Panel Discussion on 'National Security Strategy' by Department of Political Studies of CUSB, May 05, 2025

The Department of Political Studies of CUSB organised a panel discussion on 'India’s National Security Strategy: Current Challenges and Future Directions'. The event was organised under the patronage of Vice Chancellor Prof. Kameshwar Nath Singh and was attended by Prof. Tej Pratap Singh (Department of Political Science, Banaras Hindu University) and Dr. Ranavijay (Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi) as speakers.

The discussion started with the welcome address and introductory remarks by Prof. Pranav Kumar, Dean and Proctor of Social Sciences. Prof. Tej Pratap Singh emphasised the need to re-evaluate the issue of Indus Water Treaty from the perspective of national security in the context of India-Pakistan relations. He said that “Reconsideration of Indus Water Treaty by India will be a long-term strategic move, which will not only affect Pakistan diplomatically but will also bring a major change in India’s national security policy.”

In his address, Dr. Ranavijay emphasised the need to understand the Kashmir problem in terms of identity, self-respect and historical context rather than considering it as a geopolitical issue. “India must seek long-term political solutions to complex areas like Kashmir, not just military solutions, but with an understanding of identity, justice and historical injustice,” he said. The panel also agreed that terrorism is a persistent threat to India’s internal and external security, and that a military response alone is not enough. During the discussion, it was felt that India must now move beyond the traditional security approach to a holistic national security doctrine that integrates public policy, diplomacy, and sociological perspectives.

Professors from various departments were present at the event, including Prof. Praveen Kumar, Dr. Abhay Kumar, Dr. Sumit Pathak and Dr. Pawan Kumar from the Department of Political Studies. The Department of Economics was represented by Dr. Rikil Chyrmang and Dr. Rajnikant Ojha, while the Department of Sociology was represented by Dr. Aditya Mohanty. Researchers, postgraduate and undergraduate students and members of Team Smile also participated in the event and made the discussions fruitful. Students also enthusiastically asked questions, which included topics such as terrorism, Pakistan policy, and US-India relations.