The second edition of the Indian Army’s flagship international seminar, the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, concluded at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi. This two-day event brought together policymakers, strategic thinkers, academics, defence personnel, veterans, scientists, and subject matter experts from India and around the world to explore India’s strategic directions and developmental priorities.
Themed “Drivers in Nation Building: Fuelling Growth Through Comprehensive Security,” the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024 sparked crucial discussions on integrating security dynamics within the broader context of national and international policymaking. Notable speakers from India, the United States, Russia, Israel, and Sri Lanka provided global perspectives on how security influences India’s developmental trajectory toward the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
On the second day, the dialogue featured two significant addresses. Dr S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, highlighted the critical role of India’s space sector in enhancing national security. He discussed the increasing congestion and competition in satellite communication, navigation, and earth observation, emphasizing the complex operational risks posed by threats like jamming and anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities. Dr Somanath outlined ISRO’s focus on Space Situational Awareness (SSA), which aims to ensure the safety of India’s space assets through observation, analysis, and risk mitigation.
He also emphasized the need for advanced satellite technology with low revisit times and high refresh rates for military applications. The push for privatization and the launch of additional satellites were noted as essential for strengthening India’s strategic posture in space. Dr Somanath revealed that rockets now contain 95% domestically sourced materials, while satellites are made up of 60% indigenous components, reflecting a significant move toward self-reliance in the space sector.
The second special address was delivered by Ruchira Kamboj, Former Permanent Representative of India to the UN. She discussed India’s evolving role in shaping the multilateral world, covering themes such as India’s historical significance as a UN founding member, its tenure on the UN Security Council, and its strong anti-terrorism stance. She underscored India’s contributions to UN peacekeeping and the call for reforms in the UNSC to make it more representative.
She also highlighted India’s advocacy for the rights of developing nations and its leadership in addressing global challenges like climate change and sustainable development. She reinforced India’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, showcasing the country’s growing stature as a responsible global actor committed to promoting a rules-based international order.
The second day of the Chanakya Defence Dialogue included three sessions focusing on various aspects of comprehensive security, with prominent speakers sharing their insights on the vital intersections between security and national growth. The event successfully laid the groundwork for future discussions on how India can leverage security dynamics to fuel its development and enhance its position on the global stage.
