The Bay of Bengal has emerged as one of the most consequential maritime spaces in the Indo-Pacific, shaping regional security, connectivity, economic development, and geopolitical competition. At the panel discussion at Samudramanthan 2026, Amb. Riva Ganguly Das (retd.), Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, AVSM & Bar, VSM (Retd.), Rear Admiral Mukul Asthana, NM, and Dr. Hindol Sengupta, explore the Bay of Bengal as both a shared regional commons and a contested strategic space. The conversation examines the evolving maritime landscape through the lenses of diplomacy, history, strategy, regional cooperation, connectivity, climate resilience, and security. The discussion addresses: The Bay of Bengal's strategic significance in the Indo-Pacific Maritime security and regional cooperation BIMSTEC and India's maritime vision Connectivity, trade, and economic integration Historical and civilisational linkages Climate security and regional resilience Emerging geopolitical competition in the Bay of Bengal Watch the full discussion for an insightful exploration of one of the world's most dynamic maritime regions. Samudramanthan 2026 was co-organised by Global Order and the National Maritime Foundation Chapters 00:00 - 14:44 - Imagining the Bay of Bengal as a Shared Space 14:45 - 20:22 - Geopolitical Dynamics and Regional Cooperation 20:23 - 27:18 - India's Strategic Vision for the Bay of Bengal 27:19 - 32:59 - Historical Context and Cultural Significance of the Bay 33:00 - 34:56 - Cosmopolitanism and Contestation in the Bay of Bengal 34:57 - 40:17 - Colonial Legacy and Security Concerns 40:18 - 43:09 - Climate Refugees and Strategic Planning 43:10 - 49:13 - India's Role in Regional Cooperation 49:14 - 50:28 - Cultural Dimensions and Economic Opportunities 50:29 - 56:29 - Strategic Posture in the Bay of Bengal 56:30 - 01:00:59 - Non-Traditional Security Challenges 01:01:00 - 01:06:32 - Shared Ecological Vulnerability and Cooperation 01:06:33 - 01:08:58 - Governance Models for the Bay of Bengal #Samudramanthan2026 #BayOfBengal #MaritimeSecurity #IndoPacific #BIMSTEC #RegionalCooperation #Geopolitics #MaritimeStrategy #Connectivity #ClimateSecurity

The inaugural session of Samudra Manthan 2026, co-organised by the National Maritime Foundation and the Global Order, set the stage for a thought-provoking discussion on the strategic significance of the Bay of Bengal and the evolving maritime order. The session brought together Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, AVSM & Bar, VSM, Dr. Hindol Sengupta, and Mr. MJ Akbar. The conversation explored shifting geopolitical dynamics, emerging security challenges, and India's evolving role in the Indo-Pacific. From reimagining maritime spaces through multiple lenses to understanding the growing strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal, the discussion offered timely insights into an increasingly contested maritime landscape. Chapters - 00:00 - 03:11 - Welcome and Introduction to Maritime Perspectives 03:12- 06:00 - Understanding Maritime Spaces in International Relations 06:01- 08:47 - The Importance of Holistic Maritime Security 08:48- 11:47 - Geopolitical Dynamics of the Bay of Bengal 11:48 - 14:51 - The Great Nicobar Initiative and Regional Implications 14:52- 19:02 - The Changing Nature of Global Conflicts 19:03- 22:51 - Invisible Seas and Strategic Planning 22:52 - 27:01 - Historical Context of Geopolitical Tensions 27:02 - 30:11 - India's Evolving Maritime Strategy 30:12 - 33:49 - Redefining Neighbors and Strategic Partnerships 33:50 - 41:27 - Navigating the Future of Global Security #SamudraManthan #BayOfBengal #MaritimeSecurity #MaritimeStrategy #IndoPacific #Geopolitics #StrategicAffairs #IndianOcean #ForeignPolicy #BlueEconomy #MaritimeStudies

