India Is Rapidly Emerging as a Strong Global Power under PM Narendra Modi: Avadhesh Kumar
Grand Valedictory of the 6th Himalaya–Indian Ocean Nations Group (HHRS) International Conference 2026
New Delhi, February 8: India’s civilizational worldview is deeply rooted in the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and universal brotherhood. Global fraternity is not an acquired idea but an inbuilt value of Indian culture, which views the entire world as one extended family. These profound observations were made by Prof. (Dr) Mohammad Mehtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar of Jamia Millia Islamia and a renowned academician, while addressing the valedictory session of the two-day 6th Himalaya–Indian Ocean Nations Group (HHRS) International Conference 2026, held at the Convention Centre of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
Presiding over the concluding session, Prof. Rizvi stated that if societies learn to coexist with mutual harmony, respect, and cooperation, conflict and violence would naturally diminish. Drawing upon familial relationships as a moral framework, he explained that just as it is a brother’s duty to respect and protect his sister, and a sister’s duty to wish for her brother’s well-being, similar ethical relationships among nations can lay a strong foundation for enduring global peace.
Emphasizing India’s distinctive approach to international relations, Prof. Rizvi said that India has consistently preferred balance, harmony, and cooperation over brute displays of power. At a time when the world is witnessing growing geopolitical tensions and polarization, India offers an alternative moral and ethical pathway grounded in peace, stability, and equality.
He underlined that genuine and sustainable global peace can only be achieved when nations choose coexistence over competition and cultivate mutual respect rather than dominance.
Raising a critical and timely question, Prof. Rizvi asked whether the world—and India itself—is prepared to reconnect with its authentic soft power rooted in diplomacy, language, culture, and civilizational wisdom. He asserted that this is not merely a policy choice but a historic decision of our time. In the global order, respect and reputation are shaped not only by military or economic might, but equally by values, ethics, and cultural self-confidence. Blind imitation of others, he cautioned, risks eroding one’s unique civilizational identity.
About the Conference
The 6th HHRS International Conference 2026 was jointly organized by the Himalaya–Indian Ocean Nations Group (HHRS) and the Rashtriya Suraksha Jagran Manch (RSJM), in collaboration with the Centre for Russian Studies (CRS), School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies (SLL&CS), Inter-Hall Administration (IHA), JNU, Nelson Mandela Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (Jamia Millia Islamia), and the Centre for Himalayan Studies (University of Delhi).
The central theme of the conference was:
“India’s Geopolitical and Strategic Significance in the Indian Ocean Region.”
India’s Rising Global Role under Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Delivering a powerful address as a distinguished speaker, senior journalist Avadhesh Kumar captivated the audience with his eloquence and clarity. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is rapidly emerging as a strong and confident global power, and today the world takes India seriously while framing strategic and economic decisions.
Highlighting the strategic and economic importance of the Indian Ocean Region, he noted that the region spans nearly 68 million square kilometres and functions as the lifeline of global maritime trade. Nearly 80 percent of the world’s maritime trade passes through this region.
Mr. Kumar recalled that in ancient times, India maintained extensive maritime trade networks with East Africa, the Arab world, and Southeast Asia, fostering cultural dialogue and civilizational exchange.
He further observed that while colonial powers once competed to control resources and trade routes, post-independence India has steadily strengthened its maritime capabilities, regional balance, and cooperative frameworks, reinforcing its role as a stabilizing force in the region.
Perspectives from Other Distinguished Speakers
Prof. Manuradha Chaudhary, Dean, JNU, emphasized that India’s outlook has always been inclusive and anchored in human values. Indian traders, sailors, and scholars, she noted, were not merely agents of commerce but carriers of language, culture, yoga, philosophy, and ethical life values.
Prof. B. W. Pandey of the University of Delhi remarked that the true strength of any civilization lies in its capacity for dialogue. Indian culture has historically prioritized conversation over confrontation, making dialogue the cornerstone of its global acceptance.
Special Guest Prof. V. Ravichandran, Vice-Chancellor, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, stated that the Indian Ocean is not merely a geographical entity but a symbol of strategic centrality. India’s position in this region offers significant diplomatic and strategic advantages, which will grow further in the coming years.
Prof. Dhruva Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Mid-East University, Nepal, asserted that India’s real strength lies in its culture, philosophy, and spiritual consciousness. India should be understood not just as a nation-state but as a living civilization that has guided the world toward balance, coexistence, and moral leadership for centuries.
Academic Sessions and Participation
The conference featured multiple academic and parallel sessions, with participation from over 100 scholars and researchers. Intensive discussions were held on themes such as “India and the Indian Ocean Region: Challenges and Solutions” and “Emerging Trends and Opportunities.”
The programme concluded with a Brainstorming Session: The Way Forward, chaired by Prof. (Dr) M. Mehtab Alam Rizvi.
The two-day international conference emerged as a powerful platform showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage, commitment to peace, dialogue, and academic engagement in the Indian Ocean Region. Scholars, students, and faculty from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, the University of Delhi, and members of the Rashtriya Suraksha Jagran Manch (RSJM) contributed enthusiastically, making the event a resounding success.
