Amid rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, energy insecurity, and climate challenges, India is steadily emerging as an influential voice in shaping the future global order. Against this backdrop, The Hindu Group, in association with Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), will host The Hindu Diplomacy & Sustainability Dialogues 2026 on May 13 at SIMATS, Chennai.

Centred around the theme “From Crisis to Leadership: India’s Global Role,” the event will bring together diplomats, strategic experts, academicians, and policymakers to deliberate on India’s growing diplomatic and sustainability leadership amid the ongoing West Asia crisis and rapidly evolving global dynamics.

The inaugural session will feature distinguished guests of honour, including T. S. Tirumurti, former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, New York; Talmiz Ahmad, former Ambassador to Oman, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, and professor, International Studies at Symbiosis International University, Pune; and Sunjay Sudhir, former Ambassador to the UAE and Maldives, and Fellow at IIM Ahmedabad. N. M. Veeraiyan, Chancellor, SIMATS, Chennai, will deliver the special address.

The first panel discussion, titled “India’s Diplomatic Balancing in West Asia: Strategic Autonomy, Energy Security & Global Responsibility,” will examine India’s diplomatic approach in the context of the evolving West Asia crisis. The session will feature Talmiz Ahmad; Prof. Gulshan Sachdeva, Jean Monnet Chair, School of International Studies, JNU; Sunjay Sudhir; and T. C. Karthikeyan, Professor of Politics and International Relations and Director, Centre for Public Policy & Administration, Saveetha School of Law. The discussion will be moderated by Suhasini Haidar, Diplomatic Editor, The Hindu.

The second panel discussion, “Impact of West Asia Crisis on Economic Disruptions & Sustainability: Implications for India,” will focus on disruptions in trade, energy markets, and supply chains, while also exploring the importance of keeping sustainability central to policymaking during periods of global conflict. Speakers for the session include Sudha Meiyappan, member, Economic Affairs Committee, SICCI; Col. Rajeev Agarwal, Senior Research Consultant, Chintan Research Foundation; and S. Pandiaraj, professor of International Law and Trade, Saveetha School of Law. The session will be moderated by Kunal Shankar, Deputy Business Editor, The Hindu.

The event will also feature a special fireside chat on “India’s Global Future: Leadership, Diplomacy & Sustainability in Times of Conflict,” during which Mr. Tirumurti will share insights on India’s growing strategic and diplomatic influence in an increasingly fragmented global landscape. Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor, The Hindu, will be in conversation with him. 

The dialogue aims to foster meaningful discussions on diplomacy, sustainability, economic resilience, and international cooperation, while exploring how India can transform present-day global challenges into opportunities for leadership and long-term sustainable progress.  The event will be live streamed at https://newsth.live/THSAVDP