussion underscored the importance of expanding India’s intellectual, educational, cultural, and media presence in the Gulf through universities, think tanks, research partnerships, and knowledge networks. Participants also stressed the need to deepen engagement with all parts of the region while remaining responsive to evolving regional dynamics. The discussion concluded that India’s expanding strategic, economic, and civilisational stakes in the Gulf necessitate a coherent, long-term regional framework capable of safeguarding national interests in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Capt Alok Bansal, Executive Vice President, India Foundation.
