Seminar

India’s Emerging Global Significance: Reshaping Regional Dynamics and Strategic Equilibrium

October 23, 2023
The seminar explored the transformative shifts in the global geopolitical landscape driven by India’s rising influence, strategic advancements, and diplomatic assertiveness. It highlighted the implications of these developments for regional dynamics, particularly for Pakistan, and underscored the need for strategic recalibration and informed policy

About The Event

Transformative changes in the global geo-political landscape are reshaping the way states interact on the international stage. The shift in the global polarity system has ushered in an era where nations are carving out distinctive positions as leaders within their specific spheres, and are motivated by dynamic alliances, multilateral groupings, military advancements, and strategic recalibrations.

 

Central to this transformative narrative is India, a nation that has swiftly emerged as a significant player, transcending the confines of the South Asian region. The global landscape is witnessing an aspiring India as a multifaceted phenomenon, encompassing strategic expertise, economic vitality, and diplomatic prowess. India’s active participation in influential international forums reflects its proactive approach to global collaboration. These engagements have positioned India as a significant player in shaping international policies, fostering partnerships, and advocating for global issues.

 

However, beneath the surface of this global collaboration, lie deep-rooted concerns. India’s advancements in military technologies, including hypersonic missiles, artificial intelligence, aerospace developments, cyber warfare, etc. are causes for concern not only in the South Asian region but also in the world at large. These technological leaps are blurring the lines between conventional and nuclear warfare, raising questions about the intent and implications of India’s military modernisation endeavours.

 

India’s regional and global aspirations, intricately woven into its military strategies, further complicate the regional security landscape. At the heart of India’s strategic calculus lies the perceived Chinese threat, which significantly shapes its defence doctrines and geopolitical manoeuvring. The delicate balance between regional dominance and global influence underscores India’s policies, influencing its behaviour with the neighbouring states. Understanding the nuances of India’s assertiveness requires a deep dive into its military postures, technological advancements, and diplomatic initiatives.

 

As India expands its influence and redefines its strategic priorities, neighbouring nations, particularly Pakistan, face the daunting task of adapting to this new reality. The interplay of regional dynamics, military postures, and diplomatic schemes requires a careful analysis to anticipate potential scenarios and formulate effective responses. South Asia, a region historically marred by tensions, is now navigating uncharted waters where strategic recalibrations and informed policy decisions are imperative. Balancing the pursuit of national interests with regional stability poses a formidable challenge.

 

Pakistan’s leadership must grapple with the urgent need to recalibrate its strategic policies in response to India’s assertive posturing. This includes not only enhancing military capabilities but also formulating nuanced diplomatic strategies to safeguard regional stability and national security interests.

 

Keeping these considerations in view, the seminar titled, “India’s Emerging Global Significance: Reshaping Regional Dynamics and Strategic Equilibrium” delved deeply into the complexities of this conundrum. The overarching objective was to gain strategic insights through interaction with experts in the field and to chart a set of actionable strategies as well as a tangible roadmap for Pakistan.

Key Takeaways

  • Global Dynamics

The global transition from unipolarity to multipolarity emphasises the importance of both hard and soft power as states navigate through this changing landscape.

 

  • Reshaping of Narratives           

India is asserting its global influence by reshaping narratives, transforming South Asian politics, and countering perceived threats through strategic partnerships and multilateral engagements.

 

  • Indian Belligerence to Reshape the Region

India is keen on developing sophisticated military technologies with the aim of becoming a regional policeman. Indian belligerence, augmented by partnerships with extra-regional powers, is reshaping the South Asian strategic dynamics in new and unforeseen ways.

 

  • India as a Counterweight to China

In a bid to enhance its global standing, India is strategically positioning itself as a reliable US ally to address challenges within the Asia-Pacific region, particularly to counter China’s growing global influence.

 

  • Framing Narrative on Pakistan

India has framed the narrative on cross-border terrorism by placing the blame firmly on Pakistan, often accusing the latter of hindering India’s peaceful global rise. These claims, although rarely supported by evidence, still have a profound influence on global perceptions regarding Pakistan.

 

  • Navigating Complex Security Landscapes

Persistent non-traditional threats and global conflicts add complexity to Pakistan’s national security, demanding strategic responses and resilience-building efforts in the face of these challenges.

 

  • Pursuit of Domestic and Regional Stability

Pakistan is striving for stability within its borders and the region by exploring geo-economic opportunities, despite challenges like political instability and economic downturn.

