NEW DELHI: At the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024, General VK Singh (Retd), former Chief of Army Staff, urged all stakeholders in national security to unify in safeguarding India. “Internal security is everyone’s affair,” Singh emphasised. “It is our duty to share this responsibility with all those we come in contact with. If we find ourselves in situations involving internal security, we must be flexible enough to find solutions that serve the nation as a whole without letting personal egos get in the way.”
The defence dialogue, hosted by the Indian Army ended on October 25 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, drew prominent figures from policy-making, defence, academia, and strategic think tanks globally. With the theme, “Drivers in Nation Building: Fueling Growth Through Comprehensive Security,” the conference examined the intersection of security with national development, aiming to advance India’s vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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Prominent speakers from India, the United States, Russia, Israel, and Sri Lanka addressed the evolving global security landscape, emphasising how comprehensive security is essential for India’s growth.
Dr. S Somanath, ISRO Chairman, highlighted India’s space sector as vital for national security, noting the risks posed by jamming, anti-satellite threats, and directed energy weapons. He outlined ISRO’s proactive measures in Space Situational Awareness (SSA), satellite upgrades, and increased use of indigenous technology, all bolstering India’s security and defence capabilities.
Ruchira Kamboj, former Permanent Representative of India to the UN, highlighted India’s expanding influence in global governance, its push to reform the UN for inclusivity, and its support for the Global South. She noted India’s focus on climate resilience, sustainable development, and healthcare as part of its soft power, underscoring India’s role as a peace advocate and its commitment to UNSC reform.
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The event also featured three critical sessions examining social cohesion, technological advancements, and modern warfare, each unpacking challenges in national security.
Social Cohesion and Inclusive Growth: Pillars of a Secure Nation
Chaired by former Jammu & Kashmir Police Chief Shri RR Swain, this session delved into the crucial link between societal stability and national security. Swain underscored significant governance improvements while addressing ongoing challenges, particularly in countering separatist narratives. The panel included Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Meenakshi Lekhi, and General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd). They emphasised the vital need for trust in institutions, equitable development, and societal unity. Key discussions highlighted the necessity for resilient law enforcement, judicial reforms, and inclusive education to cultivate a shared national identity.
Blurring Frontiers: The Convergence of Technology & Security
Chaired by Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd), this session focused on the intersection of technology and security. Panellists Dr. Chintan Vaishnav (NITI Aayog), Brig Gen Eran Ortal (SIGNAL Group, Israel), and Mr. Dmitry Stefanovich (IMEMO, Russia) discussed emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, IoT, and blockchain, highlighting their roles in enhancing security through improved threat detection and operational efficiency. They also addressed new vulnerabilities and ethical challenges, offering evidence-based policy recommendations to strengthen cyber resilience, safeguard critical infrastructure, and balance innovation with robust security measures.
Groundbreakers: Shaping Land Warfare, Reflections for the Indian Army
The final session, chaired by Vice Admiral A B Singh (Retd) examined the Indian Army’s integration of advanced technologies to enhance battlefield readiness. Panellists Dr. Konstantin Bogdanov (IMEMO, Russia), Prof. Amit Gupta (University of Illinois, US), and Dr. Patrick Bratton (US Army War College) discussed the role of emerging technologies—such as AI, unmanned systems, cyber warfare tools, and autonomous weapons—in strengthening the Army’s capabilities through improved surveillance, precision strikes, and multi-domain operations, while also addressing associated vulnerabilities and ethical concerns.
The discussion focused on balancing rapid technological advancements with evolving security threats, emphasising the integration of new technologies into the Army’s infrastructure for enhanced resilience. It highlighted the importance of fostering indigenous defence technologies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and building strategic partnerships between the military, technology experts, and industry leaders to develop responsible solutions for future challenges.
Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to a secure and prosperous Bharat in the closing address of Chanakya Defence Dialogue. He highlighted the link between economic growth and national security, advocating for a “Whole of Nation” approach to defence.