On December 5, 2025, India Foundation organised a roundtable discussion on BRICS featuring two distinguished Russian experts Mr. Boris Tarasov, Member, Expert Council of the Committee on International Affairs, State Duma (Parliament of Russia); Secretary General, BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance and Founder and CEO, BRICS Traditional Values Forum and Lady Larisa Evans, Lady of the Order of Saint Maurizio and Saint Lazaro and Communications Director, BRICS Traditional Values Forum.

The discussions examined Brazil’s 2025 BRICS presidency and provided insights into India’s upcoming presidency commencing from January 1, 2026. The Key topics included the traditional values frameworks within BRICS. The discussion focused on understanding BRICS evolution in a transforming global order, with particular emphasis on non-traditional cooperation areas including cultural exchange and business entrepreneurship based on traditional values.

 

A delegation from India Foundation attended the Joint Program of the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS) and the India Foundation at Tehran, Iran from 1-4^th December 2025, representing a continuation of India’s strategic involvement with a very crucial country of the region. The delegation was led by Dr Ram Madhav, President of India Foundation, and also included Capt Alok Bansal, Executive Vice President, India Foundation; Dr Ausaf Sayeed, former Secretary (CPV & OIA) in the Ministry of External Affairs and former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Seychelles; Amb Ruchira Kamboj, Former Permanent Representative to UN, India and Member of Governing Council of India Foundation and Dr Pavan Chaurasia, Research Fellow India Foundation.

On 1^st December 2025, the delegation arrived at Tehran. The session began on 2^nd December 2025 with a meeting of the delegation with Dr. Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister and President of the IPIS who welcomed the delegates for the conference and expressed his pleasure to host the delegates from India. Dr Madhav reciprocated the sentiments and thanked the leadership of the IPIS for the warm hospitality and comfort and for taking good care of the delegation. The roundtable began with the opening remarks by Dr Khatibzadeh who introduced the IF delegation with the diplomats, experts and scholars who were invited by the IPIS for the joint roundtable. He also emphasised about the troubles and challenges that contemporary world and especially West Asia in facing in the contemporary scenario, which includes conflicts, violation of international laws and a drift from the rule based world order. He expressed hope that amidst these hostile India and Iran would be able to further strengthen their ties. Dr Madhav, in his introductory remarks pointed out that Iran and India have been connected not just historically but civilizationally too and that there is a very strong people to people connect between the people of two great countries. Setting the tone for the discussion, he highlighted as to how due to geopolitical contestations, there have been ups and downs in the bilateral relations but India considers Iran as a great player in the Indian Ocean Region and wants to work with it in order to address the issues of the region. He also laid stress of the role of Global South in the new world and pointed out that although the old world is witnessing unprecedented disorder, the new world order is nowhere to be seen. Discussion on themes like the ‘Developments in West Asia and Afghanistan: Iranian and Indian Perspectives’, Corridor Game: Iran and India in the North-South Corridor and Caucausus Developments’ and ‘Shifts In Global Order and the Role of Middle Powers’ took place where speakers from India and Iran delivered their remarks and perspectives.

On 3^rd December 2025, the delegation called on Dr. Rezaei, Director General for Monitoring and Strategic Planning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Govt of Iran. Capt Alok Bansal shared his views about India’s perspective about the regional and global challenges and as to how India looks the Iran as its vital partner in the region. Dr Rezaei welcomed the delegates at the Ministry and expressed his willingness to engage more and more with think tanks like India Foundation that have been making efforts in making India-Iran ties more coherent. The delegation also held a meeting with Dr. Kammal Kharazi, Advisor to the Supreme Leader, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR). Dr Kharazi pointed out the historical linkages between India and Iran and as to how the past can be utilised for the better of India-Iran ties in the future. Amb Ausaf Sayeed from the IF delegation laid emphasis on the economic, strategic and commercial relevance of West Asia for India and how India stresses on discussion and diplomacy in order to solve issues between countries of the region. Amb Ruchira Kamboj mentioned that decline of multilateralism, rise of ethno-nationalism have shifted the global centre of gravity towards global south and therefore Iran and India, both countries of global south need to work together and pointed out the sectors like DPI, connectivity and skill up gradation where the two sides can collaborate and learn from each-others experiences.

