Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 27
The Strategic Studies Cell, Kasauli, organised a seminar to deliberate upon the formidable security challenges facing the nation, with experts advocating that the nation must adopt a coherent and consistent policy in dealing with Pakistan and take stern diplomatic, economic and military measures against it.
Former Director General, Defence Intelligence Agency, Lt Gen Kamal Davar highlighted the diverse strategic challenges being faced by India, especially as a result of Pakistan employing the instrument of terror as an extension of its state policy and fomenting and fanning insurgency-like conditions in India’s restive Kashmir valley. He cautioned the nation’s decision makers to also factor in the growing China-Pakistan military and economic axis.
Former Vice-Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi delved upon the nuances of comprehensive national power and how its ingredients can be employed to enhance India’s rise as a reckonable global player. Former chief of Strategic Forces Command Vice-Admiral SPS Cheema traced the buildup of India’s nuclear forces and the way they were shaping up to ensure nuclear stabilisation in the region, especially bearing in mind Pakistan’s constant sabre-rattling.
Lt Gen Prakash Katoch, former Deputy Chief of Army Staff, gave his views on the rise of China, its growing assertiveness in Asia and the steps India would have to take to contain China.
Former Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen BS Jaswal, covered the likely causes of the current problems in J&K and the way forward for India to restore peace and normalcy in the restive Valley.