New Delhi, February 8-9, 2025
Red Lantern Analytica successfully inaugurated its flagship event, Siang Dialogue 2.0, at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club – South Asia, bringing together policymakers, thought leaders, academics, and practitioners to discuss pressing geopolitical challenges shaping the global order.
Inaugural Session: Global Horizons – Addressing Current Concerns in an Evolving World
The event commenced with a ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by the inaugural session moderated by Dr. Ayanjit Sen.
Mr. Sujeet Kumar, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), emphasized India’s expanding soft power and its increasing diplomatic engagements on the global stage. He highlighted how India’s strategic partnerships and international outreach are shaping its position in global affairs.
Mr. Vahan Zanoyan, an Armenian expert, provided a comprehensive analysis of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its implications for India-Armenia relations. He elaborated on the geopolitical significance of the region and how India’s growing ties with Armenia could play a role in the broader Eurasian landscape.
Mr. Abdulhakim Idris, Executive Director at the Centre for Uyghur Studies, addressed the ongoing human rights violations in Xinjiang. He critically analyzed China’s engagement with the Uyghur community, shedding light on the challenges faced by Uyghurs and the broader international response to these concerns.
Dr. Rajiv Nayan, Senior Research Fellow at MP-IDSA, examined global arms control and disarmament efforts in the context of shifting power dynamics. He discussed the impact of emerging security challenges, the role of multilateral agreements, and how global realignments are influencing arms control policies.
Mr. K.P. Fabian, Former Indian diplomat, underscored the urgent need for inclusive climate initiatives. He stressed the importance of implementing the Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) principle, which advocates for a fair distribution of climate responsibilities among nations based on their historical emissions and capabilities.
Aadil Brar, a journalist based in Taiwan, provided a detailed assessment of India’s border security challenges, with a particular focus on China’s military build-up along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). He highlighted the evolving nature of border tensions and their implications for India’s strategic defense policies.
Mayank Singh, a senior journalist, expressed deep concerns regarding the credibility crisis in modern journalism. He examined the shift from print to digital media, analyzing its impact on journalistic integrity. Additionally, he explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in information warfare, highlighting both the opportunities and risks it presents in shaping public narratives.
Dr. Sen concluded the session by thanking the esteemed panelists for their valuable contributions.
Plenary Session 1: Navigating the Indo-Pacific – Strategic Maritime Security Dynamics
Moderated by Dr. Sriparna Pathak (Associate Professor, O.P. Jindal Global University), the first plenary session featured key discussions on regional security and strategic maritime developments.
Dr. Roger Chi Liu, Assistant Professor at Sun Yat-sen University, highlighted the significance of India-Taiwan collaboration in marine research, data sharing, and disaster management. He elaborated on Taiwan’s triple security framework, emphasizing its role in enhancing regional stability and fostering cooperative scientific research between the two nations.
Mr. Jaydev Ranade, President of the Centre for China Analysis and Strategy (CCAS), provided an in-depth analysis of President Xi Jinping’s foreign policy strategies, particularly the concept of the ‘China Dream.’ He examined its implications for Taiwan and broader regional geopolitics, detailing how China’s strategic ambitions influence power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
Mr. N.C. Bipindra, Editor of Defence Capital, discussed India’s cyber defense measures in countering China’s expansionist policies and cyber threats. He highlighted India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure, focusing on policy frameworks, defense collaborations, and emerging threats in cyberspace.
Ms. Aarti Tikoo Singh, Editor-in-Chief of The New Indian, critically examined media biases influenced by foreign funding, particularly within the Indo-Pacific context. She discussed how external influences shape media narratives, the implications for national security, and the challenges of ensuring journalistic integrity in an era of information warfare.
Mr. Ayanjit Sen, Chief Advisor at Red Lantern Analytica, elaborated on Pakistan’s role in information warfare, emphasizing its strategic use of pre-emptive information tactics. He analyzed the methods employed to manipulate narratives, influence public opinion, and challenge India’s position in the regional and global information ecosystem.
