Understanding Public Affairs in a Geopolitical World

Public Policy and Geopolitics: Why It Matters for Corporate Boardrooms

Date21-22 August 2026

Model of TrainingIn-person

Programme Fee₹75,000**Excluding GST. Discounts available

Programme Director

Ajay Khanna

Founder, Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI), Professor of Practice

About the Programme

The training program on public affairs and geopolitics aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of policy formulation and implementation, geopolitical analysis, and strategic affairs. Participants will develop skills in governance, international relations, economic policy analysis and be well-prepared to navigate complex global political landscapes and influence policy decisions effectively.

Exclusively Tailored For

Chief Risk Officer (CRO)
Head of Global Strategy
International Relations Consultant
Director of Public Affairs
Head of Government Affairs

Programme Learning Outcomes

Enhance understanding of geopolitical dynamics by analysing global political landscapes, regional conflicts, and major powers' strategic interests to uncover the factors shaping international relations.
Equipping participants with techniques and methodologies for crafting and enacting effective public policies, focussing on practical applications to address contemporary challenges.
Analysing national security strategies and defence policies and their effects on international relations and global stability.
Analysing how governance impacts economic policies and trade and their effects on economics.

Tentative List of Modules

Geopolitics and Strategic Risk Foresight and Global Crisis Management

Geo-Economics in a Multipolar World: Markets, Technology and Power

Sanctions, Trade Policy and Regulatory Compliance: Managing Risk in an Era of Economic Nationalism

Connecting the Dots: Geopolitics, Geo-Economics and Geo-Trade in a Changing World

India & Europe: Diplomacy, Security and Soft Power

India's Strategic Role in the New Geopolitical Order

India–U.S. Strategic Partnership: Trade, Technology and Investment

Geopolitics in the Middle East: The Emergence of a New Geo-Economic Order

The Future of Corporate Geopolitics and Global Partnerships

Reimagining the Public Affairs Function: What, How and When to Adapt

PAFI

Public policy is a complex and strategic endeavour, encompassing a wide range of challenges and opportunities. The Indian School of Public Policy (ISPP) endeavours to tackle this complexity by employing design thinking to innovate the policy-making process. In parallel, the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI) contributes to this evolution by championing smart regulation, which not only stimulates innovation but also cultivates the expertise necessary to navigate emerging trends.

ISPP and PAFI aim to offer enhance the existing knowledge of the public policy professionals by designing few short-term courses to broaden participants' focus and cover a wide array of contemporary public policy topics, linking them with real-time examples and case studies to enhance practical understanding.

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Programme Faculty

Ajay Khanna

Co-Founder, Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI), Professor of Practice

Luis Miranda

Chairperson & Co-Founder, ISPP

Ambassador Ajay Bisaria

Former High Commissioner of India to Pakistan and Canada

Anil Padmanabhan

Senior Journalist and Policy Commentator

T. S. Vishwanath

Founding Member & Past President, Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI); Founder & Executive Chairman, VeK Policy Advisors

Dr. Bhashyam Kasturi

Economist and Trade Policy Advisor

Ambassador Manjeev Puri

Former Ambassador of India to the European Union, Belgium, Luxembourg and Nepal

Ambassador Sanjay Bhattacharyya

Former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs; Former BRICS Sherpa

Dammu Ravi

Former Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs

Rahul Sharma

Founding Member & Past President, Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI); Managing Director, India, US-India Business Council

Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir

Former Ambassador of India to the United Arab Emirates; Former High Commissioner of India to Maldives

Probal Das Gupta

Founder, Birdstone; Advisor on Business, Geopolitical and Reputation Risk

Dr. Imran Amin

Associate Professor, Research & Case Study Centre, Indian School of Public Policy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Eligibility Curriculum and Pedagogy Networking Discounts

Is there an age limit for applying for the Understanding Public Affairs programme?

There is no minimum age limit for applying for the Understanding Public Affairs programme. We encourage everyone interested in Public Affairs and Geopolitics who wants to pursue a part-time programme to apply.

Do I need to have work experience to join this programme?

All participants are expected to have at least 10 years of work experience, irrespective of the sector.

What is the minimum eligibility required for this programme?

The minimum eligibility required for this programme is having at least 10 years of work experience.

What is the structure of the programme?

The programme is conducted over two days (Friday and Saturday) and consists of a series of lectures and networking sessions designed to train you in governance, international relations, and economic policy analysis.

How are the sessions conducted?

The sessions are conducted in person on a Friday and Saturday at the ISPP Campus in Hauz Khas, New Delhi. They begin at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m.

What kind of networking opportunities are available?

As a participant, you will get a wide range of opportunities to network through sessions organised as part of the programme. After graduation, you will also be invited to guest lectures and other sessions as an ISPP alumni.

Is there a discount on the programme fees?

ISPP is a non-profit institution and is committed to democratising public policy. PAFI is committed to providing knowledge and context to aid in informed decision-making on policy. Hence, the following discount are available:

A flat discount of 10% is offered to all PAFI members who enrol in the programme through PAFI, OR
Group discounts are available.

Public Policy and Geopolitics: Why It Matters for Corporate Boardrooms