Events Detail

Indian Foreign Policy in the 21st Century:

Challenges and Opportunities

An Address by Ambassador Nirupama Rao

Thursday, March 22, 2012

12:45 – 2:30 PM

Lunch and Registration at 12:15 PM. 

Ken Weinstein, Ambassador Nirupama Rao, and

Hillel Fradkin

Just as the second half of the 20th century was characterized by America’s Atlantic partnership, the India-U.S. relationship will be a defining feature of the 21st century. From the 1990s, succeeding Indian and American administrations have emphasized the multi-dimensional nature of the relationship and especially its strategic aspect.

With a rapidly growing economy, military modernization, and a prominent geo-strategic location, India can play a key role not only in its neighborhood but also globally. Yet Indian leaders have traditionally preferred a status quo–oriented policy. As India is building closer ties with countries in East and South East Asia, re-emphasizing its ties with the Gulf Middle East, and increasing its economic ties with Africa, will it be more willing to play a bigger role?

To answer these questions and more, Hudson Institute is honored to host the Indian Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Nirupama Rao, on Thursday, March 22, 2012.

Ambassador Rao has had a distinguished career in the Indian Foreign Service spanning over three decades. She has served as Indian Ambassador to Bolivia, China, Peru, and Sri Lanka. After China, she was appointed Foreign Secretary, serving a two-year term. In September 2011 Ambassador Rao took over as India’s Ambassador to the United States.

Ambassador Rao was previously in Washington in the capacity of Minister for Press and Cultural Affairs at the Indian Embassy from 1993 until 1995. She was a Fellow at the Center for International Affairs (now the Weatherhead Center) at Harvard University in the early 1990s. She was also a Distinguished International Executive in Residence at the University of Maryland from 1999 until 2000.

Hudson Institute President and CEO Kenneth Weinstein introduced Ambassador Rao. Hillel Fradkin, Senior Fellow and Director of Hudson’s Center on Islam, Democracy, and the Future of the Muslim World, moderated the Q&A session.

LOCATION:

Betsy and Walter Stern Conference Center

Hudson Institute

1015 15th Street, NW

6th Floor

Washington, DC