KOCHI DIALOGUE 2025
India’s Look West Policy in Action: “People, Prosperity and Progress”
Organised by Centre for Public Policy Research, Kochi
In collaboration with Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
2025 January 16 & 17 - Taj Vivanta Ernakulam, Marine Drive, Kochi
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Registration
Inaugural Session
Welcome Address:

Dr D Dhanuraj
Founder & Chairman, Centre for Public Policy Research, India
Dr D Dhanuraj is the Founder-Chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), an independent think-tank based in Kochi, Kerala. With over 22 years of experience, he is a public policy researcher and author. His area of interests include areas like urbanization, mobility, infrastructure, education, health, law, public expenditure, defense, and geopolitics. He has collaborated with state, national and international governments, organisations and institutions on several key research studies and policy recommendations.
Well known in the international, national and state public policy space, he is a noted speaker, panellist and thought leader at several policy debates, discussions, panels, conferences and roundtables. He writes extensively for several leading media publications, and contributes his expertise and opinion as a policy expert on news channels. He is also the President of the Association of Public Policy Education in India, the Founder and Director of Civitas Consultancies Pvt Ltd.
Remarks:

Mr Raghuram S (IFS)
Joint Secretary, PP&R Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India
Raghuram S., an accomplished Indian Foreign Service Officer from the 2006 batch, currently serves as Joint Secretary and Head of the Policy Planning & Research Division in the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held several pivotal positions, including Joint Secretary and Director in the United Nations-Political Division until July 2023. At the Ministry’s headquarters in New Delhi, he has undertaken significant roles, with assignments in the Americas Division, the East & Southern Africa Division (focusing on Indian Ocean Region countries), and as Head of the Afghan Cell in the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran (PAI) Division.
On the international stage, Mr. Raghuram has represented India with distinction, serving as Deputy Chief of Mission in Kabul and assuming key political roles in Indian embassies in Washington, D.C., Islamabad, Rabat, and Paris.
Special Address:

H.E. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council
H.E. Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi is the Honourable Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a position that underscores his exemplary leadership in regional and global diplomacy.
With over three decades of distinguished service, he has represented Kuwait on the world stage, including as Ambassador to the United States (2022–2023), Belgium (2016-2022) and South Korea (2013-2016), and in key leadership roles to the European Union and NATO. Renowned for his strategic vision, he has spearheaded Kuwait’s participation in high-stakes international dialogues on humanitarian crises, global security, and economic development.
He has been conferred with honors like the Excellence Award from the Asian Society Korea Center for his contributions and service. He is an alumnus of Oxford University (Diplomatic Studies) and the University of Utah (Mass Communication).
Inaugural address:

Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh
MoS, External Affairs, Govt of India
Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, assumed charge as Minister of State of External Affairs and Minister of State of Environment, Forest & Climate Change of the Government of India on 11 June 2024. A distinguished five-time Member of Parliament from Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, he brings decades of leadership to his role in shaping national policy.
Widely respected for his transformative grassroots work, Shri Singh is a pioneer in rural education, establishing colleges for girls in Gonda. He is also involved in sustainable development through fish-rearing initiatives with the Ford Foundation, and holding information dissemination workshops for farmers and local fishermen cooperatives. A staunch advocate for environmental protection, he has led significant efforts in lake rejuvenation and played a critical role in ecological reforms through his active engagement with the National Green Tribunal.
Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh has a Masters degree in Geology from Lucknow University, Uttar Pradesh.
Cultural Evening (By Invitation)
Dinner (By Invitation)
Registration
Special Address:

Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar
National Maritime Security Coordinator, India
Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, is a distinguished officer of the Indian Navy, commissioned in 1982. He is an alumnus of Sainik School, Amravathi Nagar, and the National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla. A specialist in Navigation and Direction, he has held numerous challenging staff and command assignments during his naval career, including Commanding Officer of INS Kulish and INS Ranvir, and Executive Officer onboard INS Brahmaputra.
His shore assignments include key roles at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and as Defence Advisor at the High Commission of India in Singapore. Promoted to Flag rank, he has served as Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST), Chief of Staff of Southern Naval Command, and Flag Officer Maharashtra and Gujarat. As Vice Admiral, he was Commandant of the National Defence Academy and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff.
Session 1: India & the GCC: Opportunities and Challenges in Enhancing Trade, Economy & Investment
Moderator:

