Kurukshetra: nternational Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies (ICIPS), & Department of Economics, Kurukshetra University organised a one-day international conference in hybrid mode on "India and IORA: Pathways Ahead" on February 27, 2025 in collaboration with Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).
Conference Patron and Kurukshetra University Vice Chancellor Prof Som Nath Sachdeva said that this conference will explore different aspects of maritime security, trade, sustainable development, blue economy and disaster risk reduction. Chief Guest, Ms. Paramita Tripathi, JSIP, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi said that India, as the founder member of Indian Ocean Rim Association for regional cooperation (IOR-ARC), has played a significant role to make it a dynamic and strategically important Inter- Governmental organization. Dr. Pragya Pandey from Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi said that this council aims to promote the study of Indian and international affairs and to promote India's relations with other countries through study.
Prof. Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner, Republic of South Africa to India, New Delhi said that IORA is vital for maritime security in the Indian Ocean. Professor V.N. Attri, Director, ICIPS KUK welcomed the dignitaries and gave an outline of the conference. Deputy Director Public Relations Dr Jimmy Sharma informed that this conference comprised five technical sessions in which Prof. S.K. Mohanty, RIS, New Delhi, Ambassador Sanjay Panda, Ambassador Anup Mudgal, Dr. Emadul Islam, SRF, Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI), Sasakawa Peace Foundation Tokyo Japan, Vice Admiral, Pardeep Chauhan, DG, National Maritime Foundation, New Delhi , Ambassador Rajiv Bhatia, Ms. Ashima Chaturwedi, NSCS, New Delhi were the resource persons.