The Expanding War in West Asia (Middle East): Military, Strategic, Economic, and Geopolitical Implications for India | Delhi News

 By: Editor, Pratibimb

Pratibimb - The Political Science Society of Zakir Husain Delhi College (Evening), University of Delhi, under the aegis of IQAC, organised a high-level expert lecture on “The Expanding War in West Asia (Middle East): Military, Strategic, Economic, and Geopolitical Implications for India” on 14th March, 2026 at the A.V. Room, Science Block.

The programme witnessed robust participation from students and faculty members and was conducted under the patronage of Hon’ble Principal Prof. Bharat Singh. The event was conceptualised and steered by Dr. Arvind Kumar Mishra, whose academic foresight and initiative brought a globally consequential theme into focused campus discourse.

The lecture featured eminent speaker Dr. Swasti Rao, a noted geopolitical and defence expert presently serving as Consulting Editor with The Print alongside Associate Professor at Jindal School of International Studies. The occasion was graced by students and faculty members from across departments along with members of the proctorial board, lending academic gravitas to the event.

Setting the intellectual tone, Dr. Amreen introduced the theme by situating West Asia at the crossroads of shifting global power dynamics. The speaker was formally introduced by Dr. Arvind Kumar Mishra, who contextualised her scholarship within the broader contours of contemporary international relations.

In her keynote address, Dr. Swasti Rao delivered a layered and incisive analysis of the expanding conflict in West Asia. She examined its military escalations, strategic recalibrations, and economic disruptions, while foregrounding the geopolitical consequences for India. Particular emphasis was laid on India’s energy security, diplomatic balancing, and the evolving role of major global actors in shaping regional trajectories.

Her address unpacked the complexities of a region in flux, underscoring the necessity of nuanced engagement with global conflicts in an increasingly multipolar world. The session culminated in a stimulating question-and-answer round, reflecting the audience’s keen intellectual engagement.

In his remarks, the Principal Prof. Bharat Singh appreciated the pertinence of the theme and commended the initiative led by Dr. Arvind Kumar Mishra and the society in fostering critical academic dialogue.

The programme was meticulously coordinated under the guidance of Dr. Amreen, with Dr. Arvind Kumar Mishra playing a central role in it's seamless execution.

Hon'ble principal in his remarks stated how India is at a crossroads with unstable situation in West Asia where lies India's energy interest and bi-lateral ties. Also thanked the society for organising such a lecture on a subject that is geopolitically more relevant in today's changing times. 

The event concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks, followed by the National Anthem.

The lecture stood as a significant academic engagement, enriching students’ understanding of contemporary geopolitics and reaffirming the role of academic forums in cultivating informed and critical perspectives on global affairs.