India Foundation, in collaboration with India Habitat Centre organised a panel discussion on ‘Regime Change in Syria and its Regional Repercussions’ at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on 25 February 2025. The panelists included Dr Waiel Awwad, Senior International Independent Journalist & Political Analyst, Dr Meena Singh Roy, Chairperson, Greater West Asia Forum & Amb Ausaf Sayeed, Former Secretary, MEA and Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia, Yemen & Seychelles. The session was moderated by Capt. Alok Bansal, Director, India Foundation.
The panelists emphasised that India’s cautious approach is a reflection of its significant stakes in Syria, which range from preserving political ties to protecting its residents and mitigating security threats that could emerge from a territory that is unstable. Additionally, it was noted that India and Syria have a lengthy history of diplomatic relations based on respect for one another’s sovereignty and non-interference. One of the few Arab countries that has always backed India on important issues, particularly Kashmir, is Syria. Syria has been an outspoken supporter of India’s stance, especially in international fora, whereas many other nations in the area have taken the side of Pakistan. It was cautioned that Assad’s fall could embolden the US and Israel to turn their attention to Iran, a close ally of both Syria and India. Several questions were put up by the audience related to the role of US, growth of terror, major challenges to India etc.
