Suresh Prabhu To Inaugurate Symbiosis’ International Relations Conference’17

December 1, 2017

(L-R): Shivali Lawale,‎ Director at Symbiosis School of International Studies, Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, Dr Rajani Gupte, Ambassador (Retd.) Talmiz Ahmad

The fifth edition of the International Relations Conference will take place on December 2 to 3, as announced by Dr Vidya Yeravdekar.

The theme is ‘India-EU: Enhancing Strategic Partnerships’. This conference is also supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the Delegation of the European Union to India and Bhutan. The conference will be inaugurated by Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industry, at Symbiosis International University, Lavale.

“Every year we focus on a specific area. This conference is being done under the aegis of Symbiosis School of International Studies. Most of the time discussions pertaining to international relations and diplomacy are limited to Delhi. But with this conference we are giving the opportunity in a city like Pune to hold such a discussion,” states Dr Yeravdekar, Principal Director, Symbiosis.

It will also be attended by Tomasz Kozlowski, Ambassador of the European Union to India and Gitesh Sharma, Additional Secretary (Political), Ministry of External Affairs, India. The sessions will be spread over two days discussing security, trade and investment, climate change and clean energy, skill development and higher education.

“The previous years’ theme includes Asia, Africa, South East Asia and the Gulf. All of these themes are of considerable importance as far as India’s interests are concerned. This conference is interesting because you wouldn’t think of the EU as an important area for our engagement. The EU promises to be a very important partner for India. We will discuss important aspects of such changes that are taking place,” explains Ambassador (Retd.) Talmiz Ahmad, Former Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman and UAE, and Ram Sathe Chair of International Studies, Symbiosis International University.

He further adds, “Up till now, both the EU and India have been mired in domestic concerns. They have 28 members and their immediate concerns are with their neighbours. India has also been busy with domestic concerns. More than two and a half million Indians live in European countries. We have more than 5000 students there as well. We also have more than 6000 companies from the EU based in India. We are poised to see how far we can go in terms of foreign affairs and security cooperation.”