In recent decades, India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, driven by innovation and economic reform. This potential, along with its democratic culture and increasing regional and global influence, has positioned India to become a leading geopolitical power of the twenty-first century. As a founding member of the United Nations, India recognizes the importance of exerting its influence in conjunction with multilateral institutions in order to uphold international laws and norms. However, India’s rise necessitates a hard look at the balance of power within these multilateral institutions. In particular, the government of India has been vocal about reforming the UN Security Council and advocating for India’s permanent membership in this body.
On March 20, the India Initiative hosted India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations H.E. Syed Akbaruddin for a discussion on India’s role as a rising global power and major player in international decision-making.
H.E. Syed Akbaruddin is an Indian Foreign Service officer serving as India’s permanent representative to the United Nations.
This event was co-sponsored by McLarty Associates and the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy in memory of Ambassador Howard Schaffer. Ambassador Schaffer (1929–2017) served as the United States ambassador to Bangladesh during his 36-year career in the Foreign Service and was widely-considered one of the world's leading experts on South Asian geopolitics. He was director of studies at Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy and taught courses on South Asia-U.S. relations and diplomacy for over 20 years. He is survived by his wife, Ambassador Teresita Schaffer, and two sons, Michael and Christopher Schaffer.
This event was followed by a reception co-sponsored by the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy and the Walsh School of Foreign Service Undergraduate BSFS Program.
