If you were to be a part of a community of Engineering leaders in India, what would be the most important aspects you would look for?

Perhaps consider aspects such as knowledge sharing, collaboration, industry insights, networking, mentorship, professional development and thought leadership for engineering-related issues.

I can suggest some essential aspects that could be valuable for engineering leaders in India to consider when looking for a community to join:

1. Expertise and Experience: The community should have experienced and knowledgeable engineering leaders with a proven track record of success in their respective fields.

2. Diversity and Inclusivity: A community that values diversity and inclusivity is crucial for ensuring all members feel valued and heard. It is essential to have a variety of perspectives and backgrounds to promote innovation and creativity.

3. Networking Opportunities: The community should provide ample opportunities for networking and building relationships with other leaders in the industry. This can lead to potential collaborations and partnerships in the future.

4. Continuous Learning: A community that emphasizes continuous learning and professional development can help members stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in the field.

5. Thought Leadership: The community should consist of thought leaders actively contributing to advancing engineering and technology in India. This can help members stay informed on the latest developments and contribute to the industry's growth.

only two things:
- openness
- authenticity

I'm afraid that being part of a community where people aren't safe to share their learnings and knowledge is pretty much pointless.

(this is true for any location, not just India)

Leaders need to be able to balance confidence and boldness with a good amount of humbleness and willingness to consider the opposing view(s) of others during healthy technical discussions.

Obviously, technical skills and capabilities are critical, but if the intention is to have staff interaction with customers/partners outside of India, soft skills become extremely important, including: (a) language/clarity of speech, (b) willingness/confidence to speak up and add perspective in meetings.  In regards to the "confidence to speak up" comment, I find that this is often a differentiator between two resources who might have the same technical skills, but one is more vocal in adding opinions or suggestions.