The uncertain times we live in coupled with conflict across the globe make the work of think tanks, and thus the Institute’s security and geopolitics program, vital to understanding how to address the big challenges we face. I was therefore pleased to participate in Kālachakra – the 10th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. As India’s premier conference, it provided an exceptional platform to engage with key stakeholders, including heads of state and cabinet ministers, from over 100 countries on strategic issues in the Indo-Pacific region. As part of our visit, we also partnered with a think tank in India’s southern state of Kerala, the Centre for Public Policy Research, to deliver a colloquium on deepening maritime cooperation in the region.
It was wonderful to spend International Women’s Day with future leaders at M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences in Bengaluru. After my address, I had the chance to connect with law and public policy students who are eager to solve problems the world faces. As part of the Institute’s focus on gender equality, I met with two of our Women in STEM Fellowship recipients, Dr Anshida Mayeen and Dr Ekta Sharma, whose research is vital to addressing health challenges and advancing sustainable climate solutions.
Amidst the backdrop of living in a contested region, defence and security policy development in the Indo-Pacific continues to be a growing area for the Institute. That is why the Institute was honoured to launch our landmark defence report in Parliament House, Canberra, by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon. Richard Marles MP. This launch also included remarks by Indian High Commissioner to Australia, His Excellency Gopal Baglay. The launch followed our preview event at the Melbourne Global Centre- Delhi, with Australian and India representatives.
Finally, I wish everyone a belated Happy Holi. I was lucky to spend the Holi festival in India for the first time with one of our academic fellows Professor Bindu Puri, and as my favourite Indian festival it didn’t disappoint!
Best,
Lisa
*Amb Anil Wadhwa’s article can be read in the Gateway House.