CONCEPT NOTE:

The Amity Institute of International Studies (AIIS), Amity University, Noida Campus proposes to organise its flagship international conference Vijigishu 2023 on the theme ‘Emerging Contours of India’s Foreign Policy amidst Global Uncertainties’. The objective of the conference will be to critically assess and analyse the evolving trends and orientations in India’s foreign policy amidst a changing balance of power and the uncertainties inherent in the international system. India enters the 75th year of its independent existence, amidst a power shift unravelling in the Indo-Pacific. The tension in U.S.-China great power competition is growing by the day, in the maritime expanse of the Indo-Pacific to the race for new technologies. Since its independent existence in the firmament of nation-states, even in times of extremely limited material capabilities, India has always aspired to practice relative autonomy in its foreign policy.

In the 21st century, India has been overt in expressing its aspirations to become a power of global reckoning and has shown a growing appetite for practising realpolitik to advance its interest. Since its independence, India despite severe material deficit was able to chart a path of its own in the international arena and present a distinct worldview. It certainly did not have the capability to shape the world order in its own image, but nevertheless had enough persistence to not blindly follow the path created by the bipolar structure of the Cold War. Changing geopolitical circumstances after the end of Cold War turned a new leaf in India’s engagement with the West and the United States. Moreover, the structural challenges posed by a rising China led to Delhi finding strategic convergence with the United States and its allies, to protect and promote its interest.

But at the same time, Delhi maintained its own sense of international partnerships and threat perceptions, which does not completely align with the United States. For instance, the nature of India’s engagement with countries like Russia and Iran, which are hardcore adversaries of the United States, follow a distinct path of its own. Moreover, despite a strategic embrace with the United States to counteract China’s assertive rise, Delhi has its own home-grown toolkit to deal with the China challenge that combines elements of cooperation, competition, and confrontation. With India taking the baton of the G20 Presidency from Indonesia this year, there is a new juncture in India’s foreign policy and diplomacy. It is indeed a moment of opportunity to implement India’s vision of inclusive multilateral governance of the international system while being mindful of the vagaries of current geopolitics.

New Delhi’s call for “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) is well appreciated globally, but it also must navigate an era of growing great power rivalry and the need for a pragmatic turn in its foreign policy approach. The primary task of India’s foreign policy will be to ensure an external environment that is conducive to India’s transformation and development. Inquiring on the changes and continuities in India’s foreign policy will form a part of the debates and discussions during the conference. The discussion will be centred specifically in exploring the ways and mechanism by which India can maximize its national interests and elevate its profile in the international system. AIIS, through Vijigihsu 2023, will make a modest attempt to provide a platform to the academic, diplomatic, and strategic community to exchange views on the identified themes.

Inaugural

Session I: Theoretical and Conceptual Debates on India’s Foreign Policy

Session II: India’s Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World Order

Session III: India’s Immediate and Extended Neighbourhood: Dynamics and Impact

Session IV: India and Multilateral Engagements

Session V: India’s Major Power Relations

Session VI: India’s Soft Power and the Role of Diaspora

Panel Discussion by Students/Researchers -Perspectives on India’s Foreign Policy

Panel Discussion by Delegates - Emerging Issues in India’s Foreign Policy and The Way Forward

Valedictory

OVERVIEW OF THE INSTITUTIONS:

Amity Institute of International Studies

Amity Institute of International Studies is the fastest growing institution in Amity University which draws strengths from the development of niche and emerging programmes in the field of International Relations granting opportunities to the students to explore the field and attune themselves according to the domain specifics. AIIS offers to the prospective students the befitting opportunities once they complete these specially designed programmes successfully in private, public sector and the Government. The students going through the academic rigour and the exposure and opportunities provided by the institute, the graduates are likely to be equipped to handle intricacies of the international relations, making them suitable to build their career in Civil Services and international organizations, in Media, MNCs and NGOs. 

The institute is well networked with various renowned organizations in India and abroad the professional network of key officials and academicians. The institute engages top academicians, experts in the field and specialized organizations to design the best syllabus, making those relevant and responsible to the current needs and time. The institute has the advantage of drawing best expertise in the field that are currently available within the system of Amity University, Noida, to groom the students making them best professionals in the field. The institute offers the academic programmes with latest pedagogical support and by offering specialized workshops, webinars, conferences etc., and also individual experts and professionals in the field for the students to gain unlimited exposure. 

The institute is supported by qualified Director, Senior Professors, Assistant Professors, Distinguished Visiting Professors, Professors of Eminence in the field, experts, Research organizations and non-teaching and administrative staff. The institute provides a highly conducive environment and offers counselling and mentor support. The institute provides open and easy access to the students to interact with the higher authorities to address any of their academic and non-academic issues providing the much sought-after comfort level to the students to enjoy the study and in the professional development. 

