VIF, in continuation of initiative taken since last three years a fourth series of lectures cum discussions on India’s national security and strategic perspectives was organised from 18 to 19 May 2022. The short capsule aimed to acquaint the diplomats of foreign missions in India about India’s foreign and security policies as also the concepts and precepts that underpin India’s strategic outlook. The capsule was organised in the background of the two major events of the global scene i.e. the Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict that have had a major impact on the emerging world order.

The response of the international diplomatic community based in New Delhi was quite good as over 60 diplomats and military attaches of foreign missions in India took part in the capsule which was held over two days at the VIF premises in the physical mode.

There were a total of seven broad subjects that were covered in the capsule. On 18th May after introductory remarks by Brig. Vinod Anand, Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director VIF made welcome and opening remarks explaining the need for interaction with the diplomatic community to keep themselves abreast of what is happening inside India and its perspectives on strategic and security issues. Thereafter there were four sessions as follows on the major issues confronting India and the world:-

1. Impact of Ukraine Crisis & Covid-19 on the Changing World Order by Dr. Arvind Gupta
2. Assessing the Future of India’s Economy by Pranav Kumar, Confederation of Indian Industry
3. India’s Perspective on Ukraine Conflict by Ambassador PS Raghavan, former Ambassador of India to Russia, Distinguished Fellow VIF
4. A Review of Indo-Pacific in the Contemporary Context by Ambassador Anil Wadhwa, Distinguished Fellow, VIF

The presentations by the speakers were well received by the audience as a number of questions emerged after lectures which were competently answered by the speakers.

On the second day there were three sessions followed by a debriefing/feedback session. The following presentations were made on 19th May:-

1. Understanding China by Professor Sujit Datta, Senior Fellow VIF
2. Understanding Pakistan and Pakistan Afghanistan Relations by Mr. Tilak Devasher, Member NSAB, former Special Secretary, Cabinet Sectt., renowned author of books on Pakistan, Consultant VIF
3. India and the Neighbourhood (less Afghanistan & Pakistan) by Dr. Sreeradha Dutta, VIF

During the interactive sessions of the presentation the audience was keen to know more about the Kashmir issue, India China border issue and intricacies of bilateral relations with the neighbours. The speakers gave detailed replies to the most of the issues during the question hour. During the feedback session the diplomats requested that more such interactions should be organised on regular basis. Such interactions could be short, issued based and with limited audience. It was agreed that the VIF will organise such interactions regularly based on the requirements indicated by the diplomatic community.