India Foundation, in collaboration with the India Habitat Centre, organised a book discussion on the book ‘The New World: 21st Century Global Order and India’, by Dr Ram Madhav, President, India Foundation, on 27 November 2025 at Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre. Amb Harshvardhan Shringla, Member of Parliament and Former Foreign Secretary of India; Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice-Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru University & Dr. Sanjaya Baru, Former Media Advisor to the Prime Minister of India discussed the book with the author. The session was moderated by Capt. Alok Bansal, Executive Vice President, India Foundation.
The event was attended by senior Indian and Foreign diplomats, academics, scholars, students and policy practitioners who listened to the panelists with great zeal and enthusiasm who examined the themes of the book and their contemporary relevance. The discussion explored the evolving nature of global politics, noting the gradual shift from earlier idealistic interpretations of world affairs to a more realist understanding shaped by power dynamics and strategic competition. It was observed that while multi-polarity was once viewed as a stabilising development, it now appears increasingly complex and unpredictable, raising questions about the nature and direction of the emerging global order. The conversation also reflected on how domestic policies and legislative frameworks are intertwined with India’s strategic choices in a rapidly changing external environment.
The panel drew upon diverse intellectual perspectives, ranging from theories linking power and knowledge to structural analyses of the international system to assess India’s position within contemporary global alignments. Civilisational narratives were discussed as an important lens for understanding international relations, with emphasis on the idea that inclusive approaches often strengthen political and cultural confidence. The dialogue further examined India’s post-colonial journey, particularly the enduring influence of non-alignment on its strategic identity, and how the nation’s aspirations have evolved over the past 75 years. Economic capability was highlighted as a foundational element of national power and a crucial factor in shaping India’s global engagement going forward. The session concluded with an interactive exchange with the audience, and questions were asked about shifting global structures, choices before India in the changed global scenario, rise of China and the challenges it poses to regional security, the viability of strategic autonomy etc.
