Asian Confluence

🤝 Why is Northeast India central to the future of the Bay of Bengal region?

Amb. Rajiv Kumar Bhatia reflects on regional cooperation, BIMSTEC, India–Australia relations, and the strategic significance of Northeast India in the Indo-Pacific.

▶️Watch the complete address: https://youtu.be/itb7i1kxOKQ

Why Northeast India Matters in the Indo-Pacific: Amb. Rajiv Kumar Bhatia Asian Confluence Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies successfully hosted the Inaugural Edition of its on: “Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal: Em...

🌏 Asian Confluence Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies was delighted to host the Inaugural Edition of its on:

“Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal: Emerging Contours in Australia–India Partnerships: Engaging the North-East Indian States.” 🇮🇳🇦🇺

The event featured insightful addresses by:
🎙️ H.E. Mr Philip Green OAM, High Commissioner of Australia to India
🎙️ Prof. C. Raja Mohan, Visiting Research Professor, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore & Advisor, Asian Confluence
🎙️ Amb. Rajiv Kumar Bhatia, Member, Governing Council, Asian Confluence & Distinguished Fellow, Gateway House

🌐 The speakers deliberated on the evolving contours of India–Australia cooperation across the Indo-Pacific amid the conflict in West Asia, leading to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The speakers explored how the conflict necessitates a deeper understanding of the new geopolitical realities and reshapes the security landscape for partners like India and Australia, particularly given their shared interest in a stable Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific.

🤝 The deliberations, followed by a Q&A session, underscored the growing strategic convergence between India and Australia across strategic, economic, and connectivity dynamics and the need to expand engagement with Northeast India through stronger institutional linkages, people-to-people connections, and increased Australian business presence.

Click to Know More: https://www.asianconfluence.org/news-events/emerging-contours-in-australia-india-partnerships

Rajiv Bhatia Australian High Commission, India and Bhutan
North-Eastern Hill University The Shillong Times