Amb T P Seetharam
Former Ambassador of India to the UAE
Ambassador T.P. Seetharam retired as Ambassador of India to the UAE in 2016. He was earlier High Commissioner of India to Mauritius and Director General of India-Taipei Association. He was Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of India to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva and has served as Press Secretary to President of India Shri K.R. Narayanan. He has handled India’s relations with countries in Europe and the European Union as Additional Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs.
He has also worked in our diplomatic missions in, Hong Kong, Beijing, Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Windhoek and Lusaka. Since retirement, he has headed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities and mentored Civil Service Aspirants.
Panellists:

Atul Puri
Managing Partner and Co-Founder of SW India
Atul Puri is the Managing Partner and Co-founder of SW India, with the firm offering a multitude of services to its global and domestic clients. Established in 2014 under the leadership of domain expert practice leaders, SW India has grown significantly. Atul is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Master’s in International Taxation from NALSAR. He has more than 25 years of expertise in Direct Tax, International Tax, Cross-Border Transaction Advisory, Tax Litigation, Representation before Tax Authorities, and related services to many of the firm’s largest global clients. He is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of International Taxes at ASSOCHAM (The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) and has consistently supported and contributed to the growth of the profession and business community under the aegis of ASSOCHAM leadership over the years.
He has assisted in tax and business structuring for corporates setting up their businesses in India or abroad, spanning multiple geographies, including the USA, France, UK, GCC, Australia, Singapore, Korea, Japan, China, Mauritius, and Malaysia.

Ahlam Yusuf Janahi
President of the Bahrain Business women’s Society
Ahlam Yusuf Janahi is a Bahraini entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience in business and leadership. She is the President of the Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society and the Founder & CEO of My Bakery, a pioneering venture established in 2009 that specialises in innovative, customised, and organic baked products. Ahlam has held prominent roles, including as a former board member of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 2013 till 2017, and has contributed significantly to Bahrain’s economic and social development.
Recognised by Forbes Middle East as one of the 200 most influential women in the Arab region, she is also a UNIDO Ambassador for Entrepreneurship since 2011 and a recipient of numerous national and international awards.

Dr Ranjeet Mehta
CEO & Secretary General, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Delhi
Dr Ranjeet Mehta currently serves as the CEO and Secretary General of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), one of India's oldest national apex chambers. He is a member of the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand's Industry Advisory Group and serves on several prominent committees, including the NCCD Committee on Supply Chain & Logistics and the Standards Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Dr. Mehta has made significant contributions to Trade Policy, Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements, and Two-Way Investment, helping expand the Indian industry's global presence. He is an expert in Policy Advocacy and Government Affairs across various levels of government, fostering relationships between industry leaders and policymakers.
Dr. Mehta has organised international business delegations and has represented Indian industry in numerous Government and Parliamentary Committees. He has extensively written on industry, trade, and commerce in books, research papers, and articles published in leading national and international journals, and he frequently speaks in media and global forums.

Aditya Vikram Dhanuka
Chairperson, ICAI Kuwait Chapter
CA Aditya Vikram Dhanuka is the youngest Chairperson of the ICAI Kuwait Chapter, representing a dynamic network of over 500 Chartered Accountants in Kuwait, working across diverse industries such as audit, consulting, banking and financial services, family businesses, retail, oil and gas, and insurance etc.
With over 16 years of professional experience in audit, accounting, and finance across Kuwait and India, CA Aditya has established himself as a versatile finance professional. He currently serves as the Group CFO for ASB Holding Co. in Kuwait, spearheading the financial strategies of a prominent family group. His prior roles include being a partner at PAFS Consulting in India, catering to a broad spectrum of clients in Kuwait in SME space, and serving as AVP Finance at KAMCO Investment. He also gained invaluable experience during his tenure with EY Kuwait in the audit division. Aditya has led and collaborated with diverse teams of professionals, leveraging his expertise in regulatory compliance, accounting, and auditing standards for the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and Capital Markets Authority (CMA). A graduate of St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, CA Aditya is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

