The Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) hosted a high-level interaction with a visiting delegation from the Naval Armament Depots, Naval HQ, Ministry of Defence, on 9 May 2025. The session began with welcome remarks from Lt Gen Ravi Sawhney, Centre Head of Security Studies, VIF.

Ambassador Rajiv Bhatia opened the deliberations with an insightful analysis of the shifting dynamics of global geopolitics, focusing on India's role and perspective in an increasingly complex international order. He contextualized the India-Pakistan conflict within the broader geopolitical volatility, emphasizing the challenges of navigating a multipolar world where traditional frameworks are breaking down.

Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma followed with an in-depth examination of the strengthening China-Pakistan military alliance, shedding light on the growing strategic and intelligence cooperation between the two nations. His discussion emphasized the impact of this alliance on India’s regional security landscape, particularly in the context of modern military technology and satellite capabilities.

Mr. Raghvendra Singh presented an analysis of Pakistan’s strategic behaviour, underlining the nation’s military-centric governance and its implications for regional stability. He examined the evolving nature of Pakistan's political and military structures, reflecting on how these changes affect India’s approach to countering Pakistan's actions.

Prof. Hari Babu Srivastava provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in assimilating cutting-edge technology into India’s armed forces. He highlighted the need for faster adaptation to modern technological advancements, including AI, cyber warfare, and directed energy systems, stressing that innovation in defense technology is crucial for maintaining India’s competitive edge in a rapidly evolving strategic environment.

The session concluded with a lively Q&A segment, where key topics such as enhancing defense procurement processes, strategic autonomy, and improving inter-agency coordination were discussed. Participants emphasized the importance of integrating operational forces with strategic thought to address contemporary security challenges effectively.

The event offered a platform for meaningful dialogue between senior experts and naval delegates, fostering a deeper understanding of India’s defense modernization needs.