India’s Global Leadership: Strategy, Power, and Partnerships

World Affairs Council of Greater Houston

in Partnership with

Asia Society of Texas.

Agenda

Registration and Wine Reception 5:30 – 6:30 PM

Program: 6:30 – 7:30 PM

During his esteemed and extensive diplomatic career, Ambassador Rahul Chhabra represented India at the highest levels and in the regions and nations, which are the most consequential for India’s foreign policy, such as the Asia Pacific, Europe and the U.S.

As part of India’s essential economic and trade objectives, Ambassador Chhabra most recently served as Secretary (Economic Relations) for the Ministry of External Affairs. His deep familiarity with and unparalleled experience furthering India’s global objectives and geopolitical strategies include serving as: India’s Ambassador to three different nations; a High Commissioner; a Permanent Representative; and as Joint Secretary for Central Europe.

Additionally, with regards to how India has approached and will approach its biggest rival in the years to come, he has the unique and invaluable experience of having served as both India’s Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge d’Affaires (Acting Ambassador) to China.

Long the dominant geopolitical player in South Asia and a global leader of the Non-Aligned Movement, Ambassador Chhabra will discuss how India is now both a major global force and a highly courted and desired ally. He will also address how India’s most powerful leader in decades, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, may work to further enhance India’s prominence on the world stage.

In particular, Ambassador Chhabra will cover the importance and impact of the strengthening of India-U.S. relations in recent years. He will also review how India may look to balance China and further strengthen key regional & global partnerships – but will likely maintain its own independent foreign policy principles, such as maintaining strong ties with Europe & the US, but also Russia.

Ambassador Rahul Chhabra is a veteran Indian diplomat with a distinguished 40-year career in diplomacy, economic policy, and multilateral engagement. He served as Secretary (Economic Relations) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs until 2021, where he led India’s $40 billion Development Partnership Program and represented India in key multilateral economic forums including the WTO.

Ambassador Chhabra has held senior postings across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the United States, including as Ambassador to Hungary and Bosnia & Herzegovina, High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador to Somalia, and Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat. He now serves on corporate boards, advises on global economic policy, and is a frequent commentator on India-EU/U.S. relations, G20, BRICS, and global economic trends.

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