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National Security

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The National Security Vertical of the Pune International Centre (PIC) serves as a strategic platform dedicated to advancing informed dialogue and delivering actionable insights on the subjects concerning national security. With a focus on key areas- governance, geopolitics, economics, and technology. National Security vertical plays a vital role in shaping security discourse in India. At the heart of its activities is the Pune Dialogue on National Security (PDNS), the vertical’s annual flagship event, which brings together experts, policymakers, and thought leaders to make an action plan on contemporary challenges and opportunities in India’s national security landscape.

The PIC National Security Vertical fosters collaboration and supports evidence- based policymaking to strengthen India’s strategic readiness. Through focused research and actionable insights, it contributes to shaping the nation’s security priorities in a complex global and domestic landscape.

Since its inception in 2015, the Pune Dialogue on National Security (PDNS) has emerged as PIC’s flagship annual event, offering a forum for high-impact deliberation on vital security issues facing the nation. Each edition focuses on a contemporary theme:

Key Initiatives

Bipin Rawat Memorial Seminars

Organised annually to honour India’s first Chief of Defence Staff and foster dialogue on evolving military doctrines and jointness in operations. The seminar series includes:

Expert-led discussions and panels on emerging national security challenges, including external threats, internal stability, and border management.
Examination of the impact of technological advancements on the preparedness of the defence sector and strategic capabilities.
Evaluation of disaster response strategies and civil-military coordination mechanisms for enhanced national resilience.
Analysis of the link between economic strength and national security, promoting policies that integrate defence readiness with economic sustainability.
Development and sharing of actionable policy recommendations to influence India’s national security strategy amid global complexities and uncertainty.

Panel Discussion on Operation Sindoor

Jointly organised by the National Security and Centre for Geopolitics and Geoeconomics verticals at PIC, this panel discussion aimed to dissect Operation Sindoor in a fact-based, informed manner. It connected key national security themes and attempted to predict the future trajectory of related issues. Key aspects included:

Promoted an evidence-based understanding of Operation Sindoor to prevent the spread of misinformation and speculation in sensitive national security matters.
Facilitated strategic dialogue among domain experts, former defence officials, and policy thinkers on the geopolitical and security implications of the operation.
Highlighted the importance of credible sources for public consumption of defence-related information, emphasizing media literacy and responsible information-sharing.
Explored the role of perception management in modern warfare and the importance of public opinion during high-stakes military operations.
Drew attention to cross-border dynamics, internal cohesion, and the broader strategic context in which such operations are executed.

Focus Areas

The vertical critically examines the full spectrum of national security issues, including:

External threats and internal stability

Defence Preparedness and Joint Operations

Technological Advancements and Defence Modernisation

Issues in STEM Education and Requirement of the Defence Industry

Economic Security and Resilience

Publications

Upcoming Policy Paper

Strengthening National Security: Assessing the Role of Academic Institutions in Meeting Armed Forces Requirements

Bridging the gap between academia and the defence sector is not just a strategic necessity, but a national imperative. Considering the importance and relevance of the subject, National Security Vertical at PIC has undertaken a policy paper which aims to identify and bridge the knowledge gap that currently exists between academic institutions and defence industry.

The major aim of the paper is to identify and address the knowledge and capability gaps between academic institutions and the requirements of the defence sector, particularly the armed forces.
Providing actionable recommendations to effectively bridge the existing knowledge gap effectively.

Expected Outcomes Improved collaboration between armed forces, industry and academia, fostering a culture of defence innovation in the country.

People Working Under the Vertical

Lt. Gen. Vinayak Patankar

Convenor of National Security

Lt Gen Vinayak Patankar (Retd), PVSM, UYSM, VSM, is trustee, Pune International Centre, and Convener, Pune Dialogue on National Security (PDNS). A former General-Officer Commanding, 15 corps, General Vinayak Gopal Patankar served the Indian Army for 40 years. During his four decades in the Indian Army, Lt. Gen VG Patankar held many important appointments including those in highly sensitive and active operational areas in the North-East and in J&K. An Army Aviation Pilot, Paratrooper and Gunner, he was Commander of the Vajra Division and has served as Director in the Military Operations Directorate. General Patankar’s notable experiences encompass active participation in the 1965, 1971, and Kargil conflicts. Furthermore, his expertise in defence affairs has made him a highly sought-after speaker, and he has contributed to esteemed publications such as Foreign Policy and well-regarded newspapers like The Hindustan Times.