 

Russia–Ukraine War and its Impact on India–Russia Relations
Friday | November 28, 2025 |

Speaker: Prof. John Helmer | Chair: Shri M.J. Akbar

India Foundation Dialogue 102 brought together scholars, diplomats, and strategic affairs professionals to examine the evolving geopolitical landscape shaped by the Russia–Ukraine war and its implications for India–Russia relations. The session was chaired by Shri M.J. Akbar, former Minister of State for External Affairs and Member of the Governing Council of India Foundation, who opened the discussion by recalling the deep historical roots of India–Russia friendship. He noted that a sound strategic foundation was established by the Indo–Soviet Treaty of 1971. This treaty transformed a cordial partnership into a strategic necessity at a critical moment in India’s history.

Prof. John Helmer reflected on his experience across various political systems. He noted that this background has provided him with a unique perspective on anti-colonial and anti-imperialist movements, as well as on the functioning of various constitutional systems. He emphasised that the purpose of his remarks was not to make predictions but to outline a method for analysing Russia’s current strategic stance.

Highlighting how the diplomatic landscape surrounding the Russia–Ukraine war has shifted in the past week, he pointed to the emergence of three different “peace plans” — the Miami Plan (28 points), the Geneva Plan (19 points), and the Abu Dhabi document, which he described as a “zero-point” plan. Each successive version, he observed, reduced commitments and introduced more complications. He then connected these developments with President Putin’s press conference in Bishkek, which he analysed in detail as a window into Russian domestic calculations.

A key argument Helmer made was that to understand Russian positions, one must examine the internal political factions and constituencies that influence decision-making in Moscow. Western portrayals of Russia as monolithic, he argued, obscure the complex debates shaping Kremlin strategy. He illustrated this by dissecting a question posed to President Putin by veteran Kremlin reporter Andrei Kolesnikov, whether Russia intends to insist on a final settlement of territorial questions now or postpone them to “better days.” Helmer explained that behind such phrasing lie signals about competing domestic interests, economic considerations, and the looming question of political succession in Russia.

According to Helmer, Russia is heading into a planned recession, and President Putin must balance military successes with domestic expectations, economic pressures, and the need to uphold high public trust in the presidency — a trust closely linked to confidence in the military. Any negotiation that appears to undermine battlefield gains could weaken Putin’s position, especially as Russia approaches a delicate electoral and succession period. Furthermore, he pointed out signs of internal disagreements within the Russian leadership. Helmer also discussed the changing role of the United States, the recalibration of the Trump team’s negotiation strategy, and the potential implications of these developments for upcoming high-level talks between India and Russia.

In conclusion, Prof. Helmer emphasised that President Putin’s visit to India will require careful manoeuvring. India must clearly evaluate Russian intentions while safeguarding its strategic autonomy amid US, Chinese, and Turkish moves. The session concluded with an open discussion, encouraging participants to explore these themes further and consider the prospects for both a short-term ceasefire and the ongoing strategic competition.

 

 

India Foundation, in collaboration with the India Habitat Centre, organised a book discussion on the book ‘The New World: 21^st 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.

 

Date: 25th November 2025 | Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Participants: 37

The India Foundation hosted 8^th Katha session on 25th November 2025, chaired by Distinguished Fellow at India Foundation, Mr. Côme Carpentier. The event featured Mr. Lim Sang Woo, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Delhi, as the distinguished speaker. Mr. Abhay Kumar, Deputy Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) also attended the session.

Mr. Lim, drawing from his unique experience as a volunteer guide at the National Museum of India, masterfully guided the audience on a virtual walk through its galleries. Participants gained insights into shared Buddhist heritage, similarities in artistic symbolism, and parallel narratives in folklore that underscored a deep, centuries-old cultural kinship.

Beyond the museum’s walls, Mr. Lim’s extensive diplomatic career—spanning postings from the United States and Brazil to Iraq and Madagascar, complemented by his multilingual abilities—lent a rich, global perspective to the discussion. His personal commitment to understanding India, evidenced by his ongoing Hindi studies, resonated deeply with attendees.

