Gourangalal Das, India’s Director General of the East Asia Division at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)

Gourangalal Das, India’s Director General of the East Asia Division at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), will brief Asia House Corporate Members on India’s diplomatic and economic priorities in East Asia, including China, at an off-the-record, in-person briefing on Monday 28 October.

Speaking at Asia House, Director General Das will share his unique insights into India’s security and trade relationship with China under the Modi administration. Despite China reclaiming its position as India’s number one trading partner in the 2023-24 financial year, relations between the two countries have been strained in recent years. Director General Das will address key issues including border tensions, the growing trade deficit and broader political-strategic disagreements.

Director General Das will also discuss the shifting dynamics in global supply chains, with India emerging as a key destination for countries seeking to de-risk from China. A former diplomat based in Washington DC, Director General Das will also share his perspectives on the upcoming US presidential election from India’s standpoint.

This off-the-record session will be moderated by Asia House Chief Executive Michael Lawrence OBE, and will provide members with a unique opportunity to hear directly from an official with extensive experience and direct involvement in India-China relations.

To register interest, please email Thomas Scott-Bell, Programme Producer: thomas.scott-bell@asiahouse.co.uk.