Dear
Members,
It is
my privilege to extend my heartfelt wishes to each one of you for a joyous and
prosperous New Year.
In retrospect, the past year has been
filled with challenges and triumphs, reflecting the resilience and dedication
of our team. Together, we have navigated through uncertainties, embraced
change, and emerged stronger.
During the year 2023, India has taken
bold strides in its transition from a balancing power to a leading power.
Sustained economic growth, political stability, effective management of
internal security and key achievements in science and technology have
significantly enhanced India’s stature. India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’
2047 looks a plausible goal. Hugely successful conduct of G-20 Summit, under
the rubric of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, with the theme of ‘One Earth, One
Family, One Future’, has positioned India as a strong vector of the Global
South. On the flip side, festering violence in Manipur posed a daunting
challenge since turmoil in the state does not augur well for peace in the
northeast and for the very success of India’s Act East Policy.
India remains beset with a collusive hybrid
threat from Pakistani-China nexus. Even though a determined effort is being
made to narrow the strategic capacity gap, a more sustained effort is needed to
develop a credible deterrence capability across the spectrum of conflict.
India’s immediate neighbourhood remains in ferment. Of particular concern are
the issues such as the pro-China tilt of Maldives’ new regime and Bhutan-China
boundary talks. Besides, the outcome of elections in Bangladesh and Pakistan
will cumulatively have strategic implications for India. In the extended
neighbourhood, a Talibanised Afghanistan, Ukraine War and Gaza Conflict too
have strategic ramifications for India. At the global level India is deftly
navigating its relations in a highly polarised world, balancing its relations
in the Indo-Pacific and Eurasia. Cognisant of the role of niche and disruptive
technology, a special drive is afoot to invest in research and development and
enhance capacities in high-end technologies. Nonetheless, given the intricate
nature of geopolitics, a more guided effort, using the ‘Whole of Nation
Approach’ is needed to develop India’s comprehensive national power and
leverage it to promote our strategic interests.
Leaving the big picture aside, let me
update our members on the transformation in the USI.
During the year, the USI Management
interacted with the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS),
Service Chiefs, and other senior policymakers at the National Security Council
Secretariat (NSCS) and Ministries to apprise them about functioning of the USI
and seek their guidance and support. There was regular interaction with the
Heads of Missions and foreign delegations besides participation at various
national and international platforms to project the image of the Institution.
The USI has signed a number of Memorandums of Understanding with national and
international institutions, introduced new Chairs of Excellence and Memorial
Lectures apart from other initiatives.
The Centre for Military History and
Conflict Studies (CMHCS) successfully conducted India’s maiden Military
Heritage Festival. The themes of the event included military heritage,
geopolitics, strategic security, Atmanirbhar Bharat, media and war,
aerospace and maritime affairs. The event was attended by the Hon’ble Raksha
Mantri, and eminent personalities such as the CDS, the Chiefs of Army and Air
Staff, the Vice Chief of Naval Staff, and the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff
to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee. ‘Project Udbhav’ was also
flagged off during the event for illuminating India’s military future with
ancient strategic wisdom. The event also included an exhibition showcasing
Indian military heritage from antiquity to present, service band displays, and
a cultural programme with the theme ‘Unity in Diversity’. CMHCS is also
spearheading the Army Digital Archive Project as well as partnering with the
Indian Air Force for their digitisation requirements. As part of Prime
Minister’s Veer Gatha project, The Gallantry Awards Portal Project was also
initiated in collaboration with Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The Centre for Strategic Studies and
Simulation (CS3) continued its focus on quality research in strategic and
military affairs and the conduct of scenario based strategic games. The Centre
hosted a number of seminars/webinars and Round Table Discussions (RTDs)
focusing on geopolitical and strategic security issues. The Centre initiated
Track 1.5 dialogues with foreign partners and conducted table-top exercises.
The Centre also conducted the Combined Operational Review and Evaluation
Programme for HQ Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), strategic scenario gaming
exercise at the Army War College, Mhow and Geneva Centre for Democratic Control
of Armed Forces. USI has also completed ‘Project Jayant’, a seminal
project on developing a computerised tool for conducting strategic gaming at
theatre-strategic level, in collaboration with the Institute for Systems
Studies and Analyses, Defence Research and Development Organisation. The CS3
also conducted bi-annual internship programmes for students from various
universities. Furthermore, the Centre undertook Net Assessment projects for the
MoD, HQ IDS and NSCS. CS3 also mentored foreign Visiting Fellows in conducting
research at the Centre.
