Indian Council of World Affairs

ICWA, in collaboration with the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation (CMI), Finland, organized a roundtable discussion on the theme, “Geopolitical Trends in Conflicts and Approaches to Dialogue and Cooperation” at Sapru House, New Delhi on19 March 2025. 

In the opening session, remarks were made by Ms Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, Additional Secretary, ICWA and Dr Janne Taalas, Chief Executive Officer, CMI. Speakers introduced their respective organisations and shared their perspectives on the various global and regional geopolitical developments. Speakers highlighted the fragmented and divided nature of world geopolitics and dwelt on the emerging world order which is taking shape in the wake of various conflicts and crises. Both sides noted that there is a rise in international geopolitical competition as well as a turn towards multipolarity. At the same time, there is an erosion of multilateralism wherein the existing multilateral institutions like the UN have proved to be ineffective in resolving conflicts. In this context, the need for reforms to improve global governance was highlighted. 

During the roundtable discussion, interventions were made by experts from CMI and ICWA on the current trends in global geopolitics with a focus on Europe, West Asia, South and South East Asia. Discussants from the CMI included Dr Jane Taalas, Chief Executive Officer, CMI; Mr. Alex Virtanen, Asia Head, CMI; Mr Mikko Patokallio, Senior Manager, CMI and Dr. Renata Dwan, Senior Advisor, CMI. Discussants from the ICWA included Ms. Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, Additional Secretary ICWA; Dr. Himani Pant, Research Fellow, ICWA; Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bhattacharjee Research Fellow, ICWA; Dr. Anwesha Ghosh, Research Fellow, ICWA and Dr Subodh Bharti, Research Associate, ICWA. The discussion focused on European security including Ukraine war, OSCE, UN & peacemaking; India’s neighbourhood including the developments in Myanmar and Afghanistan, South China Sea; India’s regional initiatives such as Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) and Colombo Security Conclave (CSC). ICWA delegation highlighted India’s role as a responsible regional and global player and explained New Delhi’s position of prioritizing peace over war and of advocating inclusive dialogue and diplomatic efforts to resolve any conflict. The delegation also highlighted India’s peace efforts in the neighbourhood and beyond, including the humanitarian assistance the country readily provides in times of crises and its role in UN peace-keeping.  The CMI delegation highlighted the impact of Ukraine crisis on European security architecture, in particular its impact on increasing European expenditure on defence and security. In the backdrop of Finland’s recent NATO membership, CMI also highlighted how the traditional concept of neutrality had collapsed for them. Both sides agreed on the need to reduce the space for ambiguities especially with regard to frozen conflicts. 

The closing remarks were made by Ms Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, Additional Secretary, ICWA and Dr Janne Taalas, Chief Executive Officer, CMI.

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