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One of the most anticipated aspects of Kochi Dialogue 2025 is the attendance of Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC
The inaugural edition of the "Kochi Dialogue 2025" is taking place from January 16–17, 2025, in Kerala’s commercial hub, Kochi. Organized by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), a Kochi-based think tank, in collaboration with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the event aims to bolster India’s relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Themed “India’s Look West Policy in Action: People, Prosperity, and Progress,” the dialogue promises to be a groundbreaking initiative fostering strategic partnerships and addressing shared challenges between India and the Gulf region.
A Unique Platform for Diplomacy and Dialogue
The Kochi Dialogue 2025 represents the first Track 1.5 diplomacy conclave of its kind in Kerala, bridging high-level governmental discussions (Track 1) with expert and business engagements (Track 2). This dual-focus platform seeks to tackle pressing issues in geopolitics, governance, trade, and security while enabling actionable collaborations for sustainable growth.
Over two days, policymakers, industry leaders, diplomats, and experts from GCC member states and India will convene to deliberate on five pivotal themes:
Trade, Economy, and Investments
Maritime Strategic Partnerships
Education, Healthcare, and Technology
Diaspora Connect
Energy Cooperation and Innovation
India’s Look West Policy in Action
Under the umbrella of India’s Look West policy, the dialogue will explore avenues to strengthen India-GCC ties across sectors critical to economic growth and geopolitical stability. Key highlights of the event include:
Ministerial and secretariat-level discussions
Cross-sectoral knowledge-sharing sessions
Business networking and investment opportunities
Policy briefs, recommendations, and publications aimed at driving actionable change
With over 8 million Indians residing in Gulf countries, the diaspora's role in bolstering economic growth and cultural diplomacy is expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
High-Profile Participation
One of the most anticipated aspects of Kochi Dialogue 2025 is the attendance of Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC. His presence, alongside other notable policymakers and industry leaders, reflects the significance of this bilateral engagement.
The event will also feature speakers like Dr. Ebtesam Al-Ketbi, President of the Emirates Policy Center and
Admiral (Retired) Sunil Lanba, former Chief of the Indian Navy.
These prominent voices will bring diverse perspectives to discussions on trade agreements, maritime security in the Indian Ocean, and innovative collaborations in education and healthcare.
Strategic Themes and Expected Outcomes
The Kochi Dialogue 2025 will focus on strengthening key areas of cooperation:
Trade and Investment: Leveraging frameworks like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to boost bilateral trade and investment flows.
Maritime Security: Enhancing partnerships to secure the Indian Ocean, a region vital for global commerce and energy transit.
Education and Innovation: Expanding collaborations in education, technology, and healthcare to foster sustainable development.
Energy and Innovation: Exploring solutions for energy security and sustainable innovations in the face of global challenges.
Diaspora Engagement: Highlighting the contributions of the Indian diaspora in strengthening economic and cultural ties.
The event is expected to deliver actionable outcomes, including:
* Enhanced diplomatic and business relations between India and GCC nations
* A comprehensive outlook report outlining policy recommendations
* Expanded avenues for partnerships among governments, businesses, academia, and civil society
Positioning Kochi as a Hub for Diplomacy
By hosting the inaugural Kochi Dialogue, Kerala is poised to position itself as a leading hub for intellectual exchange and policy innovation in India’s relations with the Gulf region. This event aligns with India’s broader ambitions to secure energy partnerships, expand trade, and promote regional stability.
The Kochi Dialogue 2025 serves as a milestone in India’s Look West policy, reinforcing its commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and shared progress with the GCC. With its strategic focus and high-level participation, the event is set to leave a lasting impact on India-GCC relations, shaping a partnership rooted in mutual prosperity and progress.
The success of the Kochi Dialogue 2025 will not only solidify India’s diplomatic footprint in the Gulf region but also pave the way for deeper, more sustainable partnerships across sectors critical to regional and global development.
A Unique Platform for Diplomacy and Dialogue
The Kochi Dialogue 2025 represents the first Track 1.5 diplomacy conclave of its kind in Kerala, bridging high-level governmental discussions (Track 1) with expert and business engagements (Track 2). This dual-focus platform seeks to tackle pressing issues in geopolitics, governance, trade, and security while enabling actionable collaborations for sustainable growth.
Over two days, policymakers, industry leaders, diplomats, and experts from GCC member states and India will convene to deliberate on five pivotal themes:
Trade, Economy, and Investments
Maritime Strategic Partnerships
Education, Healthcare, and Technology
Diaspora Connect
Energy Cooperation and Innovation
India’s Look West Policy in Action
Under the umbrella of India’s Look West policy, the dialogue will explore avenues to strengthen India-GCC ties across sectors critical to economic growth and geopolitical stability. Key highlights of the event include:
Ministerial and secretariat-level discussions
Cross-sectoral knowledge-sharing sessions
Business networking and investment opportunities
Policy briefs, recommendations, and publications aimed at driving actionable change
With over 8 million Indians residing in Gulf countries, the diaspora's role in bolstering economic growth and cultural diplomacy is expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
High-Profile Participation
One of the most anticipated aspects of Kochi Dialogue 2025 is the attendance of Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC. His presence, alongside other notable policymakers and industry leaders, reflects the significance of this bilateral engagement.
The event will also feature speakers like Dr. Ebtesam Al-Ketbi, President of the Emirates Policy Center and
Admiral (Retired) Sunil Lanba, former Chief of the Indian Navy.
These prominent voices will bring diverse perspectives to discussions on trade agreements, maritime security in the Indian Ocean, and innovative collaborations in education and healthcare.
Strategic Themes and Expected Outcomes
The Kochi Dialogue 2025 will focus on strengthening key areas of cooperation:
Trade and Investment: Leveraging frameworks like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to boost bilateral trade and investment flows.
Maritime Security: Enhancing partnerships to secure the Indian Ocean, a region vital for global commerce and energy transit.
Education and Innovation: Expanding collaborations in education, technology, and healthcare to foster sustainable development.
Energy and Innovation: Exploring solutions for energy security and sustainable innovations in the face of global challenges.
Diaspora Engagement: Highlighting the contributions of the Indian diaspora in strengthening economic and cultural ties.
The event is expected to deliver actionable outcomes, including:
* Enhanced diplomatic and business relations between India and GCC nations
* A comprehensive outlook report outlining policy recommendations
* Expanded avenues for partnerships among governments, businesses, academia, and civil society
Positioning Kochi as a Hub for Diplomacy
By hosting the inaugural Kochi Dialogue, Kerala is poised to position itself as a leading hub for intellectual exchange and policy innovation in India’s relations with the Gulf region. This event aligns with India’s broader ambitions to secure energy partnerships, expand trade, and promote regional stability.
The Kochi Dialogue 2025 serves as a milestone in India’s Look West policy, reinforcing its commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and shared progress with the GCC. With its strategic focus and high-level participation, the event is set to leave a lasting impact on India-GCC relations, shaping a partnership rooted in mutual prosperity and progress.
The success of the Kochi Dialogue 2025 will not only solidify India’s diplomatic footprint in the Gulf region but also pave the way for deeper, more sustainable partnerships across sectors critical to regional and global development.
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