Prof. Rumki Basu, Head of Public Policy and Governance at the Institute of Social Sciences, presented on “India’s Foreign Policy in the Contemporary Era: Challenges and Opportunities.” She assessed India’s external engagements amid changing power dynamics, global crises, and emerging multilateral platforms. Prof. Basu highlighted India’s diplomatic evolution, key partnerships, and the need for policy coherence in balancing economic development with strategic imperatives in a multipolar world.
Dr. Mohammed Badrul Alam, former Head of Political Science at Jamia Millia Islamia, delivered a lecture on “Area Study Discourse in International Relations: An Evaluation.” He critically examined the relevance and evolution of area studies within IR scholarship. Drawing from historical and institutional contexts, Dr. Alam highlighted theoretical debates and the need to bridge regional knowledge with global analytical frameworks to ensure a nuanced understanding of international systems.
Dr. Malgorzata Bonikowska, President of the Centre for International Relations, Vistula University, Poland, addressed the topic “Europe and India in the New World (Dis)Order.” She examined the shifting global balance of power, analyzing how Europe and India navigate emerging geopolitical uncertainties. Dr. Bonikowska reflected on shared strategic interests, multilateralism, and the evolving nature of global governance in the face of disruptions like Brexit, the Ukraine conflict, and rising Asian power centers.
Dr. Laxman Kumar Behera, Associate Professor at JNU’s Centre for National Security Studies, delivered a lecture on “India’s Defence Spending in the Era of Global Geopolitical Uncertainties.” He analyzed India’s defense allocations in light of growing regional tensions, border security challenges, and modernization drives. Dr. Behera highlighted the strategic logic behind recent military investments and the interplay between budget constraints and India’s geopolitical ambitions in a rapidly changing security environment.
Dr. Md. Muddassir Quamar, Associate Professor at JNU, spoke on “Middle East Crisis and India’s Response.” He traced the geopolitical shifts in the Middle East and analyzed India’s diplomatic balancing among key regional actors. Dr. Quamar examined India’s energy interests, diaspora dynamics, and evolving strategic partnerships in the Gulf and beyond, emphasizing the importance of agile diplomacy in responding to the region’s recurring instability and strategic volatility.
Dr. J. Jeganaathan, Associate Professor at JNU’s Centre for European Studies, delivered a valedictory address on “Strengthening India-EU Relations through Multipolarity and Global Governance.” He discussed how India and the EU could recalibrate ties amid shifting global alignments. Dr. Jeganaathan emphasized the role of normative frameworks, strategic autonomy, and sustainable cooperation in fostering resilient partnerships and contributing to a more inclusive global governance architecture.
Dr. Patrick Holden, Associate Professor at the University of Plymouth, conducted a webinar on “International Relations.” He discussed the theoretical foundations of IR and their relevance in contemporary geopolitical developments. Dr. Holden explored the challenges posed by multipolarity, nationalism, and shifting power centers, encouraging students to engage with evolving global narratives and rethink IR from diverse perspectives beyond traditional Western paradigms.
Prof. Sanjay K. Bhardwaj, JNU, addressed “India in the Emerging Indo-Pacific Strategy,” focusing on India's strategic priorities in a region central to 21st-century geopolitics. He discussed the Indo-Pacific’s security architecture, maritime policies, and India’s engagement with frameworks like QUAD and ASEAN. Prof. Bhardwaj emphasized India’s role as a balancing power and examined opportunities and challenges in securing regional stability amid rising great-power rivalries.
Maj. Gen. Dr. Bipin Bakshi, Executive Director at Cyberdiplomacy and Senior Fellow at CLAWS, delivered a lecture on “National Security Strategies in Emerging Geopolitical Environment.” He explored India’s security doctrine amidst technological warfare, hybrid threats, and cyber vulnerabilities. Drawing from military and strategic expertise, he emphasized the need for a proactive, technologically adaptive security framework to respond to evolving global threats and safeguard national interests