Call for Delegates: India–ASEAN Youth Conference 2026
- Foreign Policy Talks
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Foreign Policy Talks, in partnership with The Geostrata, is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the India–ASEAN Youth Conference 2026.
As the Indo-Pacific undergoes profound geopolitical and economic transformation, the relationship between India and ASEAN is becoming increasingly central to the future of regional cooperation. Questions surrounding economic resilience, supply chain security, technological competition, strategic autonomy, and the evolving architecture of global governance are reshaping the regional landscape. In this environment, sustained dialogue between India and Southeast Asia is more important than ever.
While governments continue to deepen cooperation through diplomatic and economic initiatives, the long term success of India–ASEAN relations will also depend on the emergence of strong intellectual and professional networks capable of sustaining collaboration across borders. The next generation of researchers, policymakers, strategists, and practitioners will play a critical role in shaping the institutions, partnerships, and policy frameworks that define the Indo-Pacific in the decades ahead.
The India–ASEAN Youth Conference 2026 seeks to contribute to this effort by bringing together emerging voices from India and all ten ASEAN member states for a series of structured discussions on some of the most consequential challenges facing the region today.
Now entering its fourth edition, the Conference builds upon previous engagements aimed at strengthening next generation dialogue across the India–ASEAN corridor.
Organised jointly by Foreign Policy Talks and The Geostrata, the 2026 Conference will serve as a focused virtual platform for participants to exchange perspectives, share policy insights, and explore pathways for deeper regional cooperation.
Conference Themes
The Conference will feature three moderated panel discussions examining key issues shaping the future of India–ASEAN engagement and the wider Indo-Pacific.
ASEAN–India Economic Resilience in an Era of Strategic Uncertainty
As geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and supply chain disruptions continue to challenge the global economy, India and ASEAN face growing pressure to build partnerships that are both resilient and adaptable. This session will explore opportunities for cooperation across trade, technology, manufacturing, energy, food security, digital infrastructure, and regional connectivity.
BRICS Expansion, Global South Cooperation, and the Future of Global Governance
The expansion of BRICS has renewed debates about the future of international institutions and the role of emerging economies in global decision making. This discussion will examine how India and Southeast Asian countries can contribute to a more inclusive international order while navigating the opportunities and limitations of broader Global South cooperation.
Strategic Autonomy and Regional Stability in a Fragmenting Global Order
Intensifying great power competition, shifting economic alignments, and growing geopolitical uncertainty continue to test the strategic flexibility of countries across the Indo-Pacific. This panel will explore how India and ASEAN can preserve strategic autonomy, maintain regional stability, and promote constructive engagement amid an increasingly complex international environment.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, 11 July 2026
Time: 10:00 AM IST (GMT+5:30) | 11:30 AM WIB (GMT+7)
Format: Virtual Conference / Online
Who Should Apply?
Foreign Policy Talks and The Geostrata invite applications from students, researchers, policy practitioners, analysts, and young professionals with an interest in foreign policy, international affairs, strategic studies, economic cooperation, and Indo-Pacific developments.
A total of 12 (twelve) delegates from ASEAN member states will be selected to participate alongside Indian participants in the Conference discussions.
Why Participate?
Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with peers from across India and Southeast Asia, contribute to policy oriented discussions on pressing regional issues, and become part of a growing network of young professionals committed to strengthening India–ASEAN cooperation.
The Conference will also contribute to a broader effort to build lasting intellectual and practitioner level connections across the Indo-Pacific, while generating insights that will be shared through the platforms and networks of the organising institutions.
Registration
Applications are now open. Register here:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
As India and ASEAN navigate an increasingly interconnected economic, technological, and strategic environment, the need for meaningful dialogue between emerging leaders has never been greater. The India–ASEAN Youth Conference 2026 aims to provide a platform for exactly that conversation.
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