Two-Day International Conference on International Relations and Viksit Bharat 2047: Diplomacy, Security, Development and India’s Global Futures
“Connecting India’s Global Engagement with the National Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Dates: Friday–Saturday, 27–28 November 2026
Venue: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Organiser: The Jadavpur Association of International Relations (JAIR)
Conference email: conference@jaironline.com
Background and Concept Note
India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 represents a comprehensive national aspiration to transform the country into a developed, inclusive, technologically advanced, sustainable and globally influential nation by the centenary of its independence. The vision is not confined to economic growth; it also encompasses human development, social justice, good governance, technological innovation, environmental sustainability, cultural confidence, strategic autonomy and a more significant role for India in international affairs. In an increasingly complex international environment marked by geopolitical rivalries, conflicts, technological disruption, climate change, economic uncertainty, changing patterns of globalisation and the rise of new centres of power, India’s developmental ambitions are closely connected with its foreign policy and international engagements. The realisation of Viksit Bharat 2047 will therefore depend not only upon domestic reform but also upon India’s capacity to navigate the global political, economic, strategic and technological order. India’s participation in the G20, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and other multilateral and plurilateral platforms has significantly expanded its diplomatic profile. At the same time, India’s advocacy of the interests of the Global South, commitment to strategic autonomy, leadership in digital public infrastructure, engagement in climate diplomacy and growing role in Indo-Pacific affairs have created new possibilities for global leadership. The conference proposes to bring the discipline of International Relations into direct conversation with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. It will examine how India’s foreign policy, economic diplomacy, strategic partnerships, defence preparedness, regional engagements, technological capabilities, cultural resources and global development initiatives can contribute to the country’s long-term transformation. The conference will also critically assess the international opportunities and constraints that may influence India’s development trajectory. It will encourage interdisciplinary conversations among scholars of International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Public Policy, Strategic Studies, History, Sociology, Law, Development Studies, Environmental Studies, Technology Studies and Cultural Studies. Organised by The Jadavpur Association of International Relations (JAIR), the conference seeks to provide an inclusive academic platform for teachers, researchers, students, policymakers, diplomats, professionals, civil-society representatives and international participants to exchange ideas and formulate meaningful policy recommendations.
JAIR–MEA Distinguished Lecture
The Jadavpur Association of International Relations (JAIR), in collaboration with the Department of International Relations, Jadavpur University, the School of International Relations and Strategic Studies (SIRSS), and the Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, organised an MEA Distinguished Special Lecture at Vivekananda Hall, Jadavpur University. The lecture, titled “India’s Maritime History and Strategy,” was delivered by Ambassador Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, IFS (Retd.), an eminent diplomat with extensive experience in Indian foreign policy and international affairs. The programme formed part of the Ministry of External Affairs’ Distinguished Lecture Series, which brings experienced diplomats and foreign-policy specialists into conversation with universities and academic institutions across India. Ministry of External Affairs In his address, Ambassador Chakravarty placed India’s maritime heritage within a broader historical and strategic context. He discussed the enduring importance of the Indian Ocean, India’s long-standing maritime connections with Asia and other regions, and the growing relevance of maritime security to the country’s foreign-policy and national-security priorities. The lecture also highlighted the importance of sea routes, trade, connectivity, naval preparedness and regional cooperation in shaping India’s contemporary strategic outlook. The programme brought together distinguished guests, faculty members, researchers and students. Their active participation contributed to a lively academic exchange and demonstrated the growing interest among young scholars in maritime history, diplomacy and Indo-Pacific affairs. The event reflected JAIR’s continuing commitment to promoting informed discussion on contemporary international relations and strategic affairs. It also strengthened academic engagement between Jadavpur University and the Ministry of External Affairs by providing students and researchers with an opportunity to learn directly from an experienced practitioner of Indian diplomacy. JAIR expressed its sincere gratitude to Ambassador Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, the Ministry of External Affairs, the collaborating institutions, distinguished guests, faculty members, researchers and students for making the programme an engaging and memorable academic occasion. Details and photographs of the programme have been shared through JAIR’s LinkedIn page, Facebook page and Instagram page.