JAIR–MEA Distinguished Lecture Highlights India’s Maritime Heritage and Strategic Vision

 Kolkata, 1 July 2026: 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.