On 17 August 2026, Maj Gen Arun Roye (President, CENERS-K) and Col T S Sarkar (Secretary, CENERS-K) represented the Centre for Eastern and North Eastern Regional Studies, Kolkata (CENERS-K) at a high-level roundtable and fireside chat titled “From Hooghly to Hormuz: Waterways, Mobility and Connectivity in the India–Israel Special Strategic Partnership.” Held at Raajkutir, Kolkata, the event was organised by the India-Israel Centre, New Delhi.
Overview and participation
The session was chaired by Prof. Khinvraj Jangid, Head of the Centre for Israel Studies at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU). The academic panel and organising team included Dr. Navras Jaat Aafreedi (Presidency University / Kolkata University) and Prof. Shalom Sabar (Hebrew University of Jerusalem), supported by non-resident fellows of JGU.
Other key speakers and discussants included Dr. Tathagata Roy, former Governor of Meghalaya; Ms. Aparajita, Founder & CEO, Astit; Dr. Rachna, Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF); and Prof. Sarkar of Jadavpur University.
Core agenda and deliberations
The roundtable centred on bilateral synergy across two primary axes: identifying Israel’s strategic and technological offerings for India, and exploring how India can support Israel’s strategic, supply chain and human resource needs.
- Integrating Eastern India into IMEC and I2U2: discussions examined how Kolkata Port, the Haldia Dock Complex and the Bay of Bengal littoral can serve as vital eastern anchors for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and I2U2 initiatives, moving beyond the current focus on western ports.
- Maritime security and waterway optimisation: emphasis on Israeli logistics, port-management models (Haifa and Ashdod) and maritime domain awareness to secure sea lanes, protect seafarer livelihoods and enhance National Waterway 1 freight capacity.
- Technology, space and resource management: deliberations addressed agricultural innovation through cold-chain technology, optimal spatial planning, high-yield productivity in low-water-table regions, skill training and regulated human mobility.
- Regional geopolitics: speakers touched upon regional frameworks, maritime stability and evolving Middle Eastern accords.
Fireside chat: cultural and historical linkages
The proceedings concluded with a fireside chat led by Dr. Navras Jaat Aafreedi and the Chair, highlighting the legacy of Kolkata’s Baghdadi Jewish community as an enduring civilisational bridge underpinning modern India–Israel diplomatic and economic ties.