Ajay Thampy
Chairman, Navio Shipping Pvt Ltd, India
Ajay Thampy is a visionary leader with over 30 years of distinguished experience in the shipping and logistics industry. As the Chairman of Navio Shipping Pvt Ltd, he has demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, contract negotiations, project management, and fostering strong stakeholder relations. A Commerce graduate from Sacred Hearts College, Thevara, under Mahatma Gandhi University, Ajay built a solid academic foundation that has fueled his remarkable career trajectory.
Having worked with industry giants like P&O Nedlloyd, Cargomar Pvt Ltd, St John Logistics Pvt Ltd, and Triton Logistics & Maritime Pvt Ltd, Ajay honed his skills in international trade dynamics, sea freight operations, and the Canada-USA trade lane, among others. In 2014, he realized his entrepreneurial vision by establishing Navio Shipping Pvt Ltd, a company committed to becoming the global leader in shipping and supply chain solutions. Under his leadership, Navio Shipping has consistently delivered innovative multi-modal logistics solutions, earning prestigious recognition, including membership in the esteemed Million Club. Beyond business, Ajay actively fosters wellness through sports, culture, and tourism while cultivating transparent and thriving communities. His unwavering commitment to excellence ensures Navio Shipping continues to exceed client expectations and set new benchmarks in the logistics industry.
Tea Break
Session 2: India & the GCC: Enhancing Energy Cooperation & Innovation
Moderator:

Nissy Solomon
Hon Trustee (Research & Programs), CPPR, India
Nissy Solomon is Hon. Trustee (Research & Programs) at CPPR. She has a background in Economics with a master’s degree in Public Policy from the National Law School of India University, Bangalore. After graduation and prior to her venture into the public policy domain, she worked as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst with Nokia-Heremaps.
Her postgraduate research explored the interface of GIS in Indian healthcare planning. She is broadly interested in Public Policy, Economic Development and Spatial Analysis for policymaking.
Panellists:

H.E. Amb Issa Saleh Al Shibani
Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of India
H.E. Issa Saleh Al Shibani serves as the Ambassador and Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of India. With over two decades in diplomacy, he has played transformative roles in advancing Oman’s global engagement. As Director of Consular Affairs in Paris and Director of Politics and Media in London, he strengthened international partnerships and promoted Oman’s interests on global platforms. In 2015, he was appointed as the Director of the Political Affairs Division in the Minister's Office. His tenure as Deputy Head of Mission at the Oman Embassy in London showcased his leadership in enhancing bilateral ties.
A scholar of diplomacy, Al Shibani holds a BA in English Literature, an MA in Translation, and an MA in International Business and Diplomacy, underscoring his expertise in navigating complex international relations.

Esha Srivastava IFS
Joint Secretary (IC&VIG), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, India
Esha Srivastava is a distinguished Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, currently serving as the Joint Secretary in the International Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG). A graduate of Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University, she earned the prestigious Dr Karan Singh Gold Medal for her outstanding academic achievement in Political Science (Honours). Esha’s diplomatic career spans high-profile assignments, including the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO in Paris, and critical roles in India’s diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka and Bhutan. As a seasoned officer in the Ministry of External Affairs, she has held key positions such as Under Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Director in the Europe West Division.
Esha’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in shaping India’s international relations and advancing strategic goals, culminating in her role as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Thimphu, where she significantly contributed to enhancing India's diplomatic footprint in the region.

H.E Ahmed Mohamed Alkaabi
Assistant Undersecretary, Electricity, Water and Future Energy, Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, UAE
His Excellency Ahmed Mohamed Al Kaabi is the Assistant Undersecretary for the Electricity, Water, and Future Energy Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Prior to this role, he held several positions at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), including Manager of the ADNOC Singapore Office, Sales Coordinator in the Crude and Condensate Division, and Sales Coordinator in the Middle Distillate Products Division.
In addition to his responsibilities, His Excellency Al Kaabi served as a board member for the Arab Petroleum Services Co and the Arab Drilling and Workover Company. Previously, he was also a board member of the Arab Geophysical Exploration Services Company, Chairman of the OPEC Auditing Committee, member of the International Pollution Compensation Fund in London, and the UAE’s Governor for OPEC, as well as the UAE Executive Member at GECF and IEF. Throughout his career, His Excellency Al Kaabi has contributed to several key projects, including auto-reconciliation, cash call, e-payment systems, and the deregulation of gasoline and diesel.
Lunch Break
Session 3: India & the GCC: Forging Healthcare, Education and Technology Collaborations
Moderator:

