The Jindal India Institute (JII) of JGU on September 26 hosted 31 foreign diplomats, foreign correspondents and defence attaches from 20 embassies, high commissions, international organisations and news agencies at the third edition of its one-day certificate course on ‘Understanding India’s Foreign and Security Policy’.

The countries and institutions represented in this training event were Australia, Brazil, Canada, European Union, Finland, Kenya, Lithuania, Norway, South Africa, Suriname, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania, Togo, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Zimbabwe, Russia Today (RT), Rossiyskaya Gazeta  and the International Committee of the Red Cross. 

The day-long engagement in New Delhi consisted of six modules delivered by expert practitioners and academicians in international and defence matters. They provided a nuanced understanding of India’s foreign policy objectives and security strategies in an increasingly complex international landscape.

Dr. Sreeram Chaulia, Professor and Director General of JII, kick-started the discussion by providing a comprehensive overview of the essentials of India’s foreign policy. The first half of the day featured a session explaining the detailed organisational structure, functioning and processes of India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Ambassador Sanjay Bhattacharya, Professor of Diplomatic Practice at the Jindal School of International Affairs, addressed various queries by the participants on the roles, responsibilities and divisions of the MEA.  Dr. Hindol Sengupta, Professor and Director of JII, delivered an address on India’s worldview that has shaped its foreign policy since Independence. Ambassador Dr. Mohan Kumar, Professor and Senior Fellow of JII, explained the unique aspects of India’s economic diplomacy, including trade negotiations and investment strategies.

India’s security architecture was the main focus of the second half of the course. Dr. Swasti Rao, Associate Fellow of the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, explored the country’s defence partnerships with western powers. India’s emerging role in the Indo-Pacific was covered by Dr. Pooja Bhatt, Associate Professor of the Jindal School of International Affairs.  The day concluded with a special address by Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd., Indian Air Force), who talked about the Indian military’s vital contributions to national security and the main ethos and doctrines which have guided India’s armed forces.

In the context of the event, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, President of JII and Vice Chancellor of JGU, said, “As India takes on a more prominent role in global affairs, initiatives like this certificate course can foster deeper understanding between India and the international community. JII aims to deliver comprehensive expert-led training programmes that spread international awareness of and support for India’s extraordinary accomplishments and potential. Our mission is to enhance India’s leadership role in the world through thought-provoking and educative courses such as these, which can open the eyes of the international community and win more friends for India globally.”

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