National Seminar on India’s Domestic Imperatives and Diplomatic Engagements in Context of the Recent India-Bangladesh and India-Pakistan Relations

Name of the Activity: National Seminar on India’s Domestic Imperatives and Diplomatic Engagements in Context of the Recent India-Bangladesh and India-Pakistan Relations
Organising Department: Political Science in collaboration with Indian Association for Asian and Pacific Studies (IAAPS) and Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
Type of Activity: Academic Seminar
Date/ Duration of Activity (from-to): 20th June, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Details of Resource persons (Name, Designation, Affiliation, Area of Specialisation, etc):
Aneek Chatterjee, Author and Analyst of International Relations
Bimal Sankar Nanda, Associate Professor, Charu Chandra College, Kolkata
Siddhartha Dasgupta, Assistant Professor, Seth Anandam Jaipuria College
Sohini Bose, Associate Fellow, Strategic Studies Program, Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
Sohini Nayak, Executive Council Member of IAAPS

No. of Participants: 167 students and 13 Teachers

Objective of the event: The objective of this seminar is to critically examine the interplay between India’s internal socio-political and economic imperatives and its external diplomatic strategies, particularly in light of recent developments in its relations with Bangladesh and Pakistan. The seminar aims to: Analyze how domestic priorities—such as national security, economic growth, internal political dynamics, and regional stability—influence India’s foreign policy decisions.Explore recent points of conflict and cooperation in India-Bangladesh and India-Pakistan relations, identifying underlying causes and potential long-term implications. Assess the effectiveness of India’s diplomatic engagements in addressing bilateral tension while promoting regional peace and cooperation. Facilitate informed dialogue among scholars and academicians to contribute towards a more coherent and responsive foreign policy framework that aligns with India’s domestic needs and regional aspiration

Brief description of the event: On June 20, 2025, the Department of Political Science organized a thought-provoking seminar on “India’s Domestic Imperatives and Diplomatic Engagements in the Context of Recent India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh Conflicts” was organized to explore the intricate linkages between domestic concerns and international diplomacy. The event commenced with the symbolic watering of plants, signifying a commitment to nurturing knowledge and dialogue. The Vice-Principal (Arts), Debjani Ganguly, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the importance of understanding foreign policy through the lens of India’s internal priorities and regional realities. Her words set the tone for an engaging and insightful academic session. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Aneek Chatterjee, a renowned expert in international relations. He provided a comprehensive overview of how domestic imperatives—such as political stability, economic growth, and national identity—shape India’s approach to its neighbors, particularly in conflict situations. The plenary session was moderated by Dr. Aneek Chatterjee . There were three speakers in the Plenary Session.  The first speaker was Prof. Bimal Sankar Nanda , who focused on the complex and often volatile bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. His talk highlighted the historical roots of tension, the role of cross-border terrorism, and the impact of changing regional dynamics on diplomatic strategies. Dr. Siddhartha Dasgupta offered an analytical perspective on the issue of identity in the India-Bangladesh relationship. He discussed how historical memory, migration, and communal narratives continue to influence bilateral engagements and public sentiment in both countries. Ms. Sohini Bose brought attention to the growing importance of connectivity—economic, infrastructural, and cultural—in India-Bangladesh relations. She argued that enhanced connectivity can serve as a means of conflict mitigation and regional integration. A particularly engaging moment came when Aryan Mallick, a student of Semester 2, posed a compelling question to the panel regarding the stark differences between the European Union and SAARC in terms of structure, integration, and effectiveness. His question sparked a brief but enriching exchange among the speakers on regional cooperation mechanisms in South Asia. The program concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Dona Ganguly, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science. She acknowledged the contributions of all speakers, participants, and organizers for making the seminar a meaningful academic exercise.

Outcome of the event: The seminar provided valuable insights into India’s regional diplomacy, with special focus on the recent challenges and emerging opportunities in South Asia. It provided a comprehensive platform for students, scholars, and faculty members to critically examine India’s evolving foreign policy priorities in the context of its immediate neighbors. The seminar has successfully achieved the following outcomes: a. Enhanced Understanding of Regional Diplomacy: Participants have gained deeper insights into the historical and contemporary issues influencing India’s foreign relations with Bangladesh and Pakistan, including border management, trade dynamics, water sharing, migration, and security concerns; b. Academic Enrichment: The seminar has served as an academic stimulus encouraging students to engage in analytical thinking and apply theoretical frameworks to real-world geopolitical scenarios; c. Integration with Curriculum: As a part of their academic evaluation, students of Semester 4 will be required to write a comprehensive report on the seminar. This will serve as an assignment under the Calcutta University Semester 4 Tutorial Examination, thereby integrating the seminar’s content with their formal curriculum.