Amb T P Sreenivasan
Former Ambassador, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations & former Vice-Chairman and Executive Head of the Kerala State Higher Education Council. Advisor to CPPR.
Ambassador T P Sreenivasan, former Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, served the Indian Foreign Service for 37 years. He held key roles, including Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington, High Commissioner to Kenya, and Ambassador to Austria, Slovenia, Fiji, and several South Pacific nations.
A Governor for India at the IAEA, he is Director General of the Kerala International Centre, a mentor at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, and the author of 11 books. He also presents a foreign affairs program on Asianet News.
Panellists:

Dr Hafeez Rahman
Chairman, Sunrise Hospitals, Kochi, India
Dr. Hafeez Rahman, Chairman of Sunrise Hospitals, is a pioneer in Laparoscopic surgery. With over 100,000 surgeries performed, including 13,000 Laparoscopic Hysterectomies, he is a global leader in the field. A gold medalist in his post-graduation from BJMC, Gujarat University, Dr. Rahman has trained over 1,000 gynecologists worldwide and contributed to Laparoscopy’s development across India and Asia. Recognized for his speed and precision, he is the first Indian surgeon invited to train at UAE Ministry hospitals and consult at International Modern Hospital, Dubai.
Dr. Rahman has received several prestigious awards, including the Masters Award from IMAGES and the Shan Ratnam Award from AOFOG. His ambidextrous abilities and dedication inspire the medical community.

Francis Joseph
Executive Director, GEMS Education, India Region
Francis Joseph has 30 years of management experience in school education. He started his career in 1993 as a school teacher in a state board school and is presently the Executive Director (India) of GEMS Education, the world’s largest valued operator of K12 Private schools. He has established and operated all categories of private schools, right from premium to the most affordable schools in the country. Besides private schools, he has also worked in establishing a vernacular education board for the Government of Maharashtra, which was known as the “Maharashtra International Education Board," for which he was specially honoured in 2018 by the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
He was also instrumental in establishing public schools affiliated with the non-state boards for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, which includes the CBSE, ICSE, IB and Cambridge schools known as the “Mumbai Public Schools." During the Pandemic, he was instrumental in leading a fast-track project transforming more than 600 schools in Maharashtra and Gujarat to "online learning."

Nandi Vardhan Mehta
CFO & IC Member, KAAF Investments LLC, Dubai, UAE
Nandi Vardhan Mehta is the CFO and Investment Committee Member at KAAF Investments LLC, a private investment office based in Dubai, UAE, managing the proprietary capital of Mr. Mishal Kanoo and family. An Indian Chartered Accountant with over 19 years of experience in the Middle East, Nandi has an extensive career spanning leadership roles at KPMG India and UAE, Freightworks (CFO for over 9 years), and the Al Owais Family Office. He began his journey in his family business in India, overseeing retail and manufacturing operations employing over 5,000 people.
A committed angel investor, Nandi has backed tech startups across India, the US, and the MENA region. He serves on the boards of Right Health Holdings, 9 Unicorns Accelerator VC Fund, Elev8 Pro Rata Fund, and the NGO Sapna, inspired by Gandhian ideals of service. Passionate about literature, arts, and Hindi poetry, Nandi combines financial acumen with a dedication to fostering innovation and social impact.

Dr D Ramanathan D.A.M.
Founder, Managing Director & Chief Physician, Sitaram Ayurveda, India and General Secretary of AMMOI
Dr D Ramanathan is a pioneering leader in Ayurveda, celebrated for his innovative contributions and dedication to advancing Ayurvedic practices and community well-being. A graduate of Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram (1973), he serves as the Managing Director of Sitaram Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd., which became the world’s first Ayurvedic company to earn GMP certification under WHO guidelines. His leadership has garnered accolades such as the National Award for Best SSI Unit and the "Udyog Rattan" award, while establishing a Central Government-approved R&D center.
Dr Ramanathan is a Fellow of the Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (FRAV), a mentor, and a staunch advocate for integrating Ayurveda into modern healthcare systems. He played a key role in securing insurance coverage for AYUSH treatments and establishing the National Medicinal Plants Board. Recognized with awards like the Vagbhata Award and Arya Vaidyan P.M. Namboothiri Ayur Ratna Award, his contributions span policy-making, education, and research. A dedicated philanthropist and thought leader, Dr Ramanathan continues to shape Ayurveda globally, blending ancient wisdom with modern innovations to improve healthcare and quality of life.

