International Relations
Geopolitics, security, and the economic and institutional architecture of a multipolar order.
- Geopolitics
- Security
- Trade and investment
- Connectivity
- Energy
- Maritime affairs
- Global governance
SANGAM 2026 · International Conference
India–Russia Partnership in a Changing World Order
Academic humanism for peace, prosperity and co‑operative growth
संगम · слияние · confluence
Organised by
Dept. of Humanities & Social SciencesBITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus
Consulate General of the Russian FederationMumbai
Dept. of Humanities & Social SciencesBITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa CampusConsulate General of the Russian FederationMumbaiWith partner universities in Russia
About
About the conference
The post-Cold War order is giving way to a more complex, multipolar landscape, shaped by shifting power balances, technological change, economic fragmentation and regional conflict.
India and Russia share a long-standing partnership spanning defence, energy, nuclear technology, space research, trade, education, science and culture. SANGAM 2026 brings together scholars, diplomats, policymakers and young researchers to examine this partnership as a stabilising force, and to explore pathways towards a rules-based, equitable and sustainable international order.
Aims and objectives
What the conference will examine
Over two days, scholars and practitioners will discuss eight themes that shape the India–Russia partnership in a changing world.
- The changing world orderTheoretical and strategic reflections on a shifting international order.
- History as a guideHow India–Russia relations can strengthen a rules-based order and multilateralism.
- Trade and investmentTrends and new ideas in bilateral and multilateral economic engagement.
- Technology and sustainabilityEmerging areas of cooperation in innovation and sustainable growth.
- Maritime affairsThe Blue Economy, connectivity and a rules-based maritime order.
- Global governanceThe role of both countries in regional and global governance.
- Policy dialogueAcademic and policy exchange to strengthen future cooperation.
- Culture and academic networksUnderstanding through history, culture, language and sociology.
Call for papers
Call for papers
Abstracts are invited for paper presentations and posters from academics, researchers, policymakers and practitioners.
- Submission deadline
- 15 October 202623:59 IST · 21:29 Moscow
- Abstract length
- 200 wordsTimes New Roman, 12 pt
- Decisions
- By 20 October 2026Sent by email
- Submission
- Online formNo fee at this stage
Two parallel tracks
Humanities
The cultural, historical and intellectual ties that sustain the partnership.
- History
- Culture
- Language
- Sociology
- Soft power
- Academic cooperation
How to take part
- Submit an abstract200 words with a title, objective, methodology and main argument, plus your name, country, institution and email.
- Receive the decisionAuthors are informed by email by 20 October 2026.
- Register and payAccepted authors receive payment details by email. Early-bird rates apply until 20 November.
Poster session48 × 36 in, landscapeUp to two per presenterAny one trackDeadline to be announced
Questions about submissions? Write to sangamconference2026@gmail.com.
Timeline
Important dates
- Abstract submission deadline
- Notification of acceptance
- Early-bird registration closes
- Final registration and payment
- SANGAM 2026 in Goa
All dates are in 2026. Deadlines close at 23:59 Indian Standard Time (21:29 Moscow time).
Registration
Registration fees
| Category | Early birduntil 20 Nov 2026 | Regular21 Nov – 10 Dec |
|---|---|---|
| Indian participants Academics and professionals | INR 6,000 | INR 8,000 |
| Indian doctoral and research students | INR 4,000 | INR 5,000 |
| International participants Academics and professionals | US$ 80 | US$ 100 |
| International research students | US$ 60 | US$ 80 |
Pay after acceptance
No payment is needed to submit. Accepted authors receive payment details by email.
International rates
Apply to all participants from outside India, including Russia.
Programme
Programme and speakers
The schedule, keynote speakers and committees will be announced here once confirmed.
Day 1
Monday, 21 December
To be announcedDay 2
Tuesday, 22 December
To be announced
Venue
Venue and travel
A 180-acre campus among green hills overlooking the Zuari River.
BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa CampusNH-17B, Zuarinagar, Goa 403726, India
- 7 kmGoa International Airport, Dabolim
- 56 kmManohar International Airport, Mopa
- 10 kmVasco da Gama
- 20 kmMargao
Travelling from abroad? Accepted international participants will receive an official invitation letter for the Indian conference visa.
Partners
Organisers and partners
Organised by
BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa CampusDepartment of Humanities & Social SciencesConsulate General of the Russian FederationMumbaiPartner universities in Russia
Lomonosov Moscow State University
HSE University
St Petersburg State University
RUDN University
Russian State University for the Humanities
RANEPA
More partners from India and Russia will be announced.
Contact
Get in touch
For questions about submissions, registration or travel, email the organising team.
Postal address
Department of Humanities & Social SciencesBITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus
NH-17B, Zuarinagar, Goa 403726, India
Telephone
Campus reception
+91 832 258 0105
+91 832 258 0106
