Navigating the Middle: India's Global Role
Samir Saran and Leslie Vinjamuri discuss India's distinctive foreign policy strategy and its implications for the global order.
Dec
18
Manish Swarup / AP
About This Event
India has become a key player in global affairs, maintaining relationships with superpowers and regional partners alike. Following September's high-profile China-Russia-India meeting, how is New Delhi balancing relationships with Washington, Beijing, and Moscow while pursuing strategic autonomy? What do these diplomatic engagements signal about India's long-term strategy? What are the opportunities and challenges of India's approach, and how might it evolve? Join us for a conversation with Samir Saran and Leslie Vinjamuri as they discuss India's foreign policy strategy and its global implications.
About the Speakers
President, Observer Research Foundation
Samir Saran is president of the Observer Research Foundation, India's premier think tank. His research focuses on global governance, climate and energy policy, technology policy, and India's foreign policy. He curates the Raisina Dialogue, India's annual flagship platform on geopolitics and geo-economics, and founded CyFy, an annual conference on cybersecurity and internet governance.
President & Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri joined the Council in 2025 as the president and chief executive officer, after previously serving as director of the US and the Americas program at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, known as Chatham House, in London. She brings nearly 30 years of experience working at the intersection of international affairs, research, policy, and public engagement.