Dr Nigel Kuriakose Mathew
Chairman (Overseas Affairs), Indian Medical Association (Oman)
Dr Nigel Kuriakose Mathew is an accomplished Anesthesiologist and Intensivist at the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care & Research Center, Sultanate of Oman. He earned his MD in Anesthesiology from KMC, Mangalore, in 2011 and holds postgraduate diplomas in Regional Anesthesia and Analgesia from the University of Montpellier, France, and Pediatrics from the Royal College of Physicians, Ireland. He also completed an MBA from Manipal GlobalNxt University, Malaysia, and currently serves as the Global Ambassador for the program.
Dr Mathew has held key positions, including Former President of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) NRI branch and Chairman of the IMA Overseas Affairs. He is a member of the International Liaison Committee of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and has been a certified instructor for AHA ACLS & BLS (since 2009) and AMA BDLS & ADLS (since 2012). His accolades include the IMA Yuva Leader Award (2021), Kairali Oman Healthcare Award - Doctor of the Year (2022), and Dr V.C. Velayudhan Pillai Memorial Award (2022). Dr Mathew has been recognized as one of Oman’s “Covid Warriors” by the Oman Observer and featured by Onlooker Publications as a Changemaker in the Middle East.
Session 4: India’s Look West Policy: Leveraging the Diaspora Connect
Moderator:

Amb Venu Rajamony
Former Ambassador of India to the Netherlands, and Former Consul General of India in Dubai, UAE. Advisor to CPPR
Ambassador Venu Rajamony, a distinguished diplomat, scholar, and former journalist, served as India’s Ambassador to The Netherlands (2017-2020) and Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). During his tenure, he represented India in landmark cases at the International Court of Justice. Previously, he was Consul General of India in Dubai (2007–2010) and Press Secretary to President Pranab Mukherjee (2012-2017).
Amb. Rajamony has held key roles in India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Finance, was Officer on Special Duty (External Cooperation) for the Government of Kerala (2021–2023), and is Professor of Diplomatic Practice at O.P. Jindal Global University. An accomplished author, he has penned several acclaimed books, including one on India and the UAE.
Panellists:

Dr Suresh Kumar M
Joint Secretary (West Asia and North Africa Division), Ministry of External Affairs, India
Dr Suresh Kumar M, a career diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) since 2006, is currently serving as Joint Secretary (WANA) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, since October 2023. His distinguished career includes roles such as Charge d’Affaires at the High Commission of India in Islamabad and Director in the Ministry, overseeing Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran (PAI). Dr Kumar has represented India as a Delegate to the Permanent Mission of India to the WTO, addressing TRIPS and development issues. His tenure abroad includes leading the Political Wings at the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and Manila, as well as postings in Tripoli, Libya, and Amman, Jordan, where he also studied Arabic at the University of Jordan. At the Ministry in New Delhi, he has handled ASEAN-India relations and the East Asia Summit as Under Secretary.
A qualified medical doctor, Dr Kumar earned his MBBS and MD in Pediatrics from Madras Medical College and served in the Tamil Nadu State Health Department, including a tenure at Kanyakumari Medical College, before joining the IFS.

Thaha Muhammed Abdul Kareem
President, IBPC Qatar, and Secretary, Harvard Business School Club of the GCC
Thaha Muhammed Abdul Kareem is a visionary leader with over 22 years of diverse experience across retail, banking, financial services, trading, and consulting. As the President of the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC) in Qatar, he plays a key role in strengthening India-Qatar business ties. He previously served on the Board of Governors of IBPC under the Embassy of India. Currently, he is the Group General Manager and Advisor to the Board of Directors at Masskar Group, a prominent Qatari Retail Group. Thaha also consults for Wathnan Holding and is a special consultant to members of the Qatari Royal family. His expertise in building partnerships and navigating complex business landscapes has made him a sought-after consultant in the region. He serves as Secretary of the Harvard Business School Club of the GCC, & is the Country Head for Qatar, contributing to thought leadership in the Gulf region.
Thaha has completed advanced programs from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, LSE, and IIM Ahmedabad, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration.