Dr. Aparna, Assistant Professor at Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ), explored India’s position in the global AI race, contrasting it with China’s academic investments and technological advancements. She examined India’s growing AI sector, the need for enhanced research and development, and the challenges posed by China’s rapid technological progress.
Dr. Tilak Jha, Associate Professor at Bennett University, emphasized the importance of narrative-building as a critical tool for shaping public opinion and power dynamics. He discussed how narratives influence policymaking, global perceptions, and geopolitical strategies, highlighting the role of media, diplomacy, and soft power in crafting influential narratives.
The session provided valuable perspectives on regional security, technological advancements, and strategic communication.
Plenary Session 2: Shaping the Future – India’s Role in a Transforming Global Order
Moderated by Siddhartha Ghosh (Director, RLA), the second plenary session focused on India’s evolving role in global governance and strategic partnerships.
Dr. Sriparna Pathak analyzed India’s economic ties with Southeast Asia, with a special focus on the technology sector. She highlighted India’s expanding trade partnerships, digital connectivity, and collaborative ventures in fintech and artificial intelligence, positioning India as akey player in regional economic growth.
Major Amit Bansal, a defense strategist, examined India’s territorial disputes with China, assessing the strategic implications of growing military tensions. He also discussed the evolving China-Pakistan-Bangladesh nexus, highlighting how regional alliances impact India’s security landscape and necessitate a proactive defense strategy.
Mr. Tenzin Tsundue, a Tibetan activist and poet, provided deep insights into Tibet’s ongoing struggle for independence. He discussed the political and cultural significance of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation process, explaining its role in shaping Tibetan resistance against Chinese control and maintaining Tibetan identity.
Mr. Vahram Ayvazyan, Founder & Chairman of The Network State, shed light on India-Armenia civilizational ties, tracing historical connections and their relevance in contemporary diplomacy. He also underscored the role of the Armenian diaspora in strengthening economic and cultural relations between the two nations.
Dr. Devender Kumar, Assistant Professor at Reva University, elaborated on India’s knowledge diplomacy efforts in South Asia. He discussed initiatives such as educational exchanges, research collaborations, and capacity-building programs that position India as a leader in regional knowledge-sharing.
Lt General (Dr) Rakesh Sharma, Distinguished Fellow at CLAWS, explored the emerging dimensions of information, electronic, and space warfare. He emphasized the critical need for strategic preparedness in countering cyber threats, misinformation campaigns, and the militarization of space.
Dr. R. Evan Ellis, Research Professor at the U.S. Army War College SSI, assessed India’s trade and economic engagements with Latin America and the Caribbean. He particularly focused on space technology collaborations, showcasing India’s potential in satellite launches, remote sensing, and communication infrastructure for Latin American nations.
Air Commodore S.P. Singh VSM, Senior Fellow at CAPS, discussed India’s strategic influence in global maritime security. He examined the QUAD and QUAD-Plus frameworks, the significance of Indian Ocean chokepoints, and how these play a crucial role in countering China’s naval expansion and securing critical maritime trade routes.
Siddhartha Ghosh concluded the session and delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation for the contributions of all speakers and participants.
Date: February 9th 2025
DAY 2
New Delhi, February 9, 2025 – Red Lantern Analytica successfully inaugurated the second day of its annual flagship event, Siang Dialogue 2.0, held in a hybrid mode at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia. The day featured high-impact discussions across three sessions, gathering global experts, policymakers, and thought leaders to deliberate on pressing geopolitical and economic issues.
Plenary Session III: Building Resilient Economies – Strategies to Diversify Global Supply Chains
The day commenced with an insightful session on the resilience of global supply chains in an era of geopolitical and economic volatility. Prof. (Dr.) Nagalaxmi M Raman (Director & Head, AIIS, Amity University U.P.) delivered the opening address, emphasizing how regional and global geopolitics lead to supply chain disruptions. She advocated for strategic trade policies to future-proof economic systems.
