The Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India have announced the Kochi Dialogue 2025, a significant Track 1.5 diplomacy dialogue. This event, scheduled for January 16-17, 2025 in Kochi, Kerala, aims to strengthen India’s strategic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The dialogue will bring together policymakers, diplomats, industry leaders, and policy experts from India and GCC nations under the theme “India’s Look West Policy in Action: People, Prosperity, and Progress.”
One of the highlights of the event will be the participation of H.E. Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, emphasizing the growing importance of the India-GCC relationship. Kochi Dialogue 2025 will be the first initiative to foster dialogue, actionable partnerships, and innovations to bridge regional and global priorities. The dialogue will focus on six critical themes that shape the partnership between India and GCC nations, including trade, economy, investments, maritime strategic partnership, education, technology, diaspora connect, healthcare, tourism, and energy cooperation and innovation.
Renowned speakers and participants at the Kochi Dialogue 2025 will include notable figures such as Amb. T P Seetharam, Amb. Talmiz Ahmad, Admiral Sunil Lanba, Dr. Ebtesam Al-Ketbi, Dr. Ashraf Mohamed Keshk, and Ahlam Yusuf Janahi. These influential individuals’ presence underscores the significance of the dialogue in addressing global and regional issues. The vision for Kochi Dialogue 2025 is to establish Kochi as a global hub for intellectual discourse and policy innovation, fostering partnerships that align with India’s Look West Policy and long-term strategic goals.
The initiative aims to address pressing challenges in geopolitics, governance, trade, security, and sustainable development through open discussions and actionable insights. By advancing shared prosperity between India and GCC nations, the dialogue will play a key role in shaping the future of the relationship between the two regions. Those interested in learning more about Kochi Dialogue 2025 can visit the official website www.kochidialogue.in and follow KochiDialogue2025 on social media for updates and insights on the event.