Samir Saran

Samir Saran

Architect of the Raisina Dialogue & Leading Authority on the Geopolitics of Technology and the Emerging World Order

Core Intelligence Domain: Geopolitics & Global Affairs
Location: New Delhi, India | Languages: English, Hindi
Representation: Represented globally by PSpeakers Global Intelligence

Samir Saran is a globally recognised strategist, author, and the President of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Asia’s premier independent think tank. A pioneering voice at the intersection of international relations, technology governance, and geoeconomics, Dr. Saran is renowned for institutionalising the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship platform for geopolitics, which he curates alongside the Ministry of External Affairs. As a trusted advisor to global C-suite leaders and policymakers, he provides unparalleled foresight into the shifting global order, the complexities of technology and cyber-security, and the emerging paradigms of climate transition. His strategic frameworks help multinational organisations navigate the volatility of contemporary international affairs and position themselves advantageously within a multi-polar world.

Global Leadership and Strategic Influence

Under his leadership, the Observer Research Foundation has grown into a formidable intellectual force, shaping policy dialogues across the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and the West. Dr. Saran’s expertise extends beyond regional strategy into the core of global institutional frameworks. He actively serves on prestigious international committees, having been a Commissioner on the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace and a prominent member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Geopolitics.

His deep understanding of the intersection between emerging technologies and statecraft makes him an indispensable resource for corporations aiming to understand the regulatory and security implications of artificial intelligence, digital sovereignty, and the ongoing tech fragmentation between global powers. Furthermore, his advisory work encompasses green energy transitions, where he advocates for equitable climate policies that balance sustainable development with robust economic growth in emerging markets.

Proprietary Frameworks and Notable Publications

Samir Saran has significantly contributed to the contemporary literature on global affairs. He is the co-author of highly acclaimed books, including The New World Disorder and the Indian Imperative (co-authored with Shashi Tharoor) and Pax Sinnica: Implications for the Indian Dawn. His writings frequently appear in leading international publications, offering nuanced perspectives on the strategic recalibration of alliances, the future of the Bretton Woods institutions, and the ‘Plurilateral’ approach to global problem-solving.

His proprietary analytical frameworks focus heavily on The Tech-Geopolitics Nexus—mapping how data flows, AI, and cyber capabilities are becoming the primary currencies of modern geopolitical power—and The Indo-Pacific Geoeconomic Architecture, providing boards of directors with actionable intelligence on supply chain resilience, decoupling, and strategic market entry.

Keynote Speaking Themes

• The New World Disorder: Navigating a multi-polar world, understanding shifting global alliances, and mastering the strategic imperatives for multinational corporations amidst geopolitical friction.
• The Geopolitics of Technology and AI: How artificial intelligence, cyber-security, and digital sovereignty are rewriting the rules of global competition, trade, and corporate risk management.
• The Indo-Pacific Century: Assessing the strategic, economic, and security dynamics of the world’s most crucial region and the direct implications for global supply chain realignment.
• Climate Diplomacy and the Green Transition: Understanding the geopolitical realities of energy transitions, critical mineral supply chains, and how businesses can align with new environmental mandates.
• Globalisation 2.0: Transitioning from traditional multilateralism to ‘plurilateralism’—how ad-hoc alliances, technology corridors, and regional pacts will define the future of international commerce.

Key Takeaways

• Macro-Strategic Foresight: Anticipate structural shifts in the global political economy to build highly resilient international business strategies and future-proof operations.
• Tech & Cyber Intelligence: Gain a critical understanding of how technological decoupling, AI races, and digital regulation directly impact cross-border operations and corporate security.
• Indo-Pacific Expertise: Leverage deep, on-the-ground insights into Asian markets, shifting regional alliances, and supply chain vulnerabilities to optimise global investments.
• Actionable Policy Navigation: Learn to interpret geopolitical volatility not merely as a corporate risk, but as a catalyst for identifying emerging opportunities in sustainable energy, technology, and trade.