Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, successfully concluded a dynamic and intellectually immersive Training Programme for Indian Foreign Service Officer Trainees, organized by the School of International Cooperation, Security and Strategic Languages (SICSSL). The programme was designed to equip young diplomats with cutting-edge strategic perspectives and cross-disciplinary insights in foreign policy, national security, and global governance.

The training featured an array of eminent speakers from India’s leading strategic, academic, and defence institutions. The programme comprised of a distinguished lecture by Prof. Harsh V. Pant, Vice President, Observer Research Foundation and Visiting Faculty at SICSSL, who delivered an incisive analysis on “The Future of Polarity in the International System.” A thought-provoking lecture on “Breaking Silos and Building Synergy towards Integrated National Power” was delivered by Lt Gen D.P. Pandey, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd.), emphasizing the need for whole-of-nation approaches in strategic affairs. Lt Gen Sanjay Verma (Retd), PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Bar to VSM, DRDO Chair and Emeritus Resource Faculty at RRU, inspired participants with his session on “India’s Defence Destiny and Atma Nirbhar Bharat”, underlining the importance of indigenisation and innovation in national security. Rear Admiral Monty Khanna (Retd.), Member, National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), enriched the discourse through his presentation on Maritime Security and Strategic Sea Power, a critical domain for India’s Indo-Pacific aspirations. Mr. Pranay Kotasthane, Deputy Director at the Takshashila Institution, delivered a highly engaging lecture on “High-Tech Geopolitics: Trends and Assessment”, decoding the intersection of emerging technologies, security, and global influence.

An important dimension of India’s international outreach was addressed by Dr. Utsav Chaware, Director of the Bharat Centre of Olympic Research at RRU, who presented on “Olympics, Sports Diplomacy, and Global Relations”, highlighting sports as an evolving instrument of global soft power. The programme also featured an illuminating session by Ms. Aakanksha Saxena and Mr. Harish Chowdhary, focusing on Technological Diplomacy and International Cooperation, mapping India's aspirations as a responsible and proactive digital power. A highlight of the training was the lecture by Dr. Aparna Varma, Director, SICSSL, who explored “Security Spectrum: National Security Discourses.” through an institutional and strategic lens. Her session provided a critical framework to understand the national security discourses and mainstream IR theories associated with national security studies. Shri K Rajaraman, IAS, Chairperson, International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) provided a holistic analysis on “India's Strategic Rise in the Global Economic and Financial Order”.

The Valedictory Session marked the culmination of this transformative journey. A special lecture was extended by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Rashtriya Raksha University, whose visionary leadership and personal involvement greatly enriched the programme. In his address, the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor highlighted the following key themes: ‘80 Years of the UN Charter: Forming the Bedrock of Multilateralism’, ‘Reinforcing the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes’, ‘International Relations Guided by International Law’, and ‘Promoting International Cooperation and Friendly Relations Among Nations’ and mentored the officer trainees with his unwavering wisdom throughout the course. The training programme stands as a testament to Rashtriya Raksha University’s commitment to preparing future leaders for the service of the nation and the global community by integrating diplomacy, strategy, and academic excellence.

 

(Release ID: 2143392)