Professional advancement of serving officers
has always been an important activity of the Institution since 1903. The
Courses Section commenced the Online Pre-Staff Course for officers appearing
for Defence Services Staff College for three subjects which were earlier
conducted by respective Army Commands as Command Pre-Staff Courses. Besides,
the USI continued with the Correspondence Courses and the Contact Programme in
Hybrid mode for Competitive and Promotion examinations (Part B and Part D).
More than 1,500 officers were trained during the year. About 75 per cent of the
officers making it in the competitive vacancies and staff college merit list
were beneficiaries of our courses.
The USI has played a crucial role in
advancing India’s United Nations Peacekeeping (UNPK) efforts. The establishment
and nurturing of the Centre for UNPK by the USI, in collaboration with the
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Armed Forces, have transformed it
into a full-fledged unit of the Indian Army, serving as a regional hub for
excellence in UNPK capacity building and diplomacy. The USI has elevated its
UNPK role to the policy and doctrinal level, with the United Nations Cell
spearheading efforts to showcase India’s contributions in United Nations
Peacekeeping Operations nationally and internationally. As a founding member of
the Challenges Forum, the USI collaborates with institutions such as the
Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, the Effectiveness of Peace
Operations Network, and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute on
various projects. The USI has conducted international courses with the United
Nations Institute for Training and Research and recently collaborated on the
Protection of Women in Conflict Zones with United Nations Women. Engagements
with United Nations Women, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, and the
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have been re-established.
Additionally, the USI, in partnership with the Indian Council of World Affairs
(ICWA) organised webinars on United Nations themes, leading to the publication
of Monographs. A joint USI-ICWA book titled ‘India and the UN Peace Operations:
In the Service of Humanity and Global Peace’ is set for release, and a special
USI Journal (Jan to Mar 2023) has been published, featuring contributions from
foreign and Indian Peacekeepers. This year USI conducted the USI-United Nations
Annual Forum 2023 in collaboration with the ICRC, focusing on the International
Humanitarian Law. This event was also supported by the MEA and included
relevant deliberations on contemporary and critical issues.
The USI Centre for Atmanirbhar Bharat
Initiative (CANBI), launched in Apr 2022, addresses critical gaps between
stakeholders’ perceptions and actual positions by integrating geostrategy and
technologies into a new vertical of the USI. Functioning as a bridge between
the defence industry and the armed forces, it serves as a platform for idea
cross-fertilisation and the development of a robust ecosystem for
indigenisation and self-reliance. The initiative’s objectives include exploring
the link between geostrategy and fast-developing technology, mentoring Micro
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups aspiring to join the defence
industry, identifying export promotion opportunities for defence products/services,
and supporting government efforts to attract strategic industries to India.
Over approximately 18 months, the initiative has evolved to network and
collaborate with various governmental and non-governmental establishments,
institutions, and think tanks in India and abroad. It focuses on deliberating
strategic issues such as cyber security, hybrid warfare, disruptive technology,
Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, space-centric warfare, and unmanned
aerial vehicles, conducting Track 1.5/2 dialogues on the geopolitics of
technology, such as with the QUAD countries on AI/Machine Learning in Cyber
Security and holding RTDs with stakeholders to improve awareness of domestic
MSMEs in the defence industry. Additionally, the initiative collaborates with the
CyberPeace Foundation to establish a Cyber Centre of Excellence at the USI,
covering cyber policy research and advocacy, threat intelligence and
advisories, and research and development. The Centre, in collaboration with,
Microsoft Corporation and India Future Foundation hosted a ‘Cyber Manthan’
on ‘Securing India’s Core Sectors from Emerging Digital Threats’. CANBI also
conducted seminars on ‘Cyber Security’ in collaboration with the US Embassy and
the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Centre, and ‘AI Enabled Gyro Stabilised Gimbal
Sights’. Further, there was a panel discussion on ‘Mitigation of risks in AI
Enabled military Systems’.
