Dr. Markandey Rai, Chairman of GPF India, speaks at a recent Indo-Pacific peace forum.
Written by Wairimu Mwangi and Anupam Kumari
On September 27, 2024, global leaders, diplomats, scholars, and defense experts convened in New Delhi, India, for a pivotal workshop that focused on the theme, “Peace and Security in the Indo-Pacific Region.” The event was collaboratively organized and hosted by the Indo-Pacific Peace Forum (IPPF), Global Peace Foundation (GPF) India, and Antar-Rashtriya Sahyog Parishad (ARSP). With the region becoming a focal point of geopolitical tensions and environmental concerns, the discussions focused on collaborative strategies to address the complex challenges that threaten its stability and prosperity.
The Indo-Pacific is home to diverse cultures, economies, and political systems, making it a region of increasing strategic importance. Its waters serve as vital trade routes, while its geopolitical landscape is shaped by competing national interests and environmental vulnerabilities. The workshop’s central theme was the notion that peace and security cannot solely be the responsibility of governments. Instead, they must be fostered through collective efforts involving all sectors of society.
The workshop began with an address from Dr. Markandey Rai, Chairman of GPF India, who emphasized India’s leadership role in the region through initiatives like Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAITRI (Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific). Dr. Rai pointed to diplomacy and development as crucial elements in building a peaceful future.
“The Indo-Pacific region holds tremendous potential, but only through mutual understanding and collaboration we can realize this potential,” he said.
Other distinguished speakers, such as Shyam Parande, Secretary General of ARSP, and Ambassador Virendra Gupta, President of ARSP, highlighted the critical role of cultural exchange and cooperation. They emphasized the Indo-Pacific’s economic and geopolitical significance, stressing that the region requires innovative approaches to address its ever-growing challenges. Ambassador Gupta proposed the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) as a guiding principle for fostering peace and understanding among nations.
Participants hold up book by Dr. Priya Ranjan Trivedi.
A highlight of the event was the launch of a book by Dr. Priya Ranjan Trivedi, President of the Confederation of Indian Universities, called Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: The Way Forward for Global Peace. This book encapsulates the philosophy’s potential in achieving peace and resolving regional conflicts.
Former ambassadors Gurjit Singh and Deepak Vohra contributed to discussions by addressing the urgent need for security before peace can be established. Vohra cited the great statesman & philosopher Chanakya’s ancient treatise on statecraft, which stresses that peace can only flourish when security is guaranteed. Other speakers touched on the impact of global powers on the region’s stability, with Singh emphasizing the need for people-to-people connections and tourism to enhance mutual understanding.
The workshop also explored the evolving role of technology and education. Dr. Ashok Pandey, a trustee of GPF India, stressed the need for transformative education to raise the level of human consciousness and prevent conflict. He advocated for the involvement of younger generations in peacebuilding efforts through cross-cultural educational exchange programs. Similarly, Dr. Monish Tourangbam, a director at Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies, highlighted the risks associated with unreliable technology supply chains and stressed the importance of creating trusted frameworks for cooperation.
The workshop concluded with a call for collaborative action. There was a consensus that India, with its growing influence in the region, must play a central role in fostering peace, particularly in maritime security. Key takeaways included the need for multilateral cooperation, increased cultural exchanges, and youth engagement in peacebuilding efforts. Several participants also proposed creating a core research team to address the region’s pressing challenges.
The workshop reinforced that the future of the Indo-Pacific depends on strategic foresight, unity, and collective action. By promoting the values outlined in the philosophy Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and leveraging India’s leadership, the region has the potential to achieve lasting peace and prosperity.
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