The department of the Defense and National Security Studies, Panjab University, arranged two unique lectures in defense studies. Professor Jeff Schubert from the Higher School of Economics, Moscow spoke on the theme of “China in South Asia: Emerging Scenarios” which was chaired by Professor Rakesh Datta.
Prof Jeff spoke about the need for India to engage and develop friendly ties with China and how India’s alignment with the USA against China and its involvement in the South China Sea dispute is not a better strategic choice for India. He also argued that India is a natural aircraft carrier in the Indian Ocean Region due to its strategic location.
Vice Admiral Sandeep Beecha, Commandant of the Naval War College discussed the “Relevance of the Indian Navy in India’s Rise” based on the premises of India’s National Interest and threat perceptions. He highlighted the modernization plans of the Indian Navy, and its involvement in the anti-piracy operations in Gulf of Aden. He also spoke about the increased interaction of various navies of the world with the Indian Navy in the form of joint exercises and training with foreign navy personnel at Indian Naval training establishments.
