Greater West Asia Forum, India

The Greater West Asia Forum, India (GWAFI) invites you to a special session titled “Deciphering PM Modi’s Israel Visit.”

Join us for an in-depth discussion exploring the strategic, political, and regional implications of this significant diplomatic engagement, and its impact on India–Israel relations and broader West Asian dynamics.

🗓️ Thursday, February 26
🕒 7:00–8:00 PM IST

We look forward to an engaging and insightful conversation.

The seminar concluded with a powerful valedictory address by Mr. Fares Saeb, DCM, Embassy of Israel in India.

He emphasised cooperation among democracies to counter narrative warfare, disinformation, and extremist narratives while safeguarding openness and rule-based engagement.

Session II — Trade, Connectivity & Geoeconomic Realignments

Session II focused on geoeconomic shifts reshaping India–West Asia engagement.

Key insights from Chair Amb. Sanjay Bhattacharyya and Speakers including Prof. Jajati K. Pattnaik, Dr. Vivek Mishra, and Dr. Anu Sharma discussed IMEC, supply chains, technology partnerships, and evolving economic diplomacy.

Closing reflections by Mr. Arjun Hardas highlighted strategic India–Israel partnerships.

Session I — Security, Coalitions & Converging Strategic Interests

Session I examined evolving security architectures in West Asia and India’s expanding strategic role.

Key insights from Chair Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha and speakers Dr. Meena Singh Roy, Dr. Alvite Singh Ningthoujam, Mr. Dinakar Peri, and Mr. Rohit Kumar Sharma explored maritime security, multilateral frameworks, and emerging regional alignments.

Closing remarks by Ms. Hadas Bakst reflected on sustained dialogue, strategic cooperation, and intellectual exchange in strengthening India–West Asia partnerships.

Inaugural Session

The seminar on Exploring a New Strategic Geography in India–West Asia Relations began with an engaging inaugural session.

Chief Guest Shri Sujeet Kumar and H.E. Amb. Reuven Azar highlighted strategic convergence, connectivity corridors, and growing India–Israel cooperation shaping a new regional framework.

Closing remarks by Dr. Manjari Singh reflected on the multidimensional evolution of India–West Asia relations and the importance of sustained strategic dialogue.

We are pleased to share that on 13 January, the Greater West Asia Forum India (GWAFI), in collaboration with the William & Mary Global Research Institute and its Scholars Program cohort from the College of William & Mary, organised its first joint interactive session in India titled “Strategic Convergence: India, the United States, and the Middle East in a New Geopolitical Era.”

The session provided an opportunity to familiarise the visiting cohort with the vision, membership, and objectives of GWAFI, while facilitating meaningful dialogue on India’s evolving engagement with the wider West Asian region. Panel discussions explored multiple dimensions of the deepening and dynamic ties between India and Greater West Asia.

We are sincerely grateful to Mr. Fares Saeb, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel in India, for honouring the occasion and offering valuable insights on India–Israel relations. We also extend our appreciation to Prof. Eric Brown , Senior Research Scientist at the Global Research Institute, College of William & Mary, for graciously hosting the interaction.

The discussion also featured perspectives from:
Dr. Manjari Singh – Introduction
Ms. Hadas Bakst, Political Advisor, Embassy of Israel – Forum overview and embassy perspective
Mr. Arjun Ramesh Hardas – Civil society and NGO perspective, including the role of the American Jewish Committee
Dr. Meena Singh Roy – Think tank perspective on India–Greater West Asia relations
Mr. Harsh*t Sharma, Research Associate, NatStrat – India–Gulf relations
Dr. Manjari Singh – Academic perspective on GWAFI and the U.S. factor in India–West Asia and North Africa relations

Engaging with the accomplished and insightful young scholars of the Global Scholars Cohort was both enriching and intellectually rewarding.

The Greater West Asia Forum, India (GWAFI) is hosting its monthly session on Russia’s Interests in West Asia - a timely discussion on the evolving dynamics of regional power and strategic alignments. Join leading experts and diplomats as they unpack Russia’s role, challenges, and opportunities in the region.

🗓️ Tuesday, 28 October 2025
🕒 19:00–21:00 IST | 15:30–17:30 Israel Time

The session explored West Asian diplomacy and regional conflicts, focusing on the challenges of Israel - Palestine relations and the significance of the Abraham Accords. India’s strategic interests in the Gulf were highlighted, with calls for stability, inclusivity, and development-driven diplomacy.

Key concerns included the rise of radicalization, media manipulation, and the erosion of democratic values, alongside debates on global movements such as BDS and the persistence of anti-Semitism. The dialogue emphasized India’s pivotal role in shaping global dynamics and advancing shared values in the region.

The session reflected on five years since the Abraham Accords, tracing their diplomatic and economic impact in West Asia. Trade gains were notable, with UAE–Israel commerce rising from $10 million to $3.2 billion annually, while regional frameworks like IMEC and I2U2 were highlighted as future drivers of integration.

Discussions examined Saudi Arabia’s potential entry into the accords, the strategic alignments of Gulf states, and the risks posed by regional instability and terrorism. The dialogue emphasized India’s role in supporting broader economic and security cooperation while balancing peace, development, and stability in the region.

The session examined how conflicts in West Asia directly affect India’s growth, trade, and security. With over 50–60% of India’s energy needs sourced from the region and $240 billion in annual trade (including $170 billion with GCC states), stability in West Asia remains vital.

Discussions highlighted the risks posed to IMEC, INSTC, and the Abraham Accords, alongside the impact of Houthi attacks on maritime trade and energy costs. The dialogue stressed the importance of evacuation readiness, intelligence sharing, and stronger political-diplomatic engagement to safeguard India’s energy security and diaspora.