As part of the ORCA-FLAME University MoU on Academic and Research Cooperation, Team ORCA had the honour of hosting Mr. Vijay Gokhale, Former Foreign Secretary of India, for an expert lecture at the FLAME University campus. Drawing on his diplomatic experience, he offered incisive and timely perspectives on India’s evolving foreign policy priorities and how it is adapting to new geopolitical realities.
The event began with welcome remarks by Dr. Divya Balan, Chair of the International Studies Department at FLAME University, who expressed appreciation for Mr. Gokhale’s presence and highlighted the importance of practitioner-led dialogues in enriching academic engagement with India’s foreign policy.
Mr. Rahul Karan Reddy, Senior Research Associate at ORCA, then introduced Mr. Gokhale by outlining his distinguished diplomatic career to the audience, noting his decades of service and significant contributions to shaping India’s foreign policy and his expertise in global strategic affairs.
In his lecture, Mr. Gokhale examined the continuity and change in India’s external engagements, reflecting on strategic decision-making, regional dynamics, and the implications of ongoing global power shifts for New Delhi’s foreign policy calculus.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by ORCA’s Director, Ms. Eerishika Pankaj, who expressed gratitude to Mr. Gokhale for his valuable insights and to FLAME University for its continued partnership in fostering meaningful academic and policy-oriented discussions.