Rules of Engagement: Pataliputra Policy Forum

The Pataliputra Policy Forum is a non-partisan, independent platform for policy dialogue, strategic analysis, and intellectual exchange on geopolitics, internal security, social development, and political economy. Engagement with the Forum is governed by the following principles:

Institutional Independence and Neutrality

The Forum operates as an independent intellectual platform and does not represent the official position of the Government of India, any foreign government, or any international organisation. Views expressed by members, speakers, or contributors are personal and do not constitute institutional endorsement.

Nature of Association

Association with the Forum may take the form of participation in dialogues, lectures, roundtables, advisory discussions, or written contributions. Such association does not imply formal affiliation, employment, or fiduciary responsibility unless explicitly stated in writing.

Chatham House–Style Confidentiality

Unless otherwise agreed, discussions held under the Forum’s auspices follow a confidentiality principle. Participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of speakers or participants may be disclosed without prior consent.

No Attribution Without Consent

No statement, remark, or viewpoint shared during closed-door or semi-closed engagements shall be attributed—directly or indirectly—to any participant without their explicit approval. This applies particularly to serving officials and diplomats.

Respect for Official Responsibilities

Serving government officers, diplomats, and military personnel participate strictly in their personal or professional capacity, consistent with their service rules. The Forum does not seek, solicit, or encourage disclosure of classified, sensitive, or privileged information.

Non-Advocacy and Non-Lobbying

The Forum does not engage in lobbying, policy advocacy for commercial interests, or political campaigning. Its purpose is analytical and deliberative, not transactional or persuasive.

Balanced and Plural Discourse

The Forum encourages a diversity of perspectives and disciplined disagreement. Participation implies respect for reasoned debate, evidence-based argumentation, and intellectual integrity. Personal attacks, ideological dogmatism, or partisan rhetoric are discouraged.

Editorial Independence

Where articles, essays, or commentaries are published under the Forum’s banner, editorial decisions rest solely with the Forum. Contributors retain intellectual ownership of their views, while the Forum retains the right to contextualise or curate content consistent with its scholarly standards.

No Commercial Endorsement

Association with the Forum does not permit the use of its name, logo, or platforms for commercial promotion, brand endorsement, or private consultancy without explicit written approval.

Transparency and Disclosure

Participants are encouraged to disclose relevant conflicts of interest—financial, institutional, or professional—where such disclosure enhances transparency and credibility.

Right to Withdraw and Disassociate

Participants may withdraw from engagements at any time. Similarly, the Forum reserves the right to decline or discontinue association if engagement is found to be inconsistent with its principles of independence, integrity, or decorum.

Public Representation

Public references to participation should reflect the consultative and intellectual nature of the Forum. Titles such as “speaker,” “participant,” or “contributor” are preferred over formal-sounding affiliations unless contractually defined.