Interview Times 
BHUBANESWAR: The Jindal India Institute (JII) of O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) recently held the third edition of its prestigious one-day certificate course on ‘Understanding India’s Foreign and Security Policy’. The event was attended by 31 foreign diplomats, correspondents, and defence attaches from 20 embassies, high commissions, international organizations, and news agencies. This high-level gathering aimed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of India’s strategic global positioning.
Representatives from Australia, Brazil, Canada, the European Union, Finland, Kenya, Lithuania, Norway, Russia Today (RT), Rossiyskaya Gazeta, South Africa, Suriname, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania, Togo, the United Kingdom, the United States, Zimbabwe, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) participated in the event, underscoring the global interest in India’s evolving foreign and security policies.
The course consisted of six expertly curated modules, delivered by seasoned practitioners and academics specializing in international relations and defence. The sessions provided a detailed overview of India’s foreign policy goals, security strategies, and its role in the ever-changing geopolitical landscape.
Dr. Sreeram Chaulia, Professor and Director General of JII, opened the course with a comprehensive session on the foundational principles of India’s foreign policy. He emphasized India’s unique blend of strategic heritage, referencing Kautilya’s realpolitik and the idealism of the Upanishads. Dr. Chaulia explained key concepts such as strategic autonomy, non-alignment, multi-alignment, and India’s roles as a net security provider, first responder, Vishwa Mitra (friend of the world), and Vishwa Guru (world teacher).
Through this nuanced exploration, Dr. Chaulia highlighted how India skillfully navigates international engagements to strengthen its position as a ‘leading power’ on the global stage. The course sought to enrich the attendees’ perspectives on India’s long-term vision and the strategic intent behind its foreign policy.
