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The Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad hosted a distinguished lecture by Ambassador Anil Trigunayat as part of the Outreach Programme of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, on 7 April 2026. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the academic community, including PROF Venkappayya R. Desai, Director, IIT Dharwad; Prof. Dhiraj V. Patil, Dean (Outreach & ACR); Prof. K. V. Jayakumar, Visiting Professor cum Outreach Advisor; Dr. Kalyan K. Bhattacharjee, Registrar; along with faculty members, students, and staff keenly interested in global affairs and Indian foreign policy.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Debalina Chakravarty, Faculty In-Charge, Entrepreneurship, Incubation and Outreach, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Prof. Dhiraj V. Patil presented an overview of IIT Dharwad, highlighting the institute’s growing academic and research ecosystem.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Venkappayya R. Desai outlined the institute’s sustainability initiatives, including cascading pond systems, solar electrification, and ongoing efforts toward achieving a net-zero campus. He emphasised responsible energy use and environmental stewardship as core institutional values. The Director subsequently felicitated Ambassador Trigunayat.
Prof. K. V. Jayakumar spoke on the significance of the MEA Distinguished Lecture Series and formally introduced the speaker.
Insights into a Transforming Global Order
Delivering his lecture titled “Global Geopolitical Churn & Indian Foreign Policy,” Ambassador Anil Trigunayat presented a comprehensive analysis of the rapidly evolving global order. He described the present international system as a transitional phase characterised by strategic uncertainty, weakening multilateral institutions, and intensifying geopolitical, geoeconomic, geo-technological, and geo-cultural contestations.
Highlighting the crisis of global governance, the Ambassador noted the declining effectiveness of institutions such as the United Nations and the simultaneous rise of unilateralism within an increasingly fragmented multipolar world.
He outlined major global trends shaping contemporary geopolitics through what he termed the “10 Ds”—including disruption, decoupling, deglobalisation, de-dollarisation, dissonance, and disorder—underscoring their profound implications for global stability and international cooperation.
Ambassador Trigunayat also reflected on transformative “black swan” events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical conflicts, including the Russia–Ukraine war and tensions in West Asia, which have contributed to the weaponisation of critical resources such as food, fuel, finance, and fertilisers.
India’s Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World
Discussing emerging geopolitical trajectories, the Ambassador pointed to growing strategic competition among major powers, particularly the United States, China, and Russia, alongside the rise of alternative financial systems and competing geopolitical blocs. He highlighted expanding strategic theatres such as the Indo-Pacific and the Arctic, as well as the increasing importance of connectivity corridors and plurilateral partnerships.
Focusing on India’s foreign policy, he emphasised that national interest, strategic autonomy, and multi-alignment remain its guiding principles. He described India’s approach as a pragmatic “mix-and-match diplomacy,” enabling engagement with multiple power centres while preserving independent decision-making.
Drawing upon India’s civilizational ethos, the Ambassador referred to the
G20 theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“One Earth, One Family, One Future”), portraying India as a Vishwa Mitra—a trusted global partner and an influential voice of the Global South.
He highlighted India’s leadership in major global initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Global Biofuels Alliance, while underscoring India’s proactive contributions to climate action, energy transition, and development cooperation. Key diplomatic pillars, including the Neighbourhood First policy, Act East and Act West strategies, and outreach to Africa, Central Asia, and the Indo-Pacific, were also discussed.
The Ambassador further stressed emerging priorities such as technological leadership, artificial intelligence–driven transformation, diaspora engagement, energy security, resilient supply chains, and the need for reforms in global governance institutions, including India’s aspiration for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
Interactive Engagement and Conclusion
An engaging question-and-answer session followed, moderated by Prof. Vijeth Kotagi, Public Relations Officer and Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, enabling participants to interact with the speaker on contemporary geopolitical developments.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. C. Ravikumar, Associate Dean (General Outreach).
Earlier in the day, Ambassador Trigunayat participated in a campus tour, interacted with faculty and outreach teams, and took part in a neem tree plantation initiative symbolising sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The lecture provided valuable insights into the evolving global order while highlighting India’s emerging role as a rule-shaper, bridge-builder, and constructive global leader in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
