The United Service Institution of India was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor. The story of its growth is the story of the growth of the Indian Armed Forces. It was founded for ‘furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services.’
The 21st Major General Samir Sinha Memorial Lecture was organized by the United Service Institution (USI) of India on June 28, 2023. General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff, delivered a talk on "Reforms in Armed Forces for the 21st Century" at the USI. The late Maj Gen Samir Chandra Sinha, PVSM, a stalwart paratrooper, scholar, and visionary, was the revered Director of the USI from November 1987 to 1996.
Major General BK Sharma, DG, USI, warmly welcomed the CDS. In his opening remarks, the DG focused on the vision for "Vikshit Bharat by 2047." The Indian armed forces will remain an instrument of national power, tasked with ensuring national sovereignty, contributing to national building, addressing non-traditional security threats, participating in UN Peacekeeping operations, and engaging in defense diplomacy. These tasks must be accomplished in an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment where new challenges arise, including multi-domain war and grey zone conflicts.
General Anil Chauhan, the CDS, emphasized the intrinsic need for transformation in the armed forces. The constantly changing operational environment and global security scenario demand swift reforms in the Indian Armed Forces. The global security situation is in a state of flux, transitioning towards multi-polarity, which impacts India.
He stressed the role of geo-politics, geo-economics, and defense spending in nation building and national security strategies. With the vision for a new India at 75, he focused on five goals: developing India, eliminating any trace of a colonial mindset, fostering stability and pride in our roots, instilling a sense of duty among citizens, and forging national unity.
He discussed the three levels of national security strategy: military, defense, and national. These three levels of the national security architecture must work in unison towards a common goal. He also addressed three key issues: the changing nature of war, the impact of technology on warfare, and the role of history and geography in shaping future conflicts. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of jointness, integration, and theaterization of commands. The talk concluded with a comprehensive Q&A session and the release of the "USI Strategic Yearbook 2023."
The lecture was attended by a distinguished audience, including serving and veteran officers and members of the strategic community, while a significant number of participants joined through a digital platform.
