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.’
On 15th Jan 2024, the Centre for Strategic Studies and Simulation (CS3), United Service Institution (USI) of India organised a Round Table Discussion with a 32 Member Delegation of the Royal Saudi Armed Force Command and Staff College headed by Maj Gen Saad Albudayyan. The Welcome Remarks were delivered by Maj Gen RS Yadav, VSM (Retd), Director CS3, USI. Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM** (Retd), Director General, USI gave a brief about the USI and also gave a presentation on ‘Indian Strategic Perspective’. Maj Gen Saad Aldubayyan, currently serving as the Command and Staff College, National Defense University Deputy, delivered an address about the Royal Saudi Armed Force Command and Staff College and its activities. Further, Maj Gen RS Yadav, VSM (Retd), Director CS3, USI presented the ‘Middle East Perspective’. It was followed by an interactive Question and Answer (Q and A) round. The Concluding Remarks were delivered by Maj Gen.Saad Aldubayyan and Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM** (Retd), DG USI, and was followed by the exchange of mementoes.
Panellists
Key Takeaways
· In the presentation on ‘Indian Strategic Perspective’ the unprecedented geopolitical developments that are rapidly unfolding in our strategic neighbourhood and beyond were highlighted, as also the fact that these are happening at a time when a resilient India is well on its way to becoming a leading power.
· With the new ‘Great Game’ being observed in Indo-Pacific region, and Eurasia having visible contestation across diverse realms, the lines between classic state-to-state wars and peace are getting blurred by grey zone conflicts. In a fermented national security environment, India strives to be economically, politically, and culturally sovereign, autonomous, and cohesive.
Saudi Arabia Delegation
· The ‘Middle East Perspective’ highlighted the ongoing crisis due to the Israel-Hamas Conflict. The strategic discourse is being altered by the entry of external players like Russia and China and the Maritime trade routes are being disrupted with the entry of international forces.
· It also emphasised on India’s commitment to refrain from internal interference in any country as well as its firm belief in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, i.e., World is One Family was highlighted. India’s policy of being opposed to terrorism and all its supporters in all manifestations along with its support for the Palestinian cause was further reiterated.
Token of Appreciation
Group Photograph
Report by Ms Nandini Agarwal, research Intern, CS3