Ajith Kolassery
Chief Executive Officer, NoRKA Roots, India
Building on a distinguished tenure at NoRKA Roots, culminating in his role as Chief Executive Officer, Sri Ajith Kolassery has been a driving force behind numerous transformative initiatives for the welfare and empowerment of Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs). He played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and executing innovative programs, including the renowned Triple Win Programme. This groundbreaking initiative, a collaboration between Kerala and the Federal Republic of Germany, facilitated the seamless integration of healthcare professionals from Kerala into Germany’s workforce. Recognizing its success, he spearheaded the launch of the Triple Win Trainee Programme, which provides aspiring students with vocational training and placement opportunities in Germany, opening new pathways for global employment.
His tenure was also marked by significant advancements in economic reintegration schemes, offering structured support to returnee NRKs, and the modernization of certificate attestation services to ensure efficiency and accessibility. In times of crisis, Sri Ajith Kolassery demonstrated exemplary leadership by coordinating critical evacuation efforts from regions such as Manipur, Sudan, Niger, Ukraine, and Israel, ensuring the safety of NRKs. His active involvement in global diaspora events like the Loka Kerala Sabha further strengthened the connection between the Malayali diaspora and their homeland. Through his vision and commitment, Sri Ajith Kolassery has left an enduring legacy of innovation, international collaboration, and service, significantly enhancing Kerala’s global engagement and the welfare of its diaspora community.

Zahraa Tahrer
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Finmark Communications, Bahrain
Zahraa Tahrer is a seasoned communications and events strategist with nearly 20 years of experience in marketing, PR, and event strategies across the GCC. A native Arabic speaker, her cultural insights help clients navigate Arab media, business, and investor landscapes. She began her career at Arab Insurance Group (ARIG), refining corporate communications expertise. Zahraa later established EVENTSCOM, a PR and events consultancy, and co-founded FinMark Communications in Bahrain, a firm specializing in business and financial PR across the Gulf and Europe. She also co-founded Sustainability Forum Middle East, promoting regional dialogue on sustainability issues.
Actively engaged in non-profits, she is a founding Board Member of the Bahrain International Federation of Business & Professional Women (BPW) and serves on the boards of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Bahrain and the Bahrain India Society. Zahraa previously served on the EO Bahrain Chapter Board and represented Bahrain in the International Public Relations Association (IPRA). Holding a Civil Engineering degree from Bahrain University and an Advanced Diploma in Insurance, Zahraa’s diverse expertise spans communications, business, and sustainability.

James Mathew
CEO & Managing Partner, UHY James, Dubai, UAE
James Mathew, CEO & Managing Partner of UHY James, is a distinguished financial expert with over 30 years of experience in audit, advisory, and consulting across the UAE. A trusted leader in professional circles, he served as Secretary General of the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai and was the 31st Chairman of the Dubai Chapter of ICAI, during which it won the Best Overseas Chapter award. James is also the Independent Director and Chairman of Audit Committee of Aster DM Healthcare. He is the first professional from the MENA region to be elected twice to the Global Board of one of the world’s top eight audit networks.
He has been a Board Member of ARISE UAE under UNDRR and an assessor for the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Award. As a Founder Director of the Indo Gulf and Middle East Chamber of Commerce, he has played a pivotal role in fostering cross-border collaborations. Widely regarded for his principles and expertise, James continues to shape the UAE’s business landscape with impactful leadership.

Shihab Kottukad
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awardee 2014 (Saudi Arabia)
Shihab Kottukad is a distinguished Indian social worker renowned for his humanitarian and welfare contributions to the Indian community, both in India and abroad. Born in Chavara, Kollam District, Kerala, he holds a degree and master’s in Economics from Fathima Matha National College, Kollam. While studying, he became involved in the National Service Scheme, laying the foundation for his lifelong dedication to social service.
In recognition of his selfless contributions, he was honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the President of India in 2014. He also served as the NoRKA General Consultant in K.S.A from 2010 to 2017, offering valuable services to the Indian diaspora in Gulf countries. He is the Vice President of the World Malayalee Federation, which operates in 164 countries, and a steering committee member of the Indian community in Riyadh. For over 27 years, Shihab has been instrumental in assisting the Indian community in Saudi Arabia, resolving labor disputes, facilitating repatriation, providing legal and medical aid, and supporting the bereaved. His efforts have saved lives, facilitated over 3,000 repatriations, and resolved thousands of labor issues. He has received multiple accolades from government bodies, diplomatic missions, and organizations for his invaluable services.
Tea Break
Session 5: India & the GCC: Securing Maritime Strategic Partnerships
Moderator:

VAdm M P Muralidharan
Former Director General, Indian Coast Guard
Vice Admiral M P Muralidharan, retired in Feb 2013 as the 19th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard. A specialist in Navigation and Direction and a Post Graduate in Defence Studies, the Admiral in a career of close to four decades in the Indian Navy, has held several key Operational and Staff appointments including command of three warships. As Flag Officer he commanded Maharashtra and Gujarat Naval Area, and was the first Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy and Chief of Personnel of the Navy.
Post retirement, the Admiral was appointed as a Member of the Armed Forces Tribunal at its Regional Bench at Kochi, during which he authored nearly 500 judgments. He is also Hon. Distinguished Fellow (Maritime & Defence Studies) at CPPR.
Panellists:

Admiral Sunil Lanba
Former Chief of the Naval Staff, India
Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, IN (Retd), former Chief of the Naval Staff of India, had a distinguished career spanning four decades. A specialist in Navigation and Aircraft Direction, he commanded several warships, including INS Mumbai and INS Ranvijay.
Post-retirement, he became Chairman of the National Maritime Foundation. Awarded the Param Vishist Seva Medal and Ati Vishist Seva Medal, Admiral Lanba played a key role in transforming India’s naval combat and training strategies.

Dr Ebtesam Al-Ketbi
Founder & President, Emirates Policy Center, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dr Ebtesam Al-Ketbi is the Founder and President of the Emirates Policy Center (EPC) and a Professor of Political Science at the United Arab Emirates University. She served as a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s Consultative Commission from 2015 to 2024 and has been recognized among the 50 Most Influential Women in the Arab World (2018). Dr. Al-Ketbi has published several works, including The UAE’s Role in Empowering Religious Diplomacy, The UAE Power-Building Model and Iran and the Biden Administration. She is a board member of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, the Global Advisory Board of the Observer Research Foundation in India, the Advisory Council of the Middle East Institute in Washington, the International Advisory Board of the Italian Med-Or Foundation, and the Indo-Pacific Civil Society Forum (IPCSF).
She has also been accepted as a Global Member in the non-governmental “Trilateral Commission (Europe)”. As well as an advisor to the Global Commission for Post-Pandemic Policy and T20 International.

Dr Ashraf Mohammed Keshk
Director, Strategic and International Studies Program, Derasat, Bahrain
Dr Ashraf Mohamed Keshk is a research fellow and Director of the Strategic and International Studies Program at Derasat since 2012 and Editor-in-Chief of Derasat Journal, focusing on Gulf and Arab security. With a PhD in Political Science from Cairo University (2009), he specializes in Gulf defense, has mentored at NATO Defense College, and holds a Defense Studies diploma.
Author of six books, including NATO and the Gulf Countries (2021) and Maritime Security of the Arab Gulf States(2022), he delivers lectures on crisis management and writes a weekly column for Akhbar Al-Khaleej.
Concluding Session on India’s Look West Policy
Summary of Discussions - CPPR
Address by the Guest of Honour:

Vice Admiral V Srinivas
Flag Officer Commanding-In-Chief, Southern Naval Command, Kochi, India
Vice Admiral V Srinivas, AVSM, NM, assumed command as the 30th Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, on December 31, 2023, at Naval Base, Kochi. He succeeded Vice Admiral M.A. Hampiholi, PVSM, AVSM, NM. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1987. A specialist in anti-submarine warfare, he served onboard submarines INS Shalki, INS Shishumar, and INS Shankul during Operation Vijay. His command tenures include INS Shankul (twice), the destroyer INS Ranvir, and the nuclear submarine INS Chakra.
His notable staff appointments include Commander Submarines at COMCOS (W), Chief Staff Officer to Flag Officer Submarines, Principal Director Ship Systems and Development, and Commanding Officer of INS Satavahana. As a Rear Admiral, he served as Flag Officer Submarines (FOSM) and later as Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area (FOMA). He also held the role of Inspector General Nuclear Safety (IGNS). A graduate of the Defence Services Staff College and the Naval Higher Command Course, he was awarded the Nau Sena Medal (2009) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2021). Vice Admiral Srinivas has extensive operational expertise, participating in Operations Pawan, Vijay, and Parakram.