The hour-long session was both intellectually stimulating and warmly personal, with a greater appreciation for the shared culture between the two countries.

 

On 25th November 2025, the India Foundation organised a roundtable on “Q-commerce Ecosystem and Its Impact on India’s Economic and Social Landscape.” The session was chaired by Maj Gen Dhruv C. Katoch (Retd.), Director, India Foundation and moderated by Dr. Raghav Pandey, Visiting Fellow, India Foundation.

Dr. Abhishek Malhotra, Visiting Fellow, India Foundation presented key insights on how Q-commerce is emerging as a foundational engine for India’s economic modernisation across areas such as employment, agricultural value chains, formalisation, and sustainable urbanisation. Shatakshi Pathak, Research Associate, India Foundation shared the aim and intent behind the study and its relevance to India’s growth trajectory.

The roundtable saw active participation and valuable inputs from leading Q-commerce industry players, including Zepto, Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Flipkart Minutes, who contributed perspectives on regulatory, logistical, and socio-economic dimensions shaping the ecosystem.

 

On November 24, 2025, India Foundation hosted a civic honour for His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Mahaswamiji at the Stein Auditorium of the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The spiritual address, delivered by His Holiness Mahaswamiji, was graced by the virtual presence of the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Ram Madhav, President, India Foundation. The event was moderated by Capt. (Retd.) Alok Bansal, Executive Vice President, India Foundation. It was attended by a range of dignitaries, including current and former diplomats, academics, corporate leaders, spiritual thinkers, and public intellectuals. The spiritual address

Addressing the assembly, the Hon’ble Vice President thanked His Holiness for his gracious presence and praised the efforts of the Sringeri mutt towards revitalising Sanatana Dharma. Underscoring the religious diversity and centrality of India’s civilisation as the birthplace of many religions, he praised His Holiness’ and the mutt’s efforts in fostering harmony, inclusivity, and training scholars.

Dr. Ram Madhav welcomed His Holiness, tracing the history of the Sringeri mutt, and Adi Shankaracharya’s efforts in establishing the four dhamas, each holding an indelible significance in Hindu society.

His Holiness Mahaswamiji commenced his address with ritual incantations. He narrated the journey of Sage Bhartrihari and his struggle in spreading knowledge of Dharma to effect social reform in the society, leading him to compose the Niti Shaktam, Vairagya Shaktam, and the Shringara Shaktam, inhering the principles of non-duality or Advaita.

Making this account his base, His Holiness explained that the essence of dharma needs to be reiterated in the age of technological progress which may have introduced new mediums of achieving happiness and well-being but has not reduced sorrow, or dukkha, which has acquired new manifestations. In effect, he argued, the concepts of sukha and dukha, are linked to the forces of dharma and adharma, respectively.

He remarked that human nature is governed by its desire to have the greatest happiness of the greatest number for the longest time; however, when kaarya/karma is divorced from righteousness, or dharma, and abhyasa, this goal remains elusive, causing sorrow. Actions undertaken in constant pursuit of righteousness and swadharma, he observed, pave the way for the realisation of moksha, or the ultimate salvation from worldly phenomena.

He praised members of the community committed to promoting dharma, the knowledge of the Vedas, Upanishads, and holy scriptures, and expressed optimism about the adherence of dharma in the society.

The note of thanks was delivered by Shri K. Srinivas, President, India Habitat Centre. The spiritual address concluded by His Holiness blessing the audience.

 

India Foundation in collaboration with Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Affairs (SSIFS), Ministry of External Affairs, hosted the Sushma Swaraj Lectures on 19 November 2025. The one-day lecture series titled ‘Introduction to India’ gave 24 foreign diplomats the holistic view of India’s Foreign Policy, History, Polity, Economy and the New World Order and India’s role which was delivered by eminent thought leaders.

The lecture series started with the welcome address by Maj. Gen Dhruv Katoch, Director, India Foundation and Ambassador Raj Kumar Srivastava, Dean, SSIFS. The welcome address set the tone for the one-day lecture series, where they hoped that the participants would get a comprehensive view of India.

