Teaser Video
DRIVERS IN NATION BUILDING: FUELLING GROWTH THROUGH COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY
Introduction

1. In an interconnected world marked by dynamic geopolitical shifts, rapid technological advancements and pressing environmental challenges, the role of comprehensive security in nation-building has never been more critical. As nations navigate the international coliseum, they must strike a delicate balance between national interests, security imperatives and sustainable development.

2. India’s geopolitical journey is a multifaceted endeavour that transcends borders and historical epochs. As a nation poised for greater influence, India must pave the way for a future which nurtures onto a sustained path of growth and nation building. As a driver of nation building, Indian Army has been instrumental in nation building through its tangible contributions and by ensuring a secure environment that fosters growth. Recognizing and furthering the multifaceted dimensions of security, its impact on national growth and role played by the Indian Army in achieving the Government of India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, will assist in paving the way for such endeavours.

3. Indian Army in collaboration with Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) will be conducting Chanakya Defence Dialogue- 2024 on the theme ‘Drivers in Nation Building: Fuelling Growth Through Comprehensive Security’. The event will facilitate in-depth discussions, foster strategic partnerships and contribute to the formulation of actionable insights for enhancing national security and development.
Aim

Aim: To highlight the role of Indian Army in furthering the Nation’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ amidst the interplay of geopolitical dynamics, economic development strategies, convergence of technology, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion in the light of growth and national security perspective.
Participation

The event will be attended by Indian as well as foreign representatives of strategic community, planners and policy makers from the government, defence PSUs & national security apparatus, scholars in the field of national security, economics, environment sustainability, science and technology. SMEs, eminent speakers and representatives of premier Think Tanks from India as well as India’s geo-political partners like Australia, Bangladesh, France, Japan, Nepal, Israel, Russia, Sri Lanka, UK, USA and Vietnam will be invited for the event.
Conduct
The two-day seminar will be organized into six thematic sessions, each focusing on a critical aspect of nation-building and security as under: -
Day Session Topic
DAY 1 I Geopolitical Dynamics: Navigating International Coliseum
II Economic Development Strategies & National Security Imperatives
III Environmental Sustainability: Balancing Growth with Ecological Concerns
DAY 2 Special Address Navigating Geo-political Conundrum: Security Strategies for Viksit Bharat
Smart Power: Persuasive Influence to Achieve Development Goals
IV Blurring Frontiers: Convergence of Technology & Security
Special Address Atmanirbharta in Defence: Challenges and Opportunities
V Social Cohesion and Inclusive Growth: Pillars of a Secure Nation
VI Groundbreakers: Shaping the Land Warfare, Reflections for Indian Army
Deliverables
The seminar aims to produce key deliverables that will serve as valuable resources for policymakers, defense planners and academic researchers.

(a) Strategic Partnerships. A comprehensive matrix outlining India’s strategic partnerships with other nations highlighting areas of collaboration, joint initiatives and shared security interests. By mapping out these partnerships, decision-makers can make informed choices and strengthen diplomatic ties.

(b) Policy Brief on Cultural Diplomacy. A concise policy brief will showcase, how India can leverage its rich cultural heritage for diplomatic purposes. Recommendations will focus on promoting cultural exchanges for enhancing India’s soft power influence through cultural diplomacy, which will foster mutual understanding and goodwill.

(c) Defence Industry Integration Roadmap. A robust defence sector aligned with national security imperatives is crucial for India’s geopolitical resilience. The event will provide a roadmap to include a detailed plan for integrating economic progress with military readiness. Steps to enhance self-reliance in defence production, foster innovation and strengthen the defence-industrial base will be outlined.

(d) Supply Chain Resilience Framework. Safeguarding national security during supply chain disruptions requires proactive planning and coordination. This framework aims to ensure supply chain resilience in critical sectors. It will address vulnerabilities, list risk mitigation strategies and develop contingency plans.

(e) Balancing Growth with Ecological Concerns. The delicate balance between economic growth and ecological concerns will be highlighted to cover climate resilience strategies, biodiversity conservation efforts and the role of the armed forces in environmental stewardship. Promoting sustainable practices shall contribute to long-term prosperity and global stability.

(f) Technology and Security Convergence. The seminar will encompass collaborative space security solutions, cyber resilience measures, ethical AI guidelines, and future force design. Recommendations for policy adjustments and investment priorities will position India as a technological leader in security domains.

(g) Social Cohesion Blueprint. Strengthening internal security through social harmony is essential for national resilience. The event will explore initiatives to promote inclusivity, address measures for enhancing social cohesion, fairness and equality and capitalising demographic dividends for national growth.

(h) Contours of Future Land Warfare. The dialogue will evaluate emerging contours of land warfare in view the recent conflicts. It will examine technology choices, training programs, and force modernisation efforts required to prepare the Indian Army for challenges of the future.