An Interview with Brigadier Rumel Dahiya (Ret), Deputy Director General of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA)
2 Feb 2015
Can you please tell us more about the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) and its mission?
The Indian Government established IDSA in the wake of the 1962 War with China. Although it is financed by the government, the Institute is an autonomous and broad-based policy research organization that was initially designed to provide the nation’s policy makers with fresh perspectives and ideas; assess India’s policy roadmaps and propose possible alternatives to them; analyse regional and global security environments; and keep concerned stakeholders readily informed.
Over time, IDSA expanded its activities and became the premier institute for strategic studies in India. It did so by generating and disseminating ideas about the country’s grand strategy; helping define its early nuclear policy; promoting capacity building; spreading broader public awareness on defence and security issues, and much more. In closing, I must say that by performing these tasks IDSA laid the seeds of a dynamic and well-informed strategic community in India, which it continues to spearhead.
What are IDSA’s flagship publications?
Our flagship publications are Strategic Analysis, which appears bimonthly, and the Journal of Defence Studies. Additionally, we 1) publish journals, books, monographs, occasional papers, task force reports, and news digests on specific themes, and 2) digitally disseminate policy/issue briefs and web comments. All our publications are available on our website (see external pagewww.idsa.in) and can be downloaded for free, except for Strategic Analysis. As you can imagine, we would like the ideas generated by our scholars to reach as many people as possible.
In February 2015, IDSA will be hosting one of its major annual events—the external pageAsian Security Conference (ASC). What will this year’s conference focus on and what are the aims of the forum more generally?
Because we thought Asia’s pressing economic, political and security problems were either not being discussed or put into proper context, we held our first international conference in New Delhi in January 1999. (Its theme was “Asian Security in the 21st Century.”) We’ve held an annual Asian Security Conference ever since then and it has become our flagship event.
The 17th ASC, which is scheduled for 11-13 February 2015, will focus on “Asian Security: Comprehending the Indian Approach.” Please note, however, that the conference will deal not only with India’s approach thus far, but also on its anticipated strategies and roles in shaping Asian security in the coming decades.
The key thematic questions that will weave together the multiple interactive sessions of the conference are as follows.
- What role can India play in shaping the structural and normative parameters for Asian security?
- What are India’s strategic preferences and choices for Asia’s security future?
- How do the major powers of Asia and the United States view India’s role towards cementing Asian security?
- Has India transcended its regional role as a South Asian power to a broader Asian context?
- What are the key security scenarios that might play out in Asia and how should India respond to them?
Finally, while exploring and trying to answer these questions, we expect the ASC to deal with the following themes: 1) Asia’s growing importance as a major engine of global economic growth; 2) the inability of regional institutions to manage regional security challenges properly; 3) the simultaneous rise of major Asian powers, local and transnational terrorism, an emerging naval competition, territorial disputes, and maritime and cyber security challenges; and 4) the role being played by extra-regional powers in Asian security. While every ASC is inherently Asia-centric, we make every effort to link its regional preoccupations with the world at large.
Last, how has India’s strategic environment changed in recent years? What, in your opinion, are the main security issues facing your country in the near future?
Over the last two decades India has used its growing economic, political and military power to further integrate with the global economy, emerge as a major global stakeholder, and spread its influence in its extended neighbourhood, despite having to pursue these goals in a fluid strategic environment. In turn, the guiding vision behind India’s defence policy is to develop and deploy its defence capabilities that will be able to deal with the threats and challenges posed by a constantly-transforming security environment.
In terms of specific security issues, it’s important to remember that India is located in a difficult neighbourhood. Two of its neighbours have warred against it, are equipped with nuclear weapons, and continue to pursue disputed territorial claims. Second, the assertive behaviour of a rising China and its inclination to play a balance of power game in India’s neighbourhood remains a core, long-term strategic concern for New Delhi. Third, cross-border terrorism originating in Pakistan and home-grown left wing terrorism remain prominent concerns. Fourth, other neighbours on India’s doorstep continue to struggle with democratization and political instability. Fifth, despite India’s rapid economic growth over the past two decades, it has yet to turn its ‘youth bulge’ into a demographic dividend. Finally, the biggest imperative for India is to ensure that its economic growth will translate to a decent standard of living for its citizens. This last step, as we know, will act as a necessary bulwark against the spread of extremism that threatens peace and security in the world today.
Although the geopolitical flux I just mentioned does provide India with real opportunities, my country will need a peaceful periphery, global economic stability and friendly relations with the major powers if it hopes to grow in its overall national strength. This strength, however, will not be dangerous. India will act as a benign power. Its tradition of tolerance, pluralism and democracy will continue to make it an attractive friend and partner for both major and small powers. Indeed, India now has a rare opportunity to transform itself into a partner of choice globally, and thereby contribute more meaningfully to peace, prosperity and security on a wide scale.
For additional information please see:
external pageIDSA Homepage
external pageAbout Brig. Rumel Dahiya, SM (Retd.)
external pageAsian Security Conference
external pageIDSA publications