From Headlines to Diplomacy: Experts brainstorm media’s growing influence onIndian Foreign Policy at International Symposium

At a time when global perception and narratives are shaped in real-time by headlines, hashtags and diplomacy, the role of media in influencing foreign policy is more critical than ever. Moreover, for a country like India, with its growing geopolitical influence and multifaceted foreign policy objectives, the media’s role has become both strategic and indispensable. Acknowledging the crucial role of media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) at Apeejay Stya University, Gurugram in collaboration with Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) hosted a two-day International Symposium on Media & Indian Foreign Policy. This thought-provoking symposium brought together distinguished policymakers, academicians, and media professionals to deliberate on the dynamic intersections of these domains. 

The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp which was graced by distinguished guests including Dr Dnyaneshwar Manohar Mulay, Former High Commissioner of India to Maldives, Mr. Arnab Chakraborty, Research Fellow, Indian Council of World Affairs,  Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Vir Singh, Vice Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, Prof. Ashok Ogra, Advisor, Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication, Dr Renu Batra, Advisor, Higher Education, Apeejay Education, Ms Reetu Batala, Founder Director, Apeejay Institute of Design, Dr. Mithilesh Kumar Singh, Principal Fellow, Apeejay Stya Education Research Foundation & OSD to Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, and Professor Sanjay Ahirwal, Dean of School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

This was followed by a short video on the life and vision of Dr. Stya Paul, the Founder Chairman of Apeejay Education. Convenor of the symposium and Dean of SJMC, Professor Sanjay Ahirwal, set the tone with a warm welcome. Paying tribute to Lord Swaraj Paul with a minute of silence, he reflected on his own 25 years of media experience. “The role of the media in shaping public opinion is more critical than ever. From the Lahore visit of Nawaz Sharif and Atal Bihari Vajpayee to recent global crises, the media has shown how it can directly influence international relations,” remarked Prof.  Ahirwal. “The perspectives shared today will elevate this event and inspire deliberations that add immense value to the study of media and diplomacy.”

Media and Diplomacy in a Changing World

The academic endeavour provided a platform for engaging and enriching exchanges of ideas. In his opening remarks, Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Vir Singh, Vice Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, underlined the significance of connecting media with Indian foreign policy. “When you connect media with foreign policy, you create a platform to discuss some of the most pressing issues of our time,” he mentioned. “With 24×7 connectivity, media has become a dominant player not only in influencing public perception but also in shaping diplomatic narratives.”

He emphasised how diplomats and policymakers increasingly rely on media as a tool for both disseminating information and influencing global perspectives, citing examples of Operation Sindoor and the Ukrainian crisis.

Strategic Messaging and the Role of Social Media

Dr. Neha Berlia, Co-promoter of Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Joint Secretary of Apeejay Education, and Pro-Chancellor of Apeejay Stya University, who joined the gathering virtually, congratulated the organisers for bringing together experts and young scholars in this timely dialogue. “In today’s world, media is no longer a passive observer, it is an active player in shaping perceptions, influencing decisions, and even altering the course of events. What is reported, how it is framed, and the speed at which it is shared can have a direct impact on relationships between nations. The deliberations will foster cross-disciplinary partnerships and scholarly dialogues, paving the way for informed diplomacy.”

She further mentioned, “For our students, this is more than just an academic event, it is an opportunity to witness the shaping of ideas in real time.”    

Communication as the Foundation of Civilisation

Adding an academic dimension, Mr. Arnab Chakraborty, Research Fellow, Indian Council of World Affairs, reflected on the historical roots of communication and its enduring relevance to policy. “Communication is what distinguishes human civilisation. From the world wars to contemporary global negotiations, media has always been central in shaping opinion,” he said. “Today, media professionals shoulder the responsibility of ensuring accuracy and credibility in a world flooded with fake news.”

Chakraborty further highlighted that foreign policy is far from glamour; it is grounded in reliable information, careful communication, and responsible media practices.

Media and Diplomats: Words as Weapons

Further drawing parallels between the work of soldiers, diplomats, and journalists, the Chief Guest, Dr Dnyaneshwar Manohar Mulay, Former High Commissioner of India to Maldives, emphasised,  “When we speak of media and foreign policy, there are striking similarities with the life of a soldier. Soldiers fight wars on the ground, while media professionals and diplomats fight battles of perception,” he said. “Words are their weapons, and through them, media contributes to diplomacy in profound ways.”

Sharing experiences from Japan and the Maldives, he pointed out how shifts in policies often mirror media narratives, reinforcing the integral role of journalists in global affairs.

Challenges of Indian Media and the Way Forward

The keynote speaker, Mr Vikram Chandra, Senior Journalist, former CEO of NDTV & Founder of Editorji, examined the systemic issues facing Indian media today, particularly the obsession with TRPs. “Quality journalism is often sidelined because TRPs reward noise over substance,” he explained. “If three people shouting on television brings higher ratings than a well-researched programme, advertisers will follow that cycle.”

He further warned that the absence of India’s voice on the global stage is concerning. “If Indian media fails to project a credible and balanced perspective, the global narrative about India will be shaped elsewhere. What we urgently need is a channel designed for international audiences, with professional-quality content curated responsibly,” he proposed.

The speaker suggested leveraging artificial intelligence to create high-quality media content, with the challenge lying in its thoughtful curation.

Distinguished guests released the symposium souvenir, marking a significant academic contribution. The event concluded with a formal felicitation of the guests, acknowledging their valuable presence and insights.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Pardeep Kumar , Registrar of Apeejay Stya University, expressed gratitude to the Chancellor, Pro Vice Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, ICWA, and all participants. “Your presence has inspired us to pursue more initiatives that bridge academia, media, and policymaking. This symposium has demonstrated the power of collaborative dialogue in addressing issues that shape our nation’s role on the global stage,” he said.

The symposium successfully highlighted how media today functions not only as a tool for public information but also as a strategic instrument in diplomacy and foreign policy. With engaging discussions on misinformation, social media’s role, and the responsibility of journalists, the event reinforced that the media’s influence on global narratives is more significant than ever.

As participants departed, they carried with them the shared conviction that responsible communication, supported by scholarship and collaboration, remains the foundation of both diplomacy and democracy.