Members of the 56th NDC Course and faculty of National Defence College called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today (November 1, 2016) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that in today’s context the global environment poses numerous challenges to the world because of its changing dynamics. The astonishing pace at which events have unfolded in the recent past could not have been foreseen even a decade earlier. Each country is guided in its actions by its national interests and objectives. The relationships are constantly changing and unless a country understands and adjusts itself to the changes that are taking place around the world, its own security could be seriously endangered.
The President said that since natural resources are always at a premium, there will be intense competition among nations to take control of these resources. This adds to the challenges created by changing power equations. The concept of security has also undergone a major change. Security is no more confined to preservation of territorial integrity alone. It also encompasses economic, energy, food, health, environmental and all other dimensions of National well being. It is thus a comprehensive concept including all elements of National Power. Intensive research and quality analysis in all fields and disciplines is thus a pre-requisite which calls for a holistic approach to studies across a vast spectrum of disciplines. There must be a conscious effort to strengthen the linkages between different organs and not divide them into watertight compartments. Adopting such an integrated approach is the only option to seek rich dividends and meet the emerging challenges. While doing so, one must not lose sight of the larger picture and keep the primary national objectives always in focus.
The President said that in a multi party democratic system like India, various departments of the state must understand the strengths and limitations of those organs. All wings of the state – the political leadership, the civil leadership and the Armed Forces need to strategise in a manner so as to enhance our defence capabilities and project our strengths effectively.
The President said that the success of any nation depends on how effectively it harnesses all the available resources at its disposal, foremost among these being the human resource. The development of human resource for National Security is an onerous task undertaken by National Defence College of India where senior officers from not only the Armed Forces but also from Civil Services and friendly foreign countries are endowed with background knowledge to make informed policy decisions related to national objectives and aims.
The President said that over the years NDC has earned its own reputation. He said that he was made to understand that a total of six studies comprise the curriculum of the National Defence College course. The Socio-Political Study is to make the members comprehend the main features of Indian society and polity and to assess issues which have a bearing on the National Social fabric. The Economy Security Study is to introduce members to the principles and practices that shape economic trends and their impact on comprehensive security. Similarly, Studies on International Security Environment, Global Issues, Science and Technology and India’s Strategic Neighbourhood focus on the international security environment as also its impact on India’s foreign policy. The final study on Strategies and Structures for National Security is the synthesis and culmination of everything that they have learned and experienced during the year.
The President hoped that this exposure would make members into more aware and well-informed individuals, who can make well reasoned decisions taking the country’s security perspectives into consideration. He said that multidisciplinary approach to problems of national security was recognized by ancient philosopher and political thinkers like Chanakya, the author of ‘Arthashastra’. Even Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the architect of modern India and first Prime Minister while inaugurating the National Defence College in 1960, articulated that "Defence is not an isolated subject. It is intimately connected with the economic, industrial and many other aspects in the country and is all encompassing”.
The President said that the role of the Armed Forces has also expanded far beyond traditional military matters with the revolutions in military affairs and globalization. It is clear that future conflicts in the complex defence and security environment will require a more integrated multi-state and multi-agency approach. This course therefore, plays an important role in preparing military leaders, police officers and civil servants to deal with the complex security environment of the future in a comprehensive manner.
The President said that emergence of Asia as the new ‘centre of economic power’ has gradually shifted the centre of gravity of the world financial power from West to the East. Global war on Terror and threat to the nation states from terrorists are likely to be another aspect which will take time and energy of the world community. India is likely to confront many challenges both from within and outside the country, in its march towards its justifiable position in the comity of nations.
This release issued at 1915 hrs