Mr. Paul Antonopoulos (Editor, Greek City Times) highlighted the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a viable alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), warning against the strategic risks posed by Chinese economic expansionism. Ms. Diana Nthabiseng (Political Analyst & Author, Africa Wake Up) examined Africa’s economic dependencies, stressing that most of the continent’s raw materials are exported to China without local processing, benefiting China’s economy at Africa’s expense. Mr. Akash Kumar Singh (The Asian Chronicle) concluded the session by critiquing China’s self-serving trade policies, contrasting them with India’s approach of global cooperation and resilience-building.
Plenary Session IV: Cyber Frontiers – Mitigating Threats in an AI-Driven Landscape
The second session focused on emerging cyber threats and AI-driven security risks. Mr. John Nomikos (Director, Research Institute for European and American Studies) reiterated the strategic importance of IMEC, advocating its extension to African economies. Mr. Jayanta Kalita (Senior Editor, The Times of India) exposed how Chinese AI models like DeepSeek are programmed to suppress politically sensitive topics, reinforcing the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) influence.
Ms. Namrata Hasija (Research Fellow, Centre for China Analysis & Strategy) elaborated on China’s disinformation campaigns, a key pillar of its global information warfare strategy. Prof. Pavnesh Kumar (IGNOU) addressed China and Pakistan’s cyber-hacking operations, used to manipulate public perception on elections and religious matters, thereby undermining India’s democratic fabric. Dr. Madhukar Shyam (Assistant Professor, Christ University, Delhi) provided insights into the evolution of cyber warfare and the risks posed by AI-driven cybersecurity threats. The session concluded with Dr. Tilak Jha (Associate Professor, Bennett University) emphasizing the urgency of strengthening cyber resilience in an AI-dominated world.
Valedictory Session: The Final Word – Countering Authoritarianism and Strengthening Global Alliances
The final session of Siang Dialogue 2.0 began with an address by Mr. Ninong Ering (MLA, Arunachal Pradesh; Co-Chair, IPAC India; Mentor, RLA), who underscored the need to counter Chinese authoritarianism and bolster regional resilience.
Ms. Ingrid Leary (Member of Parliament, New Zealand) delivered a powerful message on human rights violations, calling for global unity in addressing these challenges. Ms. Youdon Aukatsang (Parliamentarian, Central Tibetan Administration) expressed gratitude to India for supporting Tibetans in their struggle against Chinese aggression.
Major Amit Bansal highlighted China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific, advocating for India’s role as a Net Security Provider. Dr. Sonali Singh reinforced India’s position as a nation committed to global growth. Mr. Manishankar Prasad discussed China’s monopoly in semiconductor manufacturing, warning of its economic and geopolitical consequences.
Dr. Honey Raj emphasized the strategic importance of integrating knowledge from Tibet and Himalayan states in countering China’s expansionist policies. Ms. Gunjan Handa concluded the session by stressing how China is not just expanding financially and politically but also actively attempting to militarize infrastructure under the BRI initiative.
A Successful Conclusion to Siang Dialogue 2.0
The two-day Siang Dialogue 2.0 witnessed over 50+ distinguished speakers and experts across six thematic sessions, facilitating high-level discussions on India’s geopolitical challenges, economic strategies, and security landscape.
Red Lantern Analytica remains committed to fostering informed discussions and shaping global policy dialogues. With insightful deliberations and thought-provoking engagements, Siang Dialogue 2.0 has successfully laid the groundwork for future collaborations and strategic policymaking.
About Red Lantern Analytica:
Red Lantern Analytica is a premier international observers’ group dedicated to analyzing global security, economic resilience, and strategic affairs. Through research, dialogues, and expert discussions, the organization provides insights to policymakers, analysts, and global stakeholders on emerging geopolitical trends.
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