Gen Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff delivered a Keynote Address at IIM Nagpur today.
Highlights of his talks are as under:-
The prosperity and ascent of any country in the comity of nations, is intricately linked to its National Security paradigm. In simple terms, National Security is the ability of a Nation, to protect and preserve its independence, integrity and sovereignty against external and internal threats, and the promotion of its political, economic and social growth. Its conceptualization is beyond the realm of any single discipline, for it covers the very foundation of a nation State, on the one hand, and the survival, welfare and prosperity of its citizens, on the other.
The constituent dimensions of National Security include Economic Security, Energy Security, Food Security, Health Security, Environmental Security, amongst others.
‘Economic power’, no doubt is the fountainhead that drives the progression of these factors, yet it is the ‘military strength’ that lends a Nation, the ability to effect the outcomes, necessary, to protect and further its multifarious interests.
‘Security’ and ‘Economic Progress’ share a symbiotic relationship. A secure environment provides the stability necessary for domestic and foreign investments, fostering economic growth. Economic prosperity in turn, enables allocation of resources, reinforcing a nation’s security capabilities. A right balance between the two is essential, for an overly militarized approach might impede economic development, while neglecting security can jeopardize economic stability.
Our nation envisions the resolve to emerge as a developed nation, when we celebrate our centenary milestone.
The Indian Armed Forces remain fully aligned to the national vision and objectives. The foremost implication therefore, is to ensure that the nation’s security is not impacted in any way, so that nation’s progress continues unabated.
In order to fulfil the pivotal role, as guardians of the nation’s path to progress, there are imperatives that the Indian Army, is alive to and remains committed to.
Geo-Strat Landscape
The Armed Forces need to remain cognizant of the contours of the current and evolving geo-political landscape, which is characterized by Change, unfolding at ‘unprecedented scale and speed’.
Economic interests, concerns and aspirations continue to hold primacy in the strategic calculus of States. These are in fact driving geo-political shifts, the manifestations of which are visible as power-plays, in the spectrum of Cooperation – Competition – Containment – Confrontation.
Protecting National Interests
Our Economic growth is on a firm footing. Unlike many nations, we were able to brave the economic downturns of the Pandemic and Russia-Ukraine conflict, based on a agile, resilient and consumption driven economy. An aspirational demographic dividend, cost advantage, accruing from the vast human capital, policy reforms, skilling initiatives, infrastructure investment, digital potential, frontline entrepreneurship, the promise of being a reliable supply chain stakeholder and our commitment to sustainable development, have made us today, the fifth largest economy in the world, and the fastest growing major economy.
Our Foreign policy and Diplomatic pursuits are playing a vital role in securing India’s interests. Our stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, is a fine example, where we stood steadfast and clear, towards addressing legitimate concerns based on National Interest. The country has taken lead in championing initiatives for finding solutions to Global problems, in ventures such as – International Solar Alliance, Global Bio Fuel Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and Vaccine Maitri. Consequently, today India has a voice on the world stage that is distinct, rooted in Indian ethos and effective in articulating the concerns of the Global South. The successful conduct of the G20 meet, demonstrated India’s ability to bridge divides and achieve consensus, on some very knotty issues.
As guardians of the nation’s security, we are constantly seized with the contemporary threats. Concurrently, the ability to correctly assess future threats, remains pivotal to our strategic planning and preparedness.
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D.Wankhede/S.Kane/P/Kor
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