Rajiv Bhatia

Rajiv Bhatia

Distinguished Fellow, Foreign Policy Studies Programme

Ambassador Rajiv Bhatia is Distinguished Fellow, Foreign Studies Programme at Gateway House. He is a member of CII’s International Advisory Council, Trade Policy Council and Africa Committee. He is the Chair of FICCI’s Task Force on Blue Economy, and served as Chair of Core Group of Experts on BIMSTEC. He is a founding member of the Kalinga International Foundation and a member of the governing council of Asian Confluence.  As Director General of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) from 2012-15, he played a key role in strengthening India's Track-II research and outreach activities. During a 37-year innings in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), he served as Ambassador to Myanmar and Mexico and as High Commissioner to Kenya, South Africa and Lesotho. He dealt with a part of South Asia, while posted as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. A prolific columnist, he is also regular speaker on foreign policy and diplomacy in India and abroad. He was Senior Visiting Research Fellow during 2011-13 at the Institute of South East Asian Studies (ISEAS), Singapore. He holds a master’s degree in political science from Allahabad University.  His first book India in Global Affairs: Perspectives from Sapru House (KW Publishers, 2015) presented a sober and insightful view of India’s contemporary foreign policy. His second book,  India-Myanmar Relations: Changing contours(Routledge 2016) received critical acclaim. His third book, India-Africa Relations: Changing Horizons (Routledge 2022) has also been receiving positive reviews.  
Expertise

Foreign Policy, Quad & Indo-Pacific, South & South-East Asia, Africa, Blue Economy

Last modified: July 5, 2024

Recent projects

g7-summit-1-6927406-1718390321112 Courtesy:
20 June 2024 WION

BRICS and G7: India’s trapeze act

Prime Minister Modi’s third term began with India’s participation at the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Russia and the Outreach Session of G7 in Italy. India’s participation at both conferences highlighted New Delhi’s continuing preoccupation with great powers. How Indian diplomacy navigates ties between the West and BRICS will shape and decide its strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.
SouthAfricaElection Courtesy:
6 June 2024 WION

South Africa after elections: Four scenarios

African National Congress (ANC) lost its long-held majority in the recent national elections in South Africa. While President Ramaphosa continues to be a pivotal actor in the new landscape, the political stakes have become higher as the new government sets about solving the dire economic issues that ordinary citizens face.
A man walks past election posters of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), as South Africa prepares for the May 29 general elections, in Soweto, South Africa, May 24, 2024. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko Courtesy:
27 May 2024 Gateway House

South Africa goes to the polls

South Africa goes to the polls this week, and there is much to watch: a new electoral system, the fate of the African National Congress, a potential coalition, the promise of economic renewal, and a foreign policy agenda. The winner will have to get to work at once to tackle these simultaneous challenges and ambitions.
231207084123-xi-jinping-eu-leaders-120723 Courtesy:
23 May 2024 WION

Xi’s diplomatic push in Europe

Chinese President Xi Jinping's three-nation tour to France, Serbia and Hungary in early May highlighted China's aim to bolster ties and navigate shifting global power dynamics. The trip's implications are significant for all major powers, including India, which must inject more creativity and energy in building up its strategic partnerships with G7 nations after the elections.
BhatiaAfrica Courtesy: Business Insider India
9 May 2024 Vivekananda International Foundation

India’s efforts to engage Africa

Since 2014, India has been deliberate in its efforts to build stronger ties across Africa. It is characterised by high-level visits, increased diplomatic presence and the integration of the African Union into the G20. The continent’s significance will only grow. India must continue to deepen cooperation across the political, security, economic, and socio-cultural domains and promote Africa’s interests.
Manifestos Courtesy: Business Standard
2 May 2024 Gateway House

Foreign policy in India’s electoral fray

As 960 million Indians set out to cast their votes in the on-going electoral fray, a good number will be concerned with India’s global image and policy, now more front-and-centre than ever before. The contesting political parties have differing views of how India should engage internationally. How will these resonate with the vast electorate? The foreign policy agendas in the various party manifestos are worth assessing.
Asean and neighbours can break Myanmar impasse Courtesy: Hindustan Times
25 April 2024 Hindustan Times

ASEAN, neighbours can break Myanmar impasse

Since the military coup in 2021, fighting continues unabated in several parts of Myanmar, including the strategically important Rakhine state. The country’s internal problems can't be solved by the Myanmarese people alone. Experts in ASEAN and Myanmar's neighbours should be given the chance to offer solutions driven by their understanding of the history, national identity, diversity, challenges and potential of this country.
Indo-pac regaining salience Courtesy: CGTN
18 April 2024 WION

Indo-Pacific’s shifting seas

China’s hostile actions in the East and South China Seas have led to a deepening of naval partnerships within the Indo-Pacific such as the U.S., Japan, Philippines, Australia and South Korea. As crises in West Asia escalate and the strategic contest between the U.S. and China hardens in the Pacific Ocean, India – placed strategically in the Indo-Pacific – can’t neglect either the west nor east.
Myanmar needs outside help Courtesy: The Indian Express
11 April 2024 The Indian Express

Myanmar needs outside help

Over three years of civil war in Myanmar, and there is no end in sight. The country’s stakeholders are unable to de-escalate the conflict or reliably distribute aid to those affected. Friends, including India, must step in — not only to stop the fighting and alleviate the suffering, but to help facilitate a return to normalcy.
20230309265L Courtesy: The Hindu
28 March 2024 The Hindu

All eyes on the Indian Ocean region

During his visit to New Delhi this week, Australia's navy chief highlighted the need for greater maritime cooperation on security issues in the Indo-Pacific. While India is aware of its growing role in maintaining a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, it must also convey to its partners that on matters of security, it prioritises dangers closer to home in its Indian Ocean neighbourhood.