Towards an Innovative and Integrated India-GCC Partnership
Organised by: Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kochi
In collaboration with: Policy Planning & Research (PP&R) Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
Date: 18-20, November 2026
Venue: Kochi, Kerala, India
Building the Next Chapter of India–GCC Relations
Kochi Dialogue is a premier Track 1.5 platform that brings together governments, business leaders, strategic thinkers, and academia to strengthen the growing partnership between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Organised by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) in collaboration with the Policy Planning & Research (PP&R) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, the Dialogue serves as a unique platform for diplomacy, business networking, policy dialogue, and strategic collaboration.
The inaugural Kochi Dialogue 2025, held on 16–17 January 2025, successfully convened ministers, senior government officials, ambassadors, business leaders, diplomats, and policy experts under the theme "India's Look West Policy in Action: People, Prosperity, and Progress."
Through discussions on trade, investment, maritime partnerships, education, healthcare, technology, diaspora engagement, and energy cooperation, the Dialogue established a strong foundation for long-term India–GCC engagement.
Building on that success, Kochi Dialogue 2026 aims to shape a new architecture of strategic interdependence between India and the GCC.
What to Expect
Kochi Dialogue 2026 will feature high-level engagements across diplomacy, business, and public policy, including:
- Track 1.5 Diplomacy Meet
- Ministerial and Secretary-Level Discussions
- Business Networking Sessions
- Topical Seminars and Expert Panel Discussions
- Special one-on-one interactions
Who Will Participate
Kochi Dialogue brings together influential stakeholders from India and the GCC, including:
- Ministers from India and GCC countries
- Ambassadors of GCC nations
- Secretary-level government officials
- Business and industry leaders
- Technology experts
- Ministers and senior officials from Indian states
- Think tank leaders and policy professionals
- Academics and researchers
- Diplomats from embassies and consulates
- Students and emerging policy leaders
What are the Focus Areas
The 2026 Dialogue will focus on emerging opportunities and strategic priorities, including:
- Diaspora Connect and Human Security
- Energy Security and Transition
- Maritime Security and the Indian Ocean Order
- Artificial Intelligence and Innovation
- Ports, Shipping and Maritime Connectivity
- India–GCC Trade and Economic Integration
- Food Security and AgriTech
- Civil Nuclear and Space Cooperation
Why Kochi
Kochi's association with the Gulf predates modern diplomatic frameworks by centuries. Long before formal bilateral relations were established, merchants, scholars, and seafarers moved between these coasts, exchanging goods, knowledge, and culture in a relationship that helped shape the Gulf's own coastal communities into the commercial centres they are today.
This engagement was never confined to commerce alone. It was underpinned by sustained people-to-people ties, familial, professional, and cultural, that continue to define the relationship to this day. Kochi, as one of India's principal historical gateways to the region, has been central to this continuum of exchange.
It is this enduring foundation of commerce, culture, and community that positions Kochi as a fitting venue for a dialogue seeking to define the next chapter of India–GCC strategic engagement.
Join the Dialogue
Kochi Dialogue 2026 offers an unparalleled platform to engage with policymakers, diplomats, industry leaders, researchers, and innovators shaping the future of India–GCC relations.
Stay Updated
The countdown to Kochi Dialogue 2026 has begun.
Join us in Kochi from 18–20 November 2026 for three days of policy dialogue and strategic conversations with policymakers, diplomats, scholars, industry leaders, and experts from around the world.
The programme, speaker lineup, registration details, and other event updates will be announced soon.
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