Title of the Event: 99th India Foundation Dialogue
Date: March 20, 2025
Venue: Conference Room, India Foundation
Introduction:
The 99th India Foundation Dialogue was held on March 20, 2025, at India Foundation office and was moderated by Dr. Swapan Dasgupta, Distinguished Fellow at the India Foundation. The Dialogue featured Ms. Carice Witte, Founder & Executive Director of Signal Group, Tel Aviv, along with members of the Signal Group delegation. The discussion focused on the topic ‘Israel, the Arab world, and the Gaza conflict’. The event had a total of 30 participants.
The event commenced with remarks by Dr. Swapan Dasgupta, who welcomed the attendees and provided an overview of the security situation in the Middle East. He emphasized that Israel is situated in one of the most turbulent regions globally and is deeply affected by conflicts in Lebanon, Syria, and the recent multi-front attack. While Israel has achieved partial military success in securing its borders, its diplomatic standing has faced significant challenges. He noted that although global sentiment often portrays Israel’s actions in Gaza as controversial, there exists a broader willingness among regional stakeholders to engage in dialogue. Dr. Dasgupta highlighted the presence of covert negotiations and a quiet yet significant diplomatic movement strengthening ties between Israel and Arab nations. He posed a crucial question—how can Israel leverage this underlying goodwill and transform it into visible, public engagement that promotes long-term regional stability and prosperity?
Ms. Carice Witte, Founder & Executive Director shared insights into Israel’s strategic approach to managing its relations in the Indo-Pacific. She emphasized that while her expertise lies in China, she recognizes that China poses challenges of varying degrees—economic, strategic, or geopolitical—to every country. She noted that Israel’s strategy for addressing the China challenge involves strengthening bilateral ties with key Indo-Pacific nations, including India, Japan, and South Korea. Through collaborations in R&D, defense technology, investment, and production, these countries can collectively project strength, sending a message to both China and the United States.
Ms. Witte highlighted that Israel’s ability to contribute to global progress, particularly in innovation and security, is central to its diplomatic strategy. She underscored that countries are interested in Israel when it can solve problems and add value. She referenced the ongoing normalization efforts with Saudi Arabia, stressing that diplomatic engagement continues because it aligns with Saudi interests.
She further emphasized that Israel’s historical lack of natural resources has driven it to excel in other areas, particularly technology and security. This ethos of contribution is deeply embedded in Jewish culture and identity, making Israel a valuable partner in regional and global affairs. She also discussed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), describing it as a promising initiative with democratic and decentralized participation, in contrast to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). According to Ms. Witte, IMEC has the potential to reshape economic and strategic cooperation in the region.
Additionally, Ms. Witte noted that India serves as a role model in democracy, management, and education, and she expressed strong support for strengthening India-Israel relations. She acknowledged that the transformation in Gulf-Israel relations is evident, as Gulf states have refrained from interfering in Israel’s actions, demonstrating a strategic shift.
Furthermore, Brig. Gen. Eyal Grinboim discussed the evolving security landscape in the Middle East, emphasizing Israel’s shifting role and strategic partnerships. He highlighted the transformation in Israel’s relations with Arab nations, moving from hostility to cooperation, citing the Abraham Accords as a key milestone. He addressed the impact of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, arguing that it was not just an assault on Israel but a threat to regional stability. He noted that the attack led many Arab leaders to recognize Hamas and Hezbollah as destabilizing forces, prompting a shift in regional security perceptions. Mr. Grinboim pointed out that Hezbollah is facing increasing internal and external pressures, with declining domestic support in Lebanon due to its alignment with Iran. He described this as part of a broader weakening of the “radical axis” backed by Iran, which includes Hezbollah, Syrian militias, and the Houthis.
Beyond security, Brig. Gen. Grinboim underscored the economic potential of regional collaboration, particularly through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). He argued that strengthening this trade route would counterbalance China’s influence while maintaining regional stability and economic growth. He urged Indian institutions to advocate for IMEC’s acceleration to promote normalization between Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern nations. In conclusion, he emphasized that while Israel faces major security challenges, its potential to drive regional stability and economic integration is significant. He urged a shift in perspective—focusing on long-term strategic opportunities rather than just immediate conflicts.
The Dialogue ended with a brainstorming question and answer session. During the Q&A session, several questions were raised, for instance, a question about how Israel deals with the two-state solution.
The speaker outlined Israel’s national security perception, which is built on four pillars: deterrence, defense, alert, and defeat. However, the events of October 7 led to the collapse of three of these pillars—deterrence, defense, and alert—marking a significant failure for Israel’s military. The Chief of Staff took responsibility and resigned recently.
The discussion further explored the long-term security implications, emphasizing that Israel cannot return to a situation where its defense mechanisms fail again. While the exact timeframe for restoring security remains uncertain, it may take years. The speaker also acknowledged the broader challenge posed by enemy proxies that receive funding, training, and strategic support.
On the issue of a two-state solution, the speaker remained uncertain about its viability but recognized that Palestinians remain a critical factor in Israel’s security considerations. While military action alone cannot ensure long-term peace, the goal remains to establish stability as a precursor to any future peace process.
