Ambassador Venu Rajamony, a distinguished diplomat, stressed the need for a reality check regarding the challenges that confront India in the foreign policy arena and to strategically reset its foreign policy and strictly adhere to a policy of retaining the middle ground in its global diplomatic engagements without alignment to any one side. He said this while delivering an insightful address titled “Indian Foreign Policy-Need for a Reality Check and Strategic Reset” at the School of International Relations and Politics (SIRP), Mahatma Gandhi University, under the prestigious KPS Menon Chair for Diplomatic Studies.

During the lecture, Ambassador Rajamony emphasized the importance of calibrating India’s foreign policy in tune with the evolving global landscape and adopting a posture of firm but quiet diplomacy in dealing with the U.S. as well as China. He touched upon the major security concerns in the region and the situation post Operation Sindoor in which hostilities with Pakistan can resume any time, with increasing use of drones and missile systems.

The Ambassador highlighted the complexities in managing India’s relationships with neighboring countries amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics. He also addressed the growing uncertainties created by the ‘MAGA’ movement and policies initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, which have fostered distrust between the United States and its traditional allies.

Dr. Lirar Pulikkalakath, Assistant Professor at SIRP, coordinated the event. It culminated in a vibrant interactive session where students actively engaged with Ambassador Rajamony, exchanging ideas and perspectives on India’s foreign policy trajectory.