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VIF organized a one day capsule for 14 India’s Defence Attaches designates who have been assigned to various Indian Embassies abroad. It was also the first time that spouses of the Defence Attaches (DAs) also attended the capsule. This was much appreciated by the VIF faculty and the visiting speakers as the spouses of attaches would also represent India in many ways especially so in the cultural arena besides supporting their husbands in performance of their onerous duties.

Lt. Gen. Ravi Sawhney, while welcoming the participants also gave out some Dos and Donts for the DAs and also recounted his experiences as Director General of Military Intelligence who dealt in the earlier times with the Army DAs. This was followed by a presentation on ‘Fundamentals of India’s Foreign Policy’ from Amb. TCA Raghavan, Director General Indian Council of World Affairs. He also gave an overview of India’s relations with Big Powers besides enunciating India’s foreign policy principles. To acquaint the DAs with their tasks at the missions abroad Lt. Gen. Anil Ahuja, former Deputy Chief of the Integrated Defense Staff (Policy Planning and Force development) briefed them on ‘Future of India’s Defence Diplomacy’. Having served as a Defence Attaché abroad he also gave them some handy tips as to what to expect and nature of the tasks they would be asked to perform.

The next session was devoted to ‘India and its Neighbourhood’ which included briefings by former Ambassadors to countries in the neighbourhood and experts who dwelt on political, security and economic situation there and relations with India. Amb. Ashok Kantha spoke on relations with China, Nepal and Sri Lanka; Amb. Rajiv Bhatia gave an overview on Myanmar; Amb. VP Haran talked about Bhutan while Amb. Veena Sikri recounted situation in Bangladesh. Mr. Sushant Sareen, very eloquently talked about situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Finally, Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, former C-in-C of Easter Naval as also of Western Naval Commands briefed the DA’s on ‘Understanding the Relevance of Indo-Pacific’.

After each presentation there was a Q & A session in which DAs participated very actively. Overall, the feedback from the HQ IDS was that the capsule was well received by the DAs and their spouses and it enhanced their understanding of the environment that they are likely to face in their new jobs.