Lt Gen VK Chaturvedi (PVSM, AVSM, SM (Retd) ) was our key note speaker for the samanvaya conclave held at IIC on 30 May 2023. We have taken some excerpt from his talk and in his own words.”It was a great pleasure speaking on ‘ India and it’s Geopolitics’ at India International Centre on 30 May 2023. The following important issues were covered:-
1. India a vast Country is located in the Indian Ocean Region/ South Asia and is extremely important Nation which today plays an equally important role in the Comity of Nations in the world.
2. We have not so friendly neighbours in our North and West,both nuclear States.
3. India has a long and vast land and maritime borders.16 States have land borders and another 7 have maritime boundaries.
4. India today is in the midst of major geopolitical repositioning from our “Non Aligned ” rhetoric to our hard headed National Interest based geopolitics. All our policies and diplomacy are based on National Interest first principal.
5. India occupies a prominent position in the world today. We have a stable government,a strong leader and that has resulted in our dignity/ respect going up manifold in the world. The credibility, acceptability of India today is the highest in the world. The world seeks India for guidance and directions.
6. The Russia -Ukraine war has affected the whole world. The war is primarily for supremacy. It’s US vs Russia. Ukraine is only a scapegoat. The leader in Ukraine has become a pawn in the hands of larger powers and has put his people, and the Nation in the line of fire. We need to learn a major lesson ‘ Nation first ‘ and not get involved in other’s interest.
7. The importance of Indian Ocean Region was brought out, the SLOC, the choke points like Strait of Hormuz, Babel- Mandeb and Malacca Strait and the great wealth of the ocean was pointed out. The belligerence of China in the region and in the neighbourhood was highlighted.
Need for surveillance and adequate presence was also emphasized.
8.india is a major player and need to be proactive. The Andaman Nicobar Command needs to be strengthened and our surveillance system modernised to meet the strategic aims.
9.Indo Pacific region was also covered in details. The importance of the region,the issue of Taiwan, South China Sea and the belligerence of China was discussed in length. It was highlighted that this is one flashpoint where US and China may go to any limits as the stakes are very high.
The formation of QUAD, AUKUS and many other economic framework need to be strengthened.
10. It was however brought out that chances of engagement of major powers are less in the region, as both understand the extremely negative effects of such a conflict. However ‘Deterrence’ in all it’s form will continue.
11. Aspect regarding building of Narrative by Anti National forces was brought out. Need to be careful by creating awareness.
12.In the summing up, the ‘पांच प्रण’ as given by the PM were highlighted as our goals are spelt out in these. Also the aspect of ‘Rashtra Pratham’ was explained to ensure that when it comes
to Nation and it’s dignity, sovereignty and integrity , everything else is secondary
13. Certain ‘Blunders ‘ made by our leaders in the past were highlighted. This was done to ensure that we learn our lessons and not repeat them. It was categorically stated that it’s not to criticize anyone but to learn for our future.
An extremely energising and interactive session which I thoroughly enjoyed. Great learning in meeting some extraordinary professionals and intellectuals.
Thanks “
