Chanakya Defence Dialogue: Former J&K DGP Highlights Link Between Security and Development, Calls for Stronger Governance to Counter Extremism

Tariq Bhat 

The two-day Chanakya Defence Dialogue, an international seminar organized by the Indian Army, concluded successfully at New Delhi’s Manekshaw Centre, drawing insights and analyses from a wide spectrum of global experts focused on India’s strategic defense and security priorities.

 

 

The dialogue provided a platform for engaging discourse among policymakers, strategic analysts, academics, defense personnel, veterans, scientists, and other specialists from India and abroad, all gathered to deliberate on India’s evolving security landscape and geopolitical concerns.

 

 

 

 

During the event, a standout address was delivered by former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain.

 

 

 

 

His presentation underscored the intricate interconnections between security, economic progress, and social development, emphasizing how these pillars must work in tandem to create a stable and prosperous society. Swain argued that without strong, inclusive governance, sustained progress in these areas remains challenging, especially in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swain was critical of separatist narratives, describing them as strategically designed attempts to destabilize India by exploiting vulnerabilities within society.

 

 

 

 

 

He noted that these narratives frequently aim to polarize communities, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, which has long been a focal point for security and stability efforts. According to Swain, countering these separatist ideologies requires a multi-pronged approach, including strengthened governance, socio-economic inclusion, and robust security measures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In his speech, Swain highlighted the need to address ongoing issues such as drug abuse and extremist propaganda, which continue to threaten peace efforts. He described drug abuse as not only a health crisis but also a significant security issue, as drug networks can often be linked to organized crime and terror funding.

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, extremist propaganda poses a persistent threat, particularly in its ability to radicalize youth and sow seeds of division within communities. Swain called for more robust measures to combat these problems, arguing that without focused intervention, these factors could erode the peace and stability achieved in recent years.

 

 

 

 

 

Swain also underscored recent efforts to promote equality and improve governance in Jammu and Kashmir, noting the region’s significant strides in education, infrastructure, and health services. He argued that fostering an environment of social equity is essential to counteract narratives of disenfranchisement, which are often leveraged by separatist groups. Such progress, he added, would encourage a sense of unity and resilience, empowering communities to resist divisive influences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chanakya Defence Dialogue served as a valuable platform for the exchange of ideas on a wide range of strategic issues, from regional security concerns to the broader impact of defense policies on national development. The event also demonstrated the importance of international cooperation, as experts from various countries shared their insights and experiences to foster a collaborative approach to addressing shared challenges.

 

 

 

 

 

As India continues to navigate a complex and dynamic security environment, the insights from this dialogue will play an instrumental role in shaping future strategies aimed at ensuring long-term stability and progress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the context of Jammu and Kashmir, the address by RR Swain highlighted that peace and development in the region are not isolated from broader national interests. The former DGP’s emphasis on strong governance and the promotion of equal opportunities aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to foster inclusive growth and social harmony, countering narratives that seek to disrupt the nation’s unity.

 

 

 

 

 

Through the insights shared at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, it is evident that India’s path forward will require an integrated approach, combining military strength with socio-economic resilience to address both internal and external challenges.