Chief of Army Staff Addresses IIM Nagpur, Emphasizes Integral Link Between National Security and Prosperity

Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, delivered a Keynote Address at IIM Nagpur on December 16, 2023. During his speech, he emphasized the intricate connection between a nation’s prosperity and its national security paradigm. General Pande highlighted the multifaceted dimensions of national security, including economic, energy, food, and health security.

He discussed the concept of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) and how various factors contribute to a nation’s rise, including economic strength, military power, diplomatic influence, and technological advancements. General Pande stressed the symbiotic relationship between security and economic progress, emphasizing the need for a balance to ensure both stability and growth.

Addressing the evolving geo-political landscape, he underscored the unprecedented changes and the importance of understanding economic interests in the strategic calculations of states. General Pande also delved into the transformative impacts of technology on warfare, emphasizing the growing significance of the cyber domain and the challenges posed by disruptive technologies.

Furthermore, he discussed the relevance of deterrence in the contemporary context and highlighted the importance of being prepared for unexpected events, considering ongoing conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas.

Regarding the Indo-Pacific region, General Pande noted the increasing contestation in traditional and non-traditional domains, emphasizing India’s strategic role and participation in various regional frameworks.

The speech covered threats and challenges, including unresolved border issues, space weaponization, cyber threats, and the complexities of the information domain. General Pande stressed the importance of assessing future threats for strategic planning and preparedness.

The Chief of the Army Staff also highlighted the synergy and outreach with other government agencies, emphasizing the need for collaboration and convergence among stakeholders to improve collective outcomes. He discussed the Indian Army’s collaboration with government ministries and academic institutions, leveraging linkages for national development.

Global outreach through military diplomacy and annual exercises with partner nations was mentioned, with a focus on enhancing bilateral relations and coordinating responses to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

General Pande concluded by emphasizing the Indian Army’s role in nation-building through infrastructure development, empowerment of local communities, and alignment with national logistic requirements under initiatives like PM GatiShakti and the National Logistics Policy.