VIF Reports
Monthly Compilation of Views of VIF Expert Groups: January 2024

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.

Indian Democracy and Governance

The Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) receives a large number of foreign delegations, student groups and individuals who do not have a great deal of familiarity with India but wish to know about the country, its history, geography, civilisation, culture, foreign policy, security challenges, etc. A need has been felt for an authentic and informative set of notes which can be used for briefings and be shared with visiting delegations.

Monthly Compilation of Views of VIF Expert Groups: November - December 2023

As 2023 came to a close, the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) deliberated on regional issues with implications for India as part of the discussions in its Strategic Issues Group. The ongoing Israel–Palestine conflict has serious implications for India and during the deliberations of this Group, it was abundantly clear that the appetite for the two-state solution seems to have dwindled on both sides. Israel’s stated objective of destroying Hamas appears to be very ambitious, considering the widespread resistance to its ideology, both in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Defence Preparedness – A Study Group Report

The purpose of constituting the Study Group on Defence Preparedness was to delve into the issues confronting the nation’s defence preparedness. The focus herein was directed at preservation of the nation’s territorial integrity in the face of China’s persistence in realigning, unilaterally and by the use of military force, the traditional Indo-Tibet Border; the long-continuing military confrontation astride the India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC) is an obvious preliminary to China’s that grand design.

Monthly Compilation of Views of VIF Expert Groups: October 2023

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.

Climate Change: Reflections on Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward

The Climate Change Expert Group was established at the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) in 2022. It comprises of experts from a wide range of fields, including climate and weather systems, the environment, energy, diplomacy and national security. The expert group’s mandate was to explore ways in which climate change has manifested in India and how it has affected the country’s well- being, national security, foreign policy, contemporary geopolitics and geo-economics. It also aims to provide policy-relevant recommendations in areas pertaining to climate mitigation and adaptation.

Monthly Compilation of Views of VIF Expert Groups: September 2023

Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) held discussions on the recently concluded BRICS Summit and developments in Pakistan while also looking at geoeconomic implications from economic growth rates to energy transition and trade for India during the month.

Monthly Compilation of Views of VIF Expert Groups: August 2023

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.

Report on Medical Value Travel (MVT) Paradigm Shift

India is currently ranked as the fifth most attractive and favorite destination for Medical Value Tourism (MVT) as per a popular MVT tracking website. Patients from all over the world come to India for various kinds of treatment. A majority of them are from Nigeria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Iran, besides other African countries. As per Invest India, a national investment promotion and facilitation agency, MVT patients increased from 1.83 lakh in 2020 to 3.04 Lakh in 2021 and the current MVT market is valued at $5–6 billion, and expected to be $13 billion by 2026.

Monthly Compilation of Views of VIF Expert Groups: July 2023

Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) held meetings on a variety of subjects in the month of July 2023 with six expert groups, a trilateral dialogue, an inter-think tank dialogue and a roundtable.

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