Artificial Intelligence is transforming education faster than ever before. But the biggest shift isn't in technology—it's in the way students think, learn, and prepare for the future. In this insightful conversation on #commonground, Dr Dipankar Chakraborty explores how AI is reshaping higher education, why universities must evolve, and the skills today's students need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. If you're a student, educator, parent, or policymaker, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 🎥 Watch the full discussion now. https://youtu.be/8gjuZgg8XqA?si=9rsLqWtMTwgsDVrT #artificialintelligence #ai #education #highereducation #futureofeducation #indianstudents #edtech #futureofwork #innovation #skills #globaltalent #ukindia #internationaleducation #CommonGround

From brain drain to brain circulation – the story of Indian students." — Dr Dipankar Chakraborty For decades, the narrative was simple: India's brightest minds left home in search of opportunity. Today, that story is changing. Indian students are creating global careers, building international networks, and bringing knowledge, innovation and investment back to India. The future isn't about *brain drain*—it's about *brain circulation*. In this insightful conversation on #CommonGround, Dr Dipankar Chakraborty explains why this shift is redefining the future of higher education, global talent, and the India–UK education partnership. 🎥 Watch the full conversation and discover how Indian students are shaping the world's knowledge economy. https://youtu.be/8gjuZgg8XqA?si=9rsLqWtMTwgsDVrT #india #indianstudents #BrainCirculation #highereducation #internationaleducation #studyabroad #ukindia #indiauk #GlobalTalent #FutureOfEducation #KnowledgeEconomy #Innovation #Research #StudentMobility #CommonGround

"Indian students are not looking for Western validation." — Dr Dipankar Chakraborty, Managing Director - South Asia, UNSW This perspective challenges one of the biggest assumptions in international education. Today's Indian students are globally ambitious, but they're also confident in their identity. They're not seeking approval—they're seeking world-class education, meaningful opportunities, and partnerships built on mutual respect. In this thought-provoking clip from Common Ground, Dr Dipankar Chakraborty explains why Western institutions need to rethink how they engage with India's next generation of learners. 🎥 Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/8gjuZgg8XqA?si=9rsLqWtMTwgsDVrT #India #education #indianstudents #HigherEducation #internationaleducation #StudyAbroad #UKIndia #IndiaUK #GlobalTalent #FutureOfEducation #StudentMobility #universities #Innovation #CommonGround

**"What Western institutions need to understand about Indian students."** They're not just looking for a degree. They're looking for purpose, opportunity, global exposure, and an education that prepares them to lead in a rapidly changing world. In this clip from #commonground, Dr Dipankar Chakraborty shares why understanding the aspirations, strengths and expectations of Indian students is essential for universities seeking meaningful global partnerships. 🎓 A must-watch for educators, policymakers, students, and anyone interested in the future of international education. https://youtu.be/8gjuZgg8XqA?si=9rsLqWtMTwgsDVrT #CommonGround #IndianStudents #InternationalEducation #HigherEducation #StudyAbroad #UKIndia #IndiaUK #GlobalEducation #StudentSuccess #EducationLeadership #FutureOfWork #GlobalTalent #ResearchCollaboration #Universities #StudentMobility #EducationPolicy

As India strengthens its position as a global knowledge and innovation hub, international collaboration is no longer just about student mobility—it's about building research partnerships, developing future-ready talent, and creating opportunities that benefit both India and the world. In the latest episode of Common Ground, Dr Dipankar Chakraborty, Managing Director – South Asia, UNSW Sydney, shares why a strategic approach to internationalizing education can accelerate India's growth and global leadership. 🎥 Watch the conversation and discover how education is shaping India's next chapter. https://youtu.be/8gjuZgg8XqA?si=9rsLqWtMTwgsDVrT #commonground #IndiaUK #HigherEducation #InternationalEducation #GlobalTalent #Innovation #Research #FutureOfWork #IndiaRising #GlobalPartnerships

Rami Niranjan Desai stresses that Northeast India should no longer be viewed as a distant or exotic region, but as an integral part of the country, urging Indians to engage with it through tourism and connection—benefiting both the region’s growth and the nation’s collective consciousness. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEcPUhTuW4Y&t=237s