Gyan Setu Think Tank, in association with The Department of Defence & Strategic Studies, Post Graduate Government College (PGGC), Sector 11, Chandigarh and Chandigarh Citizens Foundation successfully organized an international seminar titled “Ramifications of Emerging Geo-Political Flux in Bangladesh and Myanmar” on Friday, 6 February 2026, at the Seminar Hall, PGGC, Sector 11.
The seminar witnessed enthusiastic participation from academicians, defence experts, researchers, students, policy analysts, and members of civil society, reflecting strong interest in South Asia’s evolving strategic environment. The event provided a comprehensive platform for informed deliberations on political, security, and connectivity challenges emerging in India’s eastern neighbourhood.
The keynote address by Lt. Gen. Arun Sahni focused on India’s strategic posture in the eastern sector, stressing the need for adaptive defence planning and closer coordination between diplomatic, military, and developmental instruments. Ms. Jyoti Malhotra, editor-in-chief, The Tribune, in her special address, provided valuable insights into regional political trends, media narratives, and diplomatic challenges. The session concluded with presidential remarks by Gen. VP Malik, who underlined the importance of sustained strategic engagement and institutional capacity-building both at civil and military level in the region.
A major highlight of the seminar was the in-depth panel discussions that examined the Myanmar crisis and political developments in Bangladesh.
The first session, a fireside chat on the Myanmar crisis, featured Lt. Gen. KJ Singh, Lt. Gen. Pradeep Nair, and Dr. Rami Desai. The panel discussed the fragmentation of authority in Myanmar, the role of ethnic armed organizations, and the strategic risks posed to India’s connectivity initiatives. Speakers emphasized the need for pragmatic engagement with multiple stakeholders while safeguarding national interests.
The second session, “Bangladesh Imbroglio,” brought together Lt. Gen. S.K. Saini, Maj. Gen. J.S. Nanda, Ms. Tania Amir, a barrister at law of Bangladesh origin and Mr. Vikramdeep Johal, a journalist. The discussion focused on electoral politics, governance challenges, regional power dynamics, and their implications for India-Bangladesh relations. Maj. Gen. Nanda very candidly explained the current pre-election situation in Bangladesh and how it may affect India in different scenarios of outcome.
Throughout the seminar, participants engaged in thoughtful and evidence-based discussions on strategic resilience, border management, sub-regional connectivity, and India’s evolving neighbourhood policy. Speakers also emphasized the importance of moving from reactive responses to proactive and anticipatory strategies in dealing with geopolitical uncertainties. Most speakers agreed that national interest comes foremost and India should take a realist and pragmatic approach to secure its national interest in the region.
