Participation by Invite Only

India Rising: Navigating a New Geopolitical Order

The global order is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by geopolitical realignments, economic competition, and challenges to established multilateral institutions. In this era, emerging powers such as India, the European Union (EU), and the BRICS bloc are playing decisive roles in shaping global governance frameworks encompassing trade partnerships, technology governance, climate diplomacy, and security architectures.

A Transformative Phase of Global Realignment

The recent expansion of BRICS to include new members has significantly increased its geopolitical and economic importance. This phase of transformation, emblematic of the India Rising narrative, is characterised not only by growing cooperation but also by intensifying tensions—ranging from contestations over trade regimes and currency systems to issues of digital sovereignty and human rights standards.

Understanding these complex dynamics, including the fault lines and points of convergence among India, the EU, and BRICS members—especially in light of the West’s evolving responses—is crucial for advancing effective global policy coordination.

Strategic Balancing and Emerging Partnerships

India’s strategic balancing between its BRICS commitments, expanding EU partnerships, and evolving relations with Western powers requires nuanced policy analysis. At the same time, the EU’s engagement with BRICS on matters such as trade dependencies, energy security, and regulatory frameworks demands renewed attention. Together, these shifts underscore the growing significance of India Rising as a pivotal force in the emerging geopolitical and geo-economic landscape.

About the Roundtable

The India Rising Roundtable, organised by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), explored opportunities and challenges defining the new geopolitical order. The discussion sought to:

• Develop a structured matrix of cooperation among India, the EU, and BRICS

• Highlight pressing governance and coordination gaps

• Identify actionable pathways based on empirical research and policy insights

The dialogue thus helps to shape inclusive, collaborative, and resilient global governance frameworks.

AGENDA

Venue: The Avenue Regent Kochi

10.00 – 10.05 AM — Welcome Remarks by Dr Dhritishree Bordalai, Senior Research Associate, International Relations, CPPR

10.05 – 10.10 AM — Opening Remarks by Mr Stefan Schott, Country Representative, Friedrich Naumann Foundation, India

10.10 – 10.20 AM — Presentation by Dr D Dhanuraj, Chairman, CPPR

FNF-CPPR Global Paper on “BRICS in the Evolving Global Order: Geopolitical Challenges and Adopting New Strategies in the Trump Era”

10.20 – 11.35 AM — Roundtable Open Discussion

Key Discussants:

• Mr Stefan Schott, Country Representative, Friedrich Naumann Foundation, India
• Dr D Dhanuraj, Founder-Chairman, Centre for Public Policy Research, Kochi
• Dr C Vinodan, Professor and Director, School of International Relations and Politics, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
• Dr Joe Thomas Karackattu, Associate Professor, Humanities and Social Sciences Department, IIT Madras
• Professor Prakash Pannerselvam, Assistant Professor in the International Strategic & Security Studies Programme, NIAS, Bangalore

Moderator: Dr Dhritishree Bordalai, Senior Research Associate, International Relations, CPPR

11.40 AM – 12.15 PM — Discussion on Survey Questionnaire on BRICS

12.15 – 12.20 PM — Concluding Remarks by Mr Stefan Schott, Country Representative, Friedrich Naumann Foundation, India

12.20 – 12.25 PM — Closing Remarks from CPPR

12.30 – 1.30 PM — Lunch

GALLERY