Pune: Eleventh International Relations Conference by Symbiosis School for International Studies kicks off with External Affairs Minister, Dr. Jaishankar, on Day 1

Pune: 25th November 2023, Pune: Symbiosis School for International Studies (SSIS) has marked the successful conclusion of the first day of its eleventh International Relations Conference (IRC) on November 25th and 26th, 2023, at the Symbiosis campus in Lavale, Pune. The event featured the Hon’ble External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, as the keynote speaker.

The conference theme, “India’s Strategic Thought and Its Global Impact,” provided the backdrop for lively discussions among practitioners, academics, and students in the field of international studies. The day was marked by insightful conversations on various dimensions of India’s strategic culture and its responses to global challenges.

“Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, expressed her delight at the success of the opening day. She commended the conference for surpassing expectations, facilitating dynamic dialogues, and serving as a valuable platform for discussions on India’s strategic thinking. Dr. Yeravdekar highlighted the event’s significance in shaping the future narrative of international relations.”

The Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, addressed and interacted with the youth. During the conference, Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized the significance of narratives in global discourse. He stated, “The G20 spoke about economic and political rebalancing, but it’s not just about who is talking but about what they are saying. Today, metaphors and concepts define power. Culture too needs to shift along with economics and politics for a complete shift.”

He further remarked, “Our future will only flourish when we have our own cultural foundation. Today, Bharat needs its narrative not just for itself but for the world. It is essential to consider cultural history, traditions, and political science alongside politics, economics, and technology. This is one of the visions of the Amrit Kal.”

Notably, the conference commenced with an exploration of the influential research paper by the late George K. Tanham, delving into Indian notions of the state and statecraft. Tanham’s work, derived from interactions with Delhi’s security elite, provided a significant backdrop for discussions on the evolution of India’s strategic thinking.

On the inaugural day of the event, distinguished speakers and academics took the lead in conducting sessions that delved into historical and contemporary factors shaping India’s responses to global and regional challenges. The unique perspective of the conference scrutinized strategic culture as both an environment and an intervention variable, influencing decision-makers in defining security interests and shaping alliances.

Aligned with the 2023 G20 agenda under India’s presidency, the day-one focus encompassed diverse aspects of internationalism, including warfare, geopolitics, ideas of nationhood, diplomatic practices, and more. The aim was to foster discussions on geopolitics highlighted in the Raisina Dialogue 2023, addressing global issues through solution-based discussions.

The outcomes of these day-one conference interactions will be compiled into a publication, presenting fresh approaches to understanding India’s strategic thought and contributing to India’s foreign policy narrative. Undoubtedly, the IRC continues to play a crucial role in engaging students and making them aware of geopolitical developments and their impact on India and the world.