Having joined the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) on 16th January, soon after my superannuation from the Indian Navy on 31 December 2023, I have been assigned the onerous task of editing the ‘Monthly Expert Groups Report’. It is a tall order and I have some very big shoes to fill, considering that my predecessor, Commodore Gopal Suri (Retd.) was handling it. Nevertheless, it would be my endeavour to match up to him. Being my maiden effort, I wish to seek the indulgence of the readers.

Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF)has been deliberating on S& T issues that affect our national capabilities in this domain. The S& T Expert Group held a discussion to understand the dynamics of ‘Electronics, Trade and Geopolitics’ wherein India’s capabilities, shortfalls and the required policy to stimulate efforts in these directions were deliberated upon. Global trade has a large component of technology, especially electronics. Increasing India’s share in global tradewill necessitate expansion of India’ electronic goods manufacturing capability.

Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) held a number of discussions during the month. Geopolitical tensions and technological competition are affecting US-China economic engagement. Factors influencing economic dynamics include sanctions, export controls, and supply chain adjustments have consequently come to international relevance since they affect countries around the globe including India. These issues along with the impact of US-China economic competition on India and the Indo-Pacific region were deliberated in the US Expert Group.

Vivekananda International Foundation held meetings on a diversity of topics in the month of May2023 with five expert group meetings and one round table discussion. The month saw the first meeting of the new formed expert group on defence, the other areas in focus in the month were Quad Plus dialogue, Japan and the Indo-Pacific, Pakistan, Africa and Climate change, in which developments and perspectives were shared and discussed.