Shillong, May 7: The Asian Confluence Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies launched its ‘Signature Series’ with a special event on the theme: “The Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal: Emerging Contours in Australia–India Partnerships: Engaging the North-East Indian States”.
The event brought together policymakers, scholars and civil society to deliberate on the evolving geopolitical dynamics linking the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and India’s Northeast region, with particular emphasis on strengthening Australia–India cooperation.
Setting the stage for the discussions, Amb. Rajiv Kumar Bhatia, Member- Governing Council, Asian Confluence and Distinguished Fellow, Gateway House, highlighted the evolving strategic dimensions of India–Australia relations and the growing relevance of Northeast India and the Bay of Bengal in regional connectivity frameworks.
In his Special Address, Prof. C. Raja Mohan, Visiting Research Professor at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore, and Advisor, Asian Confluence, offered a nuanced analysis of the Indian Ocean’s historical evolution, the rise of China, and its shifting geopolitical contours. He also underscored the growing importance of Northeast India in regional connectivity, maritime engagement, and the wider Indo-Pacific discourse.
Delivering the keynote address, Philip Green OAM, High Commissioner of Australia to India, reflected on the growing convergence of strategic, developmental, and connectivity interests between Australia and India, particularly in the context of the Bay of Bengal and Northeast India.
The Signature Series is a flagship initiative of the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies that will convene diplomats, policymakers, civil society representatives, and academics for critical discussions on contemporary geopolitical developments in the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific, with a special focus on Northeast India. The series aims to foster informed, forward-looking dialogue and to contribute to collaborative approaches to regional and global challenges.
