Welcome remarks by Dr Arvind Gupta, Director, VIF during the Vimarsh talk on “Nation’s Strategic Thought -Perspectives from Ancient India” by Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to today’s Vimarsh talk by Lt Gen… on an interesting topic “Nation’s Strategic Thought -Perspectives from Ancient India”.

General Ajai Kumar Singh, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, has retired from active service with his last appointment as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command of Indian Army till 30th June 2024. He was commissioned into Seventh Battalion, The Eleven Gorkha Rifles in December 1984.

He has served as a company commander in intense counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir and Manipur as well.

He commanded First Battalion the Eleven Gorkha Rifles as part of a Strike Corps in Dehradun and later on the Line of Control in Kashmir. He subsequently commanded a Brigade in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, a Counter Insurgency Force in North Kashmir and later, the 33 Corps along the Northern Borders.

In addition, he has served in staff appointments as Director, Military Operations Branch, Deputy Director General, Discipline and Vigilance, Additional Director General of Military Operations and Director General of Operational Logistics & Strategic Move Branch at the Army Headquarters.

General Ajai Kumar Singh is an avid mountaineer and has scaled the challenging Mount Rathong Peak at 22,000 feet.

Friends

I met General Ajai Kumar a few month ago at a seminar in Pune. I was impressed by General Ajai Kumar’s deep knowledge about Indian philosophy, religion and culture. What was interesting was that in a gathering of senior serving and retired military officials, diplomats, media personnel, Gen Singh emphasised in forceful and convincing manner the importance of Indian ancient thinking in India’s strategic thought. India is a civilisation which rich traditions in philosophy, state craft, science, technology, and military. Our thinking and action are unconsciously influenced by the accumulated ancient wisdom and learnings of the past. Bhagwad Gita, Mahabharata, Ramayana have deeply influenced our values, thought and action. We also absorbed influences from across the world. While also contributing to world thought and culture.

There is an ongoing debate whether India has a culture of strategic thinking. Western analysts backed by some of our own have pronounced that India lacks strategic culture. However, in the recent years, Indian experts are now pushing back. PM Modi is at the forefront of projecting India as a Visvamitra and given Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam as the framework of India’s foreign policy. He has spoken at the international fora with conviction and confidence about India’s civilisational ethos. He often quotes ancient Indian wisdom to make the point about that welfare of the humanity and indeed all creations in India’s philosophy.

There is a need to discuss in an objective and rigorous manner how the rich treasure of norms and values in our ancient thinking can help us navigate the modern world with all its turbulence and uncertainty. The desire for universal peace is not a call for pacifism. Ramayana and Mahabharata are all about fighting for upholding Dharma. This fight will continue and cannot be avoided. Yet, adherence to the Dharma, keeping in mind the requirements of the society, the nation and the world, is important. A couple of days ago, the UNGA has adopted a global Pact for Future, and a declaration for future generation. The world leaders have committed themselves to transforming global governance, strengthing international cooperation and maintaining international peace and security. Indian strategic thinking, rooted in the dharmik traditions, can contribute towards the making of a better world.

We would definitely gain from the insights from today’s talk by Gen AK Singh. I now invite him to take the floor.