Ministry of External Affairs

The Ministry of External Affairs of India is the government agency responsible for implementing Indian foreign policy. The Ministry of External Affairs is headed by the Minister of External Affairs, a Cabinet Minister. The Foreign Secretary, an Indian Foreign Service officer, is the most senior civil servant who is the head of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry represents the Government of India through embassies and is also responsible for India's representation at the United Nations and other international organizations and expanding and safeguarding India's influence and Indian interests across the world by providing developmental aid to other countries worth billions of dollars. It also advises other Ministries and State Governments on foreign governments and institutions.

School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University

Established in 1955, the School of International Studies is the oldest school of the University. During the forty-six years of its existence, the School has established itself as one of the premier institutions in the country for the study of international relations and area studies. The School has made pioneering contributions in promoting the study of international relations as an academic discipline in India and in advancing knowledge and understanding of international affairs in an inter-disciplinary perspective. The School is also the first institution in the country to promote "Area Studies" and to develop expertise on various counties and regions of the world. It has also acquired an international reputation as a center of advanced learning.

School of International Studies, Central University of Gujarat

The School has been conceptualised to encourage diversity in the constitution of knowledge of international affairs in India. Its current focus is on creating new and relevant knowledge in the core IR areas such as International Politics and Security Studies. In the coming years, the School intends to pursue research in history, theory and sociology of modern India's international relations and all areas of Security Studies. Aware of the Gujarat's historical connections with the larger world, it will pursue research on maritime influences on India's trade, culture and security. These relatively new areas would be pursued alongside more conventional research areas such as International Relations Theories, International Organisations, International Trade and Development, International Law, and Globalisation. Among geographical area studies, the School's immediate area of focus is the India immediate and extended neighbourhood. Programmes and the Centres of the School are interdisciplinary to the extent possible in the Indian context. All programmes of the School equally emphasise theory and policy and train students to contribute meaningfully to the society, country and the world at large.

Springer Nature

Springer Nature is a global and progressive business, founded on a heritage of trusted and respected brands – including Springer, founded in 1842, Macmillan, founded in 1843 and Nature, first published in 1869. Nearly two centuries of progress and advancement in science and education have helped shape the business we are today. Research and learning continues to be the cornerstone of progress, and we will continue to open doors to discovery through trusted brands and innovative products and services. Springer Nature Group was created in May 2015 through the combination of Nature Publishing Group, Macmillan Education and Springer Science and Business Media. The main shareholders of Springer Nature are Holtzbrinck Publishing Group and BC Partners. Holtzbrinck, a family-owned company based in Stuttgart, holds a majority share of 53 per cent.

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)

Established in 1927, FICCI is the largest and oldest apex business organisation in India. Its history is closely interwoven with India's struggle for independence, its industrialization, and its emergence as one of the most rapidly growing global economies.

A non-government, not-for-profit organisation, FICCI is the voice of India's business and industry. From influencing policy to encouraging debate, engaging with policy makers and civil society, FICCI articulates the views and concerns of industry. It serves its members from the Indian private and public corporate sectors and multinational companies, drawing its strength from diverse regional chambers of commerce and industry across states, reaching out to over 2,50,000 companies.

FICCI provides a platform for networking and consensus building within and across sectors and is the first port of call for Indian industry, policy makers and the international business community.

Objectives of the Conference

This proposal envisages for an international conference that would explore the challenges and prospects for India’s foreign policy. What would be the specific focus of India’s foreign policy especially in the context of promoting India’s national interest will form a major part of discourse. The objectives of the conference will be:

  • To explore the dynamism in the domestic and external milieu of India’s foreign policy.
  • To assess the evolving dimensions of the world order and its impact on the orientations of India’s foreign policy.
  • To analyse the regional priorities in India’s foreign policy making.
  • To assess the most pertinent military and non-military issues impacting India’s foreign policy.
  • To evaluate a future roadmap of India’s foreign policy and its place in the international system.

Learning Outcomes of the Conference

  • The participants will be acquainted with a better understanding of the evolving dynamics in the sources of India’s foreign policy.
  • The participants will be able to locate the goals and objectives of India’s foreign policy in the current geopolitical context.
  • The participants will acquire the skills and attributes to assess the importance of different geopolitical regions in India’s foreign policymaking.
  • The participants will also be able to understand the ways in which a future roadmap of India’s foreign policy opportunities and challenges can be analysed.

SUB-THEMES

The participants are requested to submit their papers in accordance to the theme on the topics given below: -

  1. Theoretical and Conceptual Debates on India’s Foreign Policy
  2. India’s Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World Order
  3. India’s Immediate and Extended Neighbourhood: Dynamics and Impact
  4. India and Multilateral Engagements
  5. India’s Major Power Relations
  6. India’s Soft Power and Role of Diaspora
  7. Emerging Issues in India’s Foreign Policy and Way Forward

RESOURCE PERSONS (Tentative):

The speakers are persons of eminence in the field of foreign policy and strategic studies and change makers from both the field and academic realm.

  • Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary, New Emerging and Strategic Technologies Divison, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi
  • C. Rajamohan, Senior Fellow, Asia Society Policy Institute, New Delhi
  • David Scott, Lecturer, International Relations, Brunel University, UK
  • Avinash Paliwal, Deputy Director, SOAS South Asia Institute, London
  • Ambassador (Dr. ) Arvind Gupta, Director, Vivekananda International Foundation, New Delhi
  • Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi
  • Sujan R. Chinoy, Director General, Manohar Parikkar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi
  • Shivshanker Menon, India’s Former Foreign Secretary and Distinguished Fellow, Center for Social and Economic Progress
  • Nirupama Rao, Former India’s Foreign Secretary
  • Srikanth Kondapalli, Dean, School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi
  • Prabir De, Coordinator of ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi
  • Manish, Dean SIS, Central University of Gujarat
  • Aparajita Singh, Associate Editor, Palgrave Macmillan
  • Indrani Bagchi, Diplomatic Editor, Times of India
  • Amb Rajiv Bhatia, Distinguished Fellow, Gateway House, Mumbai and Former Ambassador of India to Myanmar
  • Gautam Bambawale, Former Ambassador to China
  • Dr Sreeradha Datta, Professor, O P Jindal Global University, Sonepat
  • Constantino Xavier, Centre for Economic and Social Progress (CESP), New Delhi
  • Shankari Sundaraman, Centre for Indo-Pacific Studies, School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi

REGISTRATION FEE:

  • Research Scholars- 1000/- INR
  • Faculty Members- 1700/- INR

PUBLICATION: Selected papers would be published in a form of Book (with additional Charges.)

ELIGIBILITY

The participant selection shall be based on the entries which fall apt in accordance with the theme of the webinar. They are not limited to areas of World politics, Education, Sociology, Political Science, Law and Social Sciences, but it invites all areas of the humanities domains to participate and prosper with the dialogue.

Participants will be limited to 45* (paper presenters) and 400+ attendees including faculties, research scholars and students of both UG/PG level. The webinar shall cater to the enlightenment, learning and updating the knowledge of the students, faculties, research scholars and policy makers in the field of foreign policy and world politics.

Platform: Physical Mode

Date :27-29th September 2023

Time : 10.00 to 5.00 pm. 

IMPORTANT DATES:

Abstract Submission: 30th June 2023

Notification of acceptance of Abstract: 15th July 2023

Final Paper Submission: 14th August 2023

Conference dates:27 – 29 September 2023

BUDGET:

Income

Expenses

Participants Designation

Registration Fee: (for 3 days) Amount (Rs.)

No. of participants (Tentative)

Total Amount (Rs.)

Particulars

Required No.

Rate @ Rs.

Total
       

Faculty and Sr. Researchers (thinktanks)

1700

40

68000/-

Certificate's print

200

10/-

2000.00

Research Scholars (with student ID card)

1000

25

25000/-

Kit (Bag+conference pad +pen)

150

@150/-

22500.00
       

Lunch

 80/- per day for 3 days

@63/- per person+GST

16000.00
       

Tea and Biscuits

80/- per day for 3 days (twice a day)

@6.50/-

4000.00
       

Felicitations for panelist +chair (inaugural +valedictory)

30

@600/-

18000.00
       

Saplings

25

@100

2500.00
       

Badges + Banner+Poster Misc. (stick folders-100)

    

4750.00

Total Amount

93000/-

Total Amount:

20% to Amity University

69780/-

23250/

 Outcome : This international conference will focus on the visible signs of changing contours of India’s foreign policy amidst global uncertainties. The year 2023 has been a decisive year for showcasing India’s raised stature as the country achieved presidency in two very important multilateral organisations Group of 20 (G20) and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The students will immensely benefit in understanding, exploring and through delegate interactions on the physical mode and learn insights on various aspects of India’s foreign policies through varied perspectives which in synchronisation with the syllabus of IR for both UG and PG programme. The proceedings of the conference will be published by Palgrave Macmillan.

No. of participants (tentative) - 400+ (excluding paper presenters-50 approx.)

Hosted by

Amity Institute of International Studies, Amity University, Noida

Conference Partners

  • Ministry of External Affairs
  • School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University
  • School of International Studies, Central University of Gujarat
  • Springer Nature
  • Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)

Chief Convenor:

  • (Dr.) Nagalaxmi M. Raman

Convenor:

  • Manjari Singh

(vijigishu.aiis@amity.edu)

Conference Coordinators:

  • Shreesh K Pathak
  • Divya Anand
  • Ashutosh
  • Anubhav Roy

2023 all rights reserved. AKCDS