 

  • Geo-Economics Integral to Geo-Politics

Geo-economics cannot be separated from geopolitics. This accentuates the need for economic stability through structural reforms, aligning national goals with long-term security needs, and fostering stable regional relationships.

Policy Considerations

  • Crafting a Positive National Image

There is a need to craft a unified and optimistic narrative, which highlights Pakistan’s strengths, achievements and contributions. This will project a more positive image of the country on the global stage.

 

  • Forging Interest-Based Regional Alliances

New interest-based collaborations may be forged, particularly with neighbouring nations, moving away from traditional multilateral alliances, and reviving regional organisations like RCD, emphasising economic partnerships to jointly address common challenges.

 

  • Harnessing Emerging Technologies

Collaboration between the defence and civilian sectors for innovation in emerging technologies is the need of the hour to yield strategic advantages and drive economic growth.

 

  • Developing a Compelling Counter-Narrative

Pakistan may formulate a strategic plan to counter prevailing Indian narratives against it, ensuring receptivity for its perspective on India’s rise. Besides, capabilities may be strengthened while anchoring them within a compelling narrative, emphasising depth, authenticity, and consistency to enhance global understanding.

 

  • Prioritising Multidimensional Diplomacy

The focus may be shifted from terrorism to regional security in Pakistan’s external relations, emphasising dialogue, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Prioritising peace, diplomacy, and collaboration with international partners for a stable region is important as well.

 

  • Invest in Academia

Scholars and academicians may be provided with access to credible information and reliable sources to encourage rigorous research and scholarly dialogue, fostering an informed global understanding of Pakistan’s position on international issues.

 

  • Political Stability and Governance

Good governance, rule of law, and institutional building are the key sectors that merit investment to ensure political stability. Policy continuity across political parties can help maintain a consistent and stable political environment.

 

  • Economic Stability and Structural Reforms

Pakistan may implement structural reforms for economic stability, focusing on economic diversification, investment in human capital, and endorsement of sustainable development initiatives for a resilient and stable economy.

Post Event Report

A comprehensive report capturing expert analyses, strategic insights, key recommendations, media coverage, and event highlights.

Guest Speakers

Air Cdre Khalid Banuri (Retd)

Former DG ACDA, SPD

Air Cdre Banuri (Retd) holds a Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad and Kings College London, UK. He was the first Director General of ACDA and also an Advisor on Arms Control and diplomacy at the SPD. He is a Member of the Expert Oversight Board for Strategic Controls and a Member of the Board of Advisors at Arms Control & Disarmament Centre (ACDC), Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI). He is a former fellow of Stimson Centre, Washington DC, US. He has been decorated with a Sitara-e-Imtiaz for policy analysis, and a Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) for services rendered in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

Dr Rabia Akhtar

Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, UOL

Dr Rabia Akhtar is the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Lahore. She is also the Director of the Centre for Security, Strategy and Policy Research (CSSPR) UoL. Dr Akhtar holds a PhD in Security Studies from Kansas State University, US and is a Fulbright alumna. She also holds a Masters in Political Science from Eastern Illinois University, US. She is the founding Director of the School of Integrated Social Sciences (SISS), UoL. Dr Akhtar was a member of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council on Foreign Affairs from 2018–2022. She has represented Pakistan at various international forums. Dr Akhtar is also a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Centre. She is the author of the book ‘The Blind Eye: U.S. Non proliferation Policy towards Pakistan from Ford to Clinton’.

Dr Adil Sultan

Dean FASS, Air University Islamabad

Dr Adil Sultan is the Dean of the Faculty of Aerospace and Strategic Studies (FASS) at Air University Islamabad. He holds a PhD in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-e-Azam University. Before joining Air University in October 2020, he was a Director at CASS, Islamabad. Dr Sultan has served as Director at ACDA and the Policy, Doctrine and Strategy (PDS) branch of the SPD. He has been a Post-Doc Research Fellow at CSSS, King’s College London, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) London, UK, and the Stimson Centre, Washington DC, US. He is the author of the book ‘Universalising Nuclear Non-proliferation Norms: A Regional Framework for the South Asian Nuclear Weapon States.’

Event Chair

Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd)

President, CASS, Lahore

Event Coordinator

Nidaa Shahid

Senior Researcher, CASS Lahore

Master of The Ceremony

Mustafa Bilal

Researcher, CASS Lahore

CASS LAhore

The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) was established in July 2021 to inform policymakers and the public about issues related to aerospace and security from an independent, non-partisan and future-centric analytical lens.

CASS Newsletter

Sign up to receive occasional research insights and event updates from CASS Lahore. We respect your privacy.

@2025 – All Right Reserved with CASS Lahore.