Trip Report - India 2025
Introduction
In 2023, SIGNAL Group launched the Global Israel Initiative, a strategy for addressing China’s rise that expands our reach to the Indo-Pacific. Even as our elaborate, time-proven China network continues to grow and expand, we are opening new lines of connection and understanding with countries of the Indo-Pacific because of the significance of this region to Israel.
The importance of the Indo-Pacific for Israel lies both in the intrinsic potential value of bilateral ties as well as a shared understanding of the implications of China’s rise. Due to its size, location, and growth trajectory, India is a central player in the Indo-Pacific. It is actively engaged with all regional players, acquiring increased influence on the global stage. This informed our March 2025 trip to India that included participating in the Raisina Dialogue, India’s leading foreign affairs conference, and meetings with government, think tanks, media, and business. We focused on understanding India’s positioning in Asia, the Middle East, and the world, and exploring India-Israel areas of potential cooperation.
In India, we convened and participated in numerous mini-lateral gatherings. In an era of rapid global shifts and changes, mini-laterals present a flexible framework for focused, interest-based cooperation with diverse participants. SIGNAL Group’s experience and respected reputation in the organization of mini-laterals led to new collaborations, opening opportunities for Israel. India, committed to diplomatic versatility and flexibility, welcomed the expanded cooperation. Discussions covered a range of topics from IMEC to security challenges, from global strategies to the impact of China-US competition in the Middle East.
Key Meetings and Events
Raisina Dialogue 2025
The Raisina Dialogue is India’s premier conference on global geostrategy and geoeconomics, with more than 131 countries participating. Discussions ranged from technology and the Indo-Pacific to strategic briefs offered by senior military and civilian leaders – The Chiefs of Staff of the Japanese and Filipino militaries and India’s Minister for External Affairs. Regional security, interagency cooperation, the fate of the Pacific Islands – Raisina offers a bit of everything topped off by discrete sidebar meetings and mini-laterals.
Raisina Dialogue Photo Gallery
Roundtable Discussion with India Foundation
Our participation in the 99th India Foundation dialogue, one of India’s leading forums, focused on Israeli and Indian converging interests, India’s role in the Middle East, and a broad exchange of perspectives on critical regional issues
NatSrat
Headed by Pankaj Saran, a former diplomat with decades of experience in foreign, strategic and national security affairs, NatStrat focuses on strategy and security. We discussed SIGNAL Group’s Global Israel Initiative, India’s position with regard to China, and the possibility of a “three-way-win” cooperation in the Middle East.
Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS)
Our visit to the Center for Land Warfare Studies generated a profound, broad discussion of the relationship between India and Israel, from the use of Israeli technology (UAVs to agriculture) to India’s reliance on energy from the Persian Gulf, its close relationship with Russia and its dependence on Iran for westward connectivity (the only alternative to Pakistan). We also discussed India’s role within the Global South. Major General Bhadauria, the director of CLAWS, was remarkably helpful and provided valuable insights into India’s foreign relations.
Centre for Contemporary China Studies (CCCS)
We held a two-way briefing with the Center for Contemporary China Studies, focusing on India-China and Israel-China relations. We discussed key developments in chip production and its effects on the Indo-Pacific, highlighting potential effects on Israel. We also spoke about the shifting direction of Chinese policies after China recognized a need for strategic adjustments.
Center for Strategic and Defense Research (CSDR)
We held a robust roundtable discussion with the Center for Strategic and Defense Research, bringing together a diverse group of experts with diplomatic, academic, and strategic backgrounds. We covered many topics, from Israel and India’s relationships with China to the impact of shifting US policy and the situation in the Middle East. Our Indian colleagues asked many questions about events on the ground and were grateful for SIGNAL Group’s first-hand knowledge and experience.
CUTS International
CUTS International is an India-based think and action tank focusing on global policy that brought together more than 40 professionals from 25 countries to discuss the impact of the second Trump administration on the world. We did, indeed, discuss the world from Africa to global governance. We focused on the rising importance of mini-laterals, meetings bringing together countries and organizations to discuss and resolve short-term concerns in flexible fashion. SIGNAL Group is an Israeli leader in the convening of mini-laterals, and our CUTS discussion emphasized their importance for Israel’s future.
Ananta Aspen Center
It is unique to find strategic think tanks led by women in both Israel and the Indo-Pacific. This made the meeting between SIGNAL Group and Ananta, two women-led institutes and a joint forum including women almost exclusively, even more valuable. We look forward to future collaborations and a sharing of knowledge across borders with women at the forefront.