Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2023 concludes with takeaways on security challenges

The Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2023, a two-day event hosted by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), took place on November 3rd and 4th, with a focus on addressing security challenges in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. The event featured six different sessions and aimed to foster collaborative security solutions.

Session I – Neighbourhood First; South Asia Prognosis

Chaired by Ambassador Ashok K Kantha.
Discussions revolved around future challenges in South Asia.
Implications of India-China competition and India’s role as a geo-economic growth driver were analyzed.
Non-traditional security issues like human migration, ethnic divides, resource sharing, and climate change were considered for a prosperous future.

Session II – Indo Pacific; The Decisive Frontier

Chaired by Former Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba (Retired).
Examined shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
Highlighted India’s role as an economic powerhouse, China’s influence, and the importance of ASEAN Nations.
QUAD, a non-military alliance, seen as a successful multilateral organization.

Session III – Collaborative Partnership for Security

Chaired by Lieutenant General Prakash Menon (Retired).
Focused on potential security alliances in the Indo-Pacific.
Emphasized multilateral alignments based on shared interests for the security of smaller nations.
Highlighted the importance of India-USA relations and the role of the QUAD.

Keynote Address for Day 2

Ambassador Kanwal Sibal stressed India’s need to maintain strategic autonomy.
Emphasized maintaining friendly relations with like-minded nations.

Session IV – How Emerging Technology Impact Defence and Security

Chaired by Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.
Explored the impact of emerging technologies, including Space, Cyber Space, AI, and Big Data.
Discussed India’s preparedness for multi-domain conflicts in the face of global technological advancements.

Session V – Indian Defence Industry as Enabler for Collaborative Capacity Building

Chaired by Lieutenant General Subrata Saha (Retired).
Discussed the role of policy frameworks, DRDO, private defense sectors, and MSMEs in enhancing India’s defense capabilities.
Emphasized the need for India to prepare for future wars with Indian solutions.

Session VI – Comprehensive Deterrence- The India Way

Chaired by Lieutenant General DS Hooda (Retired).
Explored India’s unique approach to comprehensive deterrence, considering China’s assertiveness and regional economic downturns.

Closing Remarks

COAS reiterated India’s commitment to promoting regional stability and prosperity.
Emphasized the importance of collaborative security and partnership among like-minded nations.
Noted the complexity of the battle space due to technological advancements.
Highlighted the progress of the Indian Defense Industry and comprehensive deterrence’s holistic approach.

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