JII to Host One-Day Certificate Course on India’s Foreign and Security Policy for foreign diplomats, defence attachés, and journalists

New Delhi: The Jindal India Institute (JII) will host a one-day certificate course titled Understanding India’s Foreign and Security Policy in New Delhi on September 26, 2024. The course is set to bring together foreign diplomats, defence attachés, and international correspondents who are eager to deepen their understanding of India’s evolving geopolitical strategies and foreign policy.

The event promises to offer comprehensive insights into India’s global positioning, particularly focusing on its foreign policy and security dynamics.

The program, scheduled for September 26, 2024, will feature six in-depth modules led by some of the country’s leading experts in international relations, diplomacy, and strategic affairs.

Professor Dr. Sreeram Chaulia, Director General of JII and Professor at the Jindal School of International Affairs, will kick off the day with a session on the Essentials of India’s Foreign Policy. He is expected to provide participants with a broad overview of India’s foreign policy evolution, focusing on key themes such as strategic autonomy, non-alignment, and India’s growing role as a “leading power” in global affairs. Dr. Chaulia will likely address India’s increasing contributions as a net security provider, highlighting recent efforts to assert leadership in maintaining global stability.

Following this session, Ambassador Dr. Jitendra Nath Misra, former Ambassador to Portugal and Senior Fellow at JII, will take participants through the Nuts and Bolts of India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). His module is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the operational framework of the MEA, covering its various divisions, the roles of key officials, and the diplomatic engagement strategies that India employs in managing its foreign relations. Ambassador Misra is set to offer valuable insights into both formal communication protocols and informal networking practices that are essential for effective diplomacy.

Another key session, Ideology in India’s Worldview: Continuity and Change, will be led by Professor Dr. Hindol Sengupta, Director at JII. Dr. Sengupta is anticipated to explore the ideological factors that have shaped India’s foreign policy under successive governments. His session is expected to compare the foreign policy approaches of the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), discussing how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision aligns with terms such as Vishwaguru (world teacher) and Vishwabandhu (friend of the world). Dr. Sengupta will likely shed light on how India’s ideological outlook is shaping its international engagement.

In the afternoon, the course will shift its focus to India’s economic and security interests. Ambassador Dr. Mohan Kumar, former Ambassador to France, will present a session on India’s Economic Diplomacy. His talk is expected to highlight India’s ambitious goal of becoming a $10 trillion economy and the vital role foreign investment and technology partnerships will play in achieving this target. Ambassador Kumar is set to emphasize the importance of India’s foreign policy in keeping markets open for trade and investment while securing skilled labor opportunities abroad.

The course will also include a module on India’s Emerging Security and Defence Partnerships with the West, led by Dr. Swasti Rao, Associate Fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Dr. Rao will likely examine India’s growing security and defence cooperation with Western powers, focusing on key defence agreements, joint military exercises, and collaborations in technology. Participants can expect to gain insights into how these partnerships are influencing global security and enhancing India’s strategic positioning.

The final module, India in the Indo-Pacific, will be delivered by Dr. Pooja Bhatt, Associate Professor at the Jindal School of International Affairs. Dr. Bhatt is expected to explore the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on its economic potential and complex geopolitical landscape. Her session will likely highlight India’s efforts to maintain a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, as well as the country’s strategic partnerships in maritime security, regional connectivity, and economic cooperation.

The event will conclude with closing remarks by Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd.), former Director General of the Centre for Air Power Studies. Air Marshal Chopra is expected to reflect on the Indian military’s contributions to national security and its growing role in ensuring stability in key regions such as the Indo-Pacific. His remarks are likely to provide a fitting end to the day’s proceedings, underscoring the importance of India’s military capabilities in the global context.

Participants will also have opportunities to network during a high tea session, engaging with both the experts and fellow attendees. The event is expected to offer a platform for diplomats, strategic thinkers, and correspondents to exchange views on India’s global diplomacy.

The Jindal India Institute has been a key institution in providing high-level academic courses aimed at diplomats and international experts. With previous programs having attracted participants from over 29 countries, the JII continues to play a critical role in promoting a deeper understanding of India’s foreign and security policies. This upcoming course is expected to further enhance the global appreciation of India’s evolving role in international affairs, and its significance as a major player on the world stage.

As India rises in global prominence, the JII’s Understanding India’s Foreign and Security Policy course will offer invaluable insights into the complexities and nuances of India’s diplomatic and security strategies, solidifying its place as a key event for foreign professionals keen to engage with India’s geopolitical narrative.