The first lecture on India’s Foreign Policy was delivered by Prof C. Raja Mohan, Contributing Editor, Indian Express and Visiting Professor, Institute of South Asian Studies, NUS, Singapore. Prof  C. Raja Mohan appraised the participants about the evolution of India’s foreign policy pre and post-independence. and how it guides the current decision making.

The second session on Indian History was addressed by Dr. Hindol Sengupta, Professor, Jindal School of International Affairs & Director, Jindal India Institute who informed the participants about India’s rich history and India’s place in the global world and how India’s past has shaped India’s society.

Dr. Swapan Dasgupta, former Member of Parliament and Distinguished Fellow, India Foundation delivered the third lecture of the series on Indian Polity. His lecture focused on India’s diverse society where he briefed the participants about how different parts of the country have different concerns and how India’s polity has evolved over the years.

Shri Jayant Sinha, Former Minister of State and Member, Governing Council, India Foundation delivered a lecture on Indian Economy. He spoke to the participants about the growth trajectory of Indian economy with a particular emphasis on green economy.

The last session on New World Order was delivered by Dr. Ram Madhav, President, India Foundation. He spoke on how the global order  has evolved. He also spoke about AI, regionalism and non-state actors and how they are dominating global narratives.

The one day lecture series, named after the former External Affairs Minister of India, provided the diplomats with an opportunity to get a birds’ view of India and understanding the diverse set of nuances that stitch the mosaic of this country.

 

A 5 member delegation from Fudan University, Shanghai, China, visited India on the invitation of India Foundation from 10-15 November 2025. The delegation was led by Prof. ZHANG Jiadong, Director of Center for South Asia Studies and Senior researcher in Center for American Studies, Fudan University. The other four members of the delegation were 1). Prof. GUO Dingping, Head of Department of Political Science, Director of the Dr. Seaker Chan Center for Comparative Political Studies in School of International Relations and Public Affairs of Fudan University, 2). Prof. QI Huaigao is Professor of International Relations and Vice Dean at the Institute of International Studies, Fudan University, 3). Prof. JIAN Junbo, Associate Professor, Director of Center for China-Europe Relations, Fudan University and 4). Dr. WEN Yao, Associate Professor, Center for American Studies, at the Institute of International Studies, Fudan University. The delegation first landed in Bengaluru and was hosted by BEST Innovation University (BESTIU). The two-day program (November 11–12, 2025) in Bengaluru was designed to facilitate academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and professional networking between Fudan University and prominent Indian institutions and government officials in Bengaluru city.

The delegation participated in formal interactions with senior government officials Dr. Manjula N (IAS), Secretary of IT&BT, Karnataka Government at the Ministry Office and gained insights into Karnataka’s IT and biotechnology sectors through interactions. The delegation then interacted with Shri. Maheshwar Rao, Chief Commissioner, Greater Bengaluru Authority at Vidhan Soudha where discussion focused on Kannada Culture. As part of the industry visit, the delegation visited Innvolution Health Care Pvt Ltd, where interaction with the company officials provided insights into India’s healthcare innovation sector ecosystem and entrepreneurial landscape.

A formal reception dinner was hosted at Taj Yeshvanthpur, Bengaluru, for the visiting delegation by Dr. Rupa Vasudevan, Chancellor, BEST Innovation University.

On day 2 in Bengaluru, the delegation visited ISKCON Temple to learn about its history and significance, providing cultural context and understanding of Hindu traditions. The Fudan delegation also participated in a comprehensive round table discussion at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS). The discussions at NIAS focused on contemporary geopolitical challenges and academic collaboration opportunities. Dr. Suba Chandran, Dean of the School of Conflict and Security Studies at NIAS along with Senior scientists and faculty from NIAS and Indian Institute of Sciences participated in the discussions.

