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Based on positive feedback from the foreign diplomats posted in India during the workshop held for diplomats in Feb 2020, VIF organised a third work shop on “Introduction to India’s Strategic Thinking” from 24 to 26 March 2021 in a virtual mode. The workshop was an endeavour to introduce foreign diplomats to the conceptual frameworks and thought processes, especially in the light of India’s cultural moorings and traditions that go into crafting of foreign and security policies. As the workshop was held during Covid-19 pandemic times it was held in virtual mode.

The workshop was held over a period of three days; besides presentations/lectures by eminent Indian experts in the fields of diplomacy and statecraft adequate time was given for interactive/Q & A sessions. A total of 48 foreign diplomats participated in the workshop and included a few ambassadors, Deputy Chief of Missions, Defence/Military attaches besides other junior diplomats.

Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director VIF welcomed the participants and gave out his opening remarks; thereafter two presentations/lectures each day were organised as given below:-

(a) 24 March 2021- India’s Engagement with the World by Sh. S Gurumurthy, Chairman, VIF

(b)24 March 2021- Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Indian Economy’s Future Outlook by - Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekharan, MP Rajya Sabha; & Vice Chairman, Centre for Economic Studies, VIF

(c) 25 March 2021- India’s Foreign & Security Policies: Challenges & Opportunities by Amb. Kanwal Sibal, Former Foreign Secretary, Member Advisory Council, VIF
(d) 25 March 2021- Understanding China by Prof. Srikanth Kondapalli, Ph. D Professor in Chinese Studies Centre for East Asian Studies, JNU

(e) 26 March 2021- Understanding Pakistan by Mr. Tilak Devasher, Member NSAB, former Special Secretary, Cabinet Sectt., renowned author of books on Pakistan, Consultant VIF

(f) 26 March 2021- Developments in Afghanistan and Myanmar by Amb Gautam Mukhopadhaya, former Ambassador to Afghanistan, Pakistan & Syria

The presentations were well received by the diplomats with very active Questions and Answers session after every lecture. At the end of the workshop there was a feedback session held which was chaired by Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director VIF. One of the salient points out brought out by the diplomats was that they wanted more topics and areas to be covered.