International Conference on : India & Her Neighbours: Revisiting Relations with Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives August 16, 2012

he purpose of the workshop is to serve as a platform for national and international academics, practitioners, diplomats & young scholars to revisit and interrogate India’s relation with her neighbours. The seminar will have a special focus on India’s relation with the countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka & Maldives- which do not receive adequate popular attention.

India’s neighbourhood has been in transition over the last decade. Most of her neighbouring countries- best described under the aegis of SAARC, have been experiencing paradigm shifts in their political, social and economic arenas. The transition within the body polity of these countries has often been sudden and violent, while others have been peaceful and (sometimes painfully) slow. Overall, there has been a tendency towards democratization and a liberal economy and society. However, diverse political, social and economic interests (both foreign and local) compete for prominence which makes these transition contexts extremely dynamic and sometimes even volatile. While India’s larger and geo-strategically prominent neighbours like China, Pakistan and Afghanistan receive substantial national and international focus, developments in India’s smaller neighbours have largely eluded the popular discourse. As a result there is little discussion on India’s long term foreign policy strategy or relations with neighbours like Maldives, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. An overwhelming number of popular coverage and discussions are responses to sporadic events or relate to India’s ethnic ties to these countries. However, as these countries experience a fundamental shift in their socio-economic polity, there is a corresponding need for India to revisit her engagement with her neighbours. There is also a possibility that there will be new expectations from India (as a regional leader and as a long-standing stable democratic economic power). To a certain extent India should be in a position to fulfil these expectations if it wants to be regarded as a global/ responsible power. This necessitates:

A careful analysis of recent events and their impact on India’s neighbouring countries.


A review of India's contemporary foreign policy vis-a-vis these countries
A dialogue between representatives (govt./ non-govt) of these countries and India about expectations and opportunities
JAIR, with its experts in regional studies especially on South Asia and Southeast Asia, a wide-membership base in different sectors and in different countries is strategically positioned to provide a platform for a seminar-workshop which will achieve this purpose. Its contributions from different sectors (academic, media, government, commentators, business consultants etc.) and backgrounds will ensure a comprehensive and impartial look at the recent developments and provide a suitable roadmap for future cooperation.

Seminar Structure:
The seminar- workshop can be broken down into 2 parts- 1) a seminar- with presentations from experts on different countries and their impact on bilateral relations with India; and 2) a closed workshop with selected invitees (from Government- including foreign diplomats, and the Non-Government sectors) to identify common areas of interest and work out a roadmap for increased cooperation between India and her neighbours.

The seminar- workshop themes may be divided country-wise with a special session for cross-cutting issues. In keeping with JAIR’s objectives, the seminar will also provide a special platform for young scholars to present their ideas on the issue. Parallel poster presentations (with volunteers available to explain the posters to workshop participants) will be held. Announcement and call for papers

Registration Open

Last date of submission of abstracts

15th June, 2012

Contacting the Speakers & inviting participants

To be completed by: 30th June, 2012

Workshop Dates

17-18th August, 2012

Last Date for Registration and sending Registration Fee

30th June, 2012





Abstract may be sent at: [email protected]











WORKSHOP OUTPUT

A publication on the topic- Roadmap for greater cooperation between India and her neighbours for a stable, prosperous and peaceful South Asia.

REGISTRATION FEE

FOR INDIAN NATIONALS
Item

Rate in Rupees

For Students

Registration Fee:

Includes the Lunch and Seminar kits

1500/-

Rs. 750/-

Accomodation ( for outstation speakers and participants)

5000/- (for three days)

Rs. 3000/-

Total Fees to be paid by Local participants

1500/-

750/-

Total Fees to be paid by outstation participants

6500/-

3750/-

The amount may be paid by Bank Transfer/ Demand Draft/ Cheque in favour of “ The Jadavpur Association of International Relations”. Demand Draft and Cheque may be sent to : Dr. Imankalyan Lahiri, Department of International Relations, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032. For Bank Transfer write us at: [email protected] to get the Bank Details.

FOR INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS:

Item

Rate in $

For Students

Registration Fee:

Includes the Lunch and Seminar kits

300

250

Accomodation

300/- (for three days)

250 ( for 3 days)

Total Fees to be paid

600

500



International Participants may send their registration fee by PAY PAL/ International Money Transfer. For details write us at: [email protected]
FOR ENQUIRIES: [email protected]

Official Website: http://www.jair.net.in/Conferences