In a significant interaction, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu met with the faculty and course members of the 63rd National Defence College Course at Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 4, 2023. During this meeting, President Murmu addressed various aspects of national security and the evolving role of the Armed Forces in addressing complex security challenges.
Addressing the distinguished gathering, President Murmu highlighted the transformation of security concerns in contemporary times. She noted that these concerns have expanded beyond the preservation of territorial integrity to encompass a broader spectrum, including issues related to the economy, environment, energy security, and cyber security, among others. The President emphasized that the role of the Armed Forces has also evolved, extending beyond traditional military matters.
“In the ever-changing landscape of global geopolitics, President Murmu stressed the need for readiness to tackle a wide range of challenges. She underscored the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of both national and global issues. Not only is it essential to safeguard national interests, but also to prepare for emerging security challenges such as cyber warfare, technology-enabled terrorism, and climate change. The President emphasized that staying updated with knowledge and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, supported by extensive research, is crucial in addressing these challenges effectively”.
“The President commended the uniqueness of the National Defence College (NDC) course, which encompasses various aspects of national security, strategy, governance, technology, history, and economics. She expressed her confidence in the holistic approach to learning at NDC, which includes research, classroom discussions, insights from eminent speakers, and on-ground exposure through national and international visits. This comprehensive approach equips course members with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and address the multifaceted challenges of the future”.