“The world is entering a new era of grey-zone conflicts where traditional international institutions are increasingly struggling to manage evolving geopolitical tensions,” stated Daniel Benaim, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Arabian Peninsula Affairs, at the Maharana Pratap Annual Geopolitics Dialogue (MPAGD) 2026 in Udaipur. Benaim highlighted the challenges faced by the model of international cooperation based on “shared values” and noted the significant transition in United States foreign policy in response to global realities. The fifth edition of the Dialogue, themed “Chakravyuh to Shanti Parv: From Conflict to Consensus,” was organized by the Usanas Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
The event saw the Governor of Bihar, Syed Ata Hasnain, attending as the Chief Guest and delivering a keynote address after the launch of Dr. Abhinav Pandya’s book ‘The Jihad Game: Inside Pakistan’s Dark War’. Lt Gen Hasnain outlined three key pillars sustaining jihadist networks targeting India-Pakistan-backed ideological infrastructure, institutional capability, and extensive financial and logistical networks, offering strategic recommendations to address these challenges. Vishvaraj Singh Mewar also spoke on the continued relevance of Maharana Pratap’s legacy to contemporary geopolitics and public policy.
The conference, inaugurated by Dr. Anita Jain, Director, Usanas Foundation, and Dr. Abhinav Pandya, Founder and CEO, delved into the intellectual framework of the Dialogue and discussed how great power rivalries today are influenced by ideological conflicts, technological competition, supply chain dominance, and the shift towards a multipolar world order. Amb Anil Trigunayat, Former Ambassador to Jordan, Libya, and Malta, and Distinguished Fellow at VIF, delivered opening remarks, setting the tone for multiple high-level sessions.
