This distinguished event is organised in collaboration with the Organisation for Research on China and Asia (ORCA), New Delhi, under the aegis of the FLAME–ORCA Memorandum of Understanding, which has been in effect since the academic year 2023-24.

About the Speaker

Shri. Vijay Gokhale is a distinguished Indian diplomat and scholar who served as India’s Foreign Secretary from January 2018 to January 2020. A career member of the Indian Foreign Service (1981 batch), he has held several critical diplomatic assignments across Asia, Europe, and North America, including postings in Hong Kong, Hanoi, Beijing, New York, and Taipei. He has served as India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ambassador to Germany, and Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, bringing deep first-hand experience of India’s engagement with major global powers.

Following his tenure as Foreign Secretary, Shri. Gokhale has continued to contribute actively to academic and policy discourse. He is the author of several influential books, including The Long Game: How China Negotiates with India,  Tiananmen Square: The Making of a Protest, After Tiananmen: The Rise of China, and Crosswinds: Nehru, Zhou and the Anglo-American Competition over China. His policy papers and commentaries have been published by Carnegie India and by leading international and Indian outlets, including The New York Times, Foreign Policy, The Hindu, and The Indian Express. He is also the recipient of the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism (Non-Fiction) for The Long Game.

About the Theme

In an era marked by global uncertainty and shifting power balances, India’s foreign policy is evolving while remaining firmly anchored in its core national interests. This expert talk will examine the emerging priorities shaping India’s foreign policy and assess the challenges and opportunities presented to India’s diplomatic posture by an increasingly turbulent international environment. It will also reflect on how India navigates pressures from major powers, including the United States and China, while ensuring continuity in its strategic objectives.

We look forward to your participation in this insightful and timely discussion. Thank you.