After completing a successful 2 days visit in Bengaluru, the delegation reached New Delhi. The bilateral conference in New Delhi on 13 November 2025 comprehensively discussed India-China relations, featuring detailed discussions on four critical sub-themes central to bilateral engagement and regional stability. The conference brought together scholars, policymakers, economists, and security experts to examine the structural challenges in India-China bilateral relations, economic asymmetries, and potential pathways for sustainable cooperation between India and China. Key discussions focused on navigating deglobalisation, addressing trade imbalances, implementing multi-dimensional border management strategies, and rekindling confidence-building measures at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). As a part of sightseeing, the delegation also visited some tourist places in New Delhi.

The Fudan University delegation program successfully achieved its objectives of fostering academic collaboration, facilitating cultural understanding, and building institutional connections between China and India.

 

On November 6, 2025, India Foundation had hosted an interactive session with a visiting delegation from the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), a prominent think tank based in Washington, D.C. The delegation was notably led by Mr. Richard Fontaine, the President of CNAS.

The gathering was structured as a closed-door discussion, ensuring a candid and focused exchange of perspectives. The participants included a select group of subject experts from India—academics, former diplomats, strategic analysts, and policy practitioners—who possess deep insights into international relations, security, and strategic affairs.

The core focus of the session was a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the evolution of US-India relations over the years. The discussions focused on the historical development of the partnership, exploring key turning points, shared obstacles, and the elements that have been instrumental in elevating the relationship from a historically distant one to a “Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership,” alongside an analysis of current issues of mutual significance. The dialogue aimed to foster mutual understanding and identify pathways for future collaboration in an increasingly complex global order.

 

India Foundation, in collaboration with India Habitat Centre, organised a panel discussion on ‘RSS@100’ at Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on Monday, 03 November 2025.  The programme’s panel consisted of Ma. J. Nandakumar, National Convenor, Pragna Pravah, RSS ; Dr. Meenakshi Jain, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha & Shri Prafulla Ketkar, Editor, Organiser Weekly.

The session was moderated by Capt. Alok Bansal, Executive Vice President, India Foundation. Capt Bansal, in his initial remarks, highlighted the glorious journey of RSS as a unique and one of the longest serving organisations and how RSS has always contributed to the society in the last 100 years. He also emphasizes the insider-outsider view of organisation and organisation’s contribution in society and nation building process. Emphasising that the speech given by Param Pujyneeya Sar-Sangh Chalak ji was a reference point for the discussion, Capt Bansal set the tone and agenda for the discussants to present their views before the audience.

Shri Prafulla Ketkar highlighted the reference points in the journey of RSS and gave credit to the first Sarsanghchalak of the RSS, Shri K.B. Hedgevar and VD Savarkar for initial ideological background of the RSS. Shri Ketkar emphasised on the difference between the RSS and other organisations, pointing out the inclusive idea of Hindutva that RSS espouses. Moreover, he explained this argument through the examples of some members of RSS, who joined various organisations for serving the country and concludes how inclusiveness as an interesting working style of RSS both as an organisation and a movement. During the explanation of uniqueness of organisation, he highlighted that the RSS joined the nationalist movement in a different way and worked as dynamic organisation, while giving reference to his book The RSS: 100 Years of Service Dedication and Nation Building.

Prof. Meenakshi Jain further gave details about the history of reforms in the 19^th century and how RSS was somehow related to those reform movements but also had a different contribution. Trajectory of RSS is aligning from some the reform movements from Bengal and Maharashtra, but RSS was not only a reformist movement but also had a major role in rebuilding the nation and its markers. Prof. Jain specifically talked about the Ram Janmbhoomi movement which was essentially a mark of nation building and highlighted crucial contribution of the RSS members in collecting the evidence, even from the colonial times and archives, (where it was mentioned as Janmsthan) for the court case and street narratives. She explicitly highlighted the pain of the members who sacrificed selflessly for the Temple cause.

Ma. J. Nandakumar highlighted the understanding and perception in poetic terms of different regions in India, where he highlighted a meaning of RSS as swa-ras means self-taste. Shri Nandkumar also explained the multi-dimensional vision of the RSS towards the nation and the society, during colonial time for the freedom movement and after, in the process of nation building. Further he explained the different phases of RSS journey and pointed out that in all these phases, one of the most important binding glue was its Shakha, which gave importance and continuity for the servitude for the nation.