India to prepare for new security threats: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at NDC convocation

The National Defence College (NDC) is the highest seat of strategic learning in the country. The much sought-after course at this college provides a transdisciplinary and comprehensive approach to all aspects of national security and strategy. Each course comprises a hundred one-star ranks and equivalent from the Indian Armed Forces, civil services and also officers from friendly foreign countries. The one-year course also enables the officers to qualify for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras, Chennai.

In his address, Singh congratulated the Commandant and Staff of the NDC on completing sixty years of dedicated service to the nation. He held that the college has consistently produced strategic leaders, practitioners, and many alumni have risen to occupy high positions including heads of their respective countries and armed forces, such as Lt Gen Frederick William Kwasi Akuffo, former Head of the State of Ghana, Lt Gen Hussein Muhammad Ershad, the former President of Bangladesh and Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, the King of Bhutan. Some of the prominent Indian alumni are Ajit Doval, General Bipin Rawat and Ashok Lavasa.

The Defence Minister said that in today’s dynamic security environment, India needs to be prepared to deal with not only the traditional threats but also the new non-traditional threats to the nation’s security.

Congratulating the recipients of the MPhil degree, he stated that he had no doubt that, having undergone this course, they would be well equipped to not only handle all challenges of the future but also enable all elements of the state power to synergise and work together.

In his welcome address, Air Marshal Choudhury asserted that on completion of the NDC course, the graduates will adopt a multi-disciplinary and out-of-the-box approach to national issues, both in policy matters as well as its execution in a comprehensive manner, something Kautilya thought almost 2,000 years ago. He also reiterated that with a greater understanding of comprehensive national power and the role it plays in nation-building, they would be able to contribute and make a difference. The Commandant also expressed his gratitude to Singh for honouring the NDC and the degree recipients with his presence.