I am very happy to be with you all today. I am told that this is a diverse group comprising officers from different fields and various countries too. I am sure that cross-pollination of ideas has happened during the course among the officers of the armed forces, civil services, corporate sector, and officers from Friendly Foreign Countries. I extend my warm welcome to 37 foreign officers from 27 friendly foreign countries present here.

This National Defence College course is one-of-its-kind course encompassing areas of national security and strategy, along with governance, technology, history and economics. I am told that the well-thought-out curriculum of your Course is woven around 6 modules, with the objective of strengthening strategic acumen and deepening your understanding of geo-political and strategic issues so that you are better equipped to take decisions, especially in critical situations. I am confident that the holistic approach of learning at the NDC – comprising research, classroom discussions, insights from eminent speakers, and on-ground exposure through national and international visits, has enriched you in terms of facing challenges.

Dear officers,

It is relevant to mention here that a multi-disciplinary approach to addressing the problems of governance and national security was formulated around 3 rd century BC by Chanakya, the great strategist. It has been detailed in ‘Arthashastra’, his treatise on politics, economics, strategy and national security. Some of the ancient ideas remain relevant despite the changes in technology and context.

The real progress of a nation depends to a large extent on how effectively it harnesses resources at its disposal, especially its human resource. Security and defence are essential for progress and development. I hope that the training in National Security and Strategy, provided by National Defence College will enable you all to make informed policy decisions through the knowledge gained in the field of national security and other relevant areas.

Dear officers,

The global geopolitical environment is dynamic and poses numerous challenges. In the fast-changing geopolitical environment, we need to be well prepared to tackle any adverse situation. Geopolitical dynamics have changed the security landscape. There is a need to have a deeper understanding of national and global issues. We not only have to secure our national interests but also prepare for new Security challenges like cyber warfare, technology enabled terrorism and Climate Change. Updated knowledge and cutting-edge technologies based on extensive research are required to be applied. You need to explore innovative applications of Artificial Intelligence in addressing current and future challenges. In fact, government agencies and corporate sector need to join hands to identify and address these challenges.

The way in which global events are unfolding, we increasingly realise the importance of being Atmanirbhar, globally competent and future-ready to deal with any kind of situation and crisis. In a democratic system like ours, both civil services officers, and defence services officers must understand the fine points of our constitutional framework. This awareness is the first step towards fostering synergy among the functionaries of different services. I am sure that our officers will rise to the dynamic needs of our country.

Dear officers,

Today, our security concerns extend way beyond preservation of territorial integrity and encompass other dimensions of well-being dealing with economy, environment, energy security, and cyber security among others. The role of Armed Forces has also expanded beyond traditional military matters. 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 and the civil services officers to deal with the complex security environment of the future in a comprehensive manner.

I am sure that close interactions among participants of different countries has enriched and widened the outlook of all the participants on many international issues. I would like to convey a message to the officers from friendly countries. India has always followed the idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which means that India considers the whole world as its friend and family. We promote a feeling of amity towards all countries. I am confident that participants of the present course will build upon the existing friendships in the future.

In the end, I once again congratulate all the course participants. I wish you success in your future endeavours and hope that you all will bring glory to your countries.

Thank you! 
Jai Hind! 
Jai Bharat!