Mahadji Shinde Memorial Lecture: Mr. Yaniv Revach
The Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) launched the Mahadaji Shinde Memorial Lecture on Geopolitics on 20 August 2026, with its inaugural session delivered by Mr. Yaniv Revach, Consul General of Israel, Mumbai. The session focused on geopolitics, strategic statecraft, India–Israel relations, regional security and emerging regional alliances. Mr. Revach also highlighted opportunities for cooperation between India and Israel in areas such as technology, defence and innovation. The session was held at the Kale Hall Auditorium and concluded with an engaging open Q&A with the audience.
A close-door discussion was held at GIPE with the Honourable Vice Chancellor, Dr. Umakant Dash, and Mr. Yaniv Revach, Consul General of Israel, Mumbai. The discussion focused on strengthening India–Israel academic and institutional collaboration, particularly through joint research, academic exchanges and policy-oriented studies. Opportunities for cooperation in areas such as water management, technology and agriculture were also discussed.
Dr. Umakant Dash, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of GIPE, welcomed Mr. Yaniv Revach and highlighted the significance of the inaugural Mahadaji Shinde Memorial Lecture on Geopolitics. He described the lecture series as a timely initiative to understand the changing global geopolitical landscape. Dr. Dash also emphasised Mahadaji Shinde’s legacy as a strategist and diplomat and the relevance of his statecraft to contemporary geopolitics. He highlighted opportunities to strengthen GIPE–Israel collaboration through joint research, academic exchanges and policy-oriented studies.
Prof. Kedar Naik spoke about the strategic vision and statecraft of Mahadaji Shinde and explained the significance of naming the new geopolitics lecture series after him. He highlighted Mahadaji Shinde’s role in rebuilding Maratha power after the defeat at Panipat through military modernisation, diplomacy and political leadership. Prof. Naik described him as an “unsung hero” whose approach focused on restoring and maintaining order rather than creating a new order. He connected Mahadaji Shinde’s legacy with the study of geopolitics and contemporary strategic statecraft.
The inaugural session began with the felicitation of Mr. Yaniv Revach, Consul General of Israel, Mumbai, by Dr. Umakant Dash, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of GIPE. He was presented with a memento and a book as a token of appreciation. The felicitation marked the beginning of the Mahadaji Shinde Memorial Lecture on Geopolitics and reflected GIPE’s commitment to meaningful academic and diplomatic engagement.
Mr. Yaniv Revach, Consul General of Israel, Mumbai, delivered the inaugural lecture of the Mahadaji Shinde Memorial Lecture on Geopolitics. He spoke about the India–Israel relationship, highlighting opportunities for cooperation in technology, manufacturing, defence and innovation. He also discussed Israel’s security environment, regional geopolitical developments and emerging strategic alignments. The lecture offered valuable insights into contemporary geopolitics and the evolving India–Israel partnership.
The lecture received an enthusiastic response from the GIPE student community, with the auditorium houseful during the session. A large number of students attended the lecture and listened with keen interest to Mr. Revach’s perspectives on geopolitics, international relations and India–Israel cooperation. The session concluded with an engaging open Q&A, providing students an opportunity to interact directly with the Consul General.
Mr. Prateik Dhatrak, CFO, GIPE, delivered the Vote of Thanks at the conclusion of the inaugural Mahadaji Shinde Memorial Lecture on Geopolitics. He expressed gratitude to Mr. Yaniv Revach for sharing his valuable insights and to the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, faculty members, dignitaries and students for their presence and participation. He also acknowledged the efforts of everyone who contributed to the successful organisation of the programme.