The Editorial Section has been
continuously striving to ensure quality publications The USI Journal, a
prestigious publication with an uninterrupted history since 1871, serves as a
source of pride for the Institution. It covers a broad spectrum of topics,
including military heritage, national security, defence forces, and
international relations. The Indian Council of Social Science Research, has
provided a grant of INR 1,00,000 for the publication of the USI Journal. The
USI Strategic Year Book, now in its eighth edition, was released by General
Anil Chauhan, CDS. This edition covers various aspects of India’s National
Security across six thematic sections. Recognised as a seminal work, the Year
Book provides valuable perspectives and inputs for policymakers, academia, and
the strategic community. In the realm of Books, Monographs, and Occasional
Papers, the Institution has published eight books during the year. Furthermore,
two Monographs and six Occasional Papers have been published. Notably, two
Occasional Papers contain edited versions of keynote addresses by General VP
Malik and General MM Naravane, former Chiefs of Army Staff. In the realm of
digital advancement, the USI significantly expanded its presence on various
online platforms. Towards the end of the year a capsule on International
Humanitarian and Space Laws was conducted for the officers of the Indian Air
Force.
The USI organised several notable events
throughout the year, encompassing seminars, panel discussions, memorial
lectures, and special addresses. Among these were the Indian Military Heritage
Festival, the UN Forum, the special addresses by the Chief of Naval Staff and
Chief of Air Staff, a seminar addressing ‘Women, Peace, and Security in
Peacekeeping Operations’, the ‘General PS Bhagat Memorial Lecture’, the ‘21st Major General Samir Sinha Memorial Lecture’,
‘the ‘Major Bob Khathing Memorial Lecture’, the ‘Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh
Memorial Lecture’, and the ‘27th Colonel Pyara Lal Memorial Lecture’.
The USI also conducted the regular essay
competitions in 2023, each focusing on critical military and strategic topics.
In the ‘USI Gold Medal Essay Competition’, which centred on ‘Ukraine Conflict:
Military Lessons for India’, a total of 91 entries were received.
Simultaneously, the ‘Lt Gen SL Menezes Memorial Essay Competition’ explored
‘China’s Galwan Aggression: Military Lessons for India’, receiving 39 entries.
Additionally, the ‘USI-War Wounded Foundation Joint Essay Competition’, themed
‘Looking at the Disabled Soldier – Past, Present, and Future – His Care, Career
Prospects, and Rehabilitation’, received 16 entries. The essay competitions
have received quality entries, and the winning entries will be published as
part of the USI Journal.
Throughout the year, the USI Library has
maintained its commitment to providing a valuable collection and services. With
over 70,204 books, some dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, the library serves as a significant
repository of knowledge and archival material. The addition of 153 books
highlights a dedication to ongoing expansion and updates. Notably, the
inclusion of historical Army Lists, such as the Bombay Army List from 1793,
provides avenues for those researching their ancestors’ service details. The
‘Fortnightly First’ initiative, showcasing curated articles from think tanks,
demonstrates the library’s commitment to disseminating knowledge. Accessible on
the USI website, these articles, along with links to USI content and YouTube
recordings of seminars/webinars, enhance the library’s role in providing a
comprehensive information service. By combining traditional resources with
digital platforms, the USI Library ensures members have diverse access to
information and educational content, embodying a dynamic and forward-thinking
approach to learning and research.
The growth of the USI membership over
the years is impressive and reflects the Institution’s popularity and
significance. Starting with 215 members, the Institution has experienced
substantial expansion, reaching 3,500 members when it moved to its present
premises in 1996, and currently boasting a membership of 14,432. The initiative
to grant Civilian Special Membership to deserving individuals has been
successful, with 29 membership cards issued out of the annual quota of 100
members. This program not only contributes to the Institution’s diversity but
also recognises and includes individuals who may not have a military background
but have valuable contributions to make. The enrolment of 69 life members, 16
associate members, 172 ordinary members, and 770 course members during the
current year underscores the Institution’s ongoing commitment to fostering a
diverse and engaged community. The special drive to enrol members from the
Assam Rifles units and the Central Armed Police Forces demonstrates a proactive
approach to expanding membership into specific areas of interest.
The USI has increased its digital
outreach through social media platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter),
LinkedIn, Instagram and Telegram. In addition, the USI has made great strides
in the YouTube content with the launch of the ‘USI Strategic Dialogues’. It is
a podcast wherein field experts working under the banner of the USI speak on
the various elements of national security and geopolitics.
Since 2011, the USI has been facing
significant financial difficulties, aggravated by the lack of grants from the
Services and MoD. The situation deteriorated in 2020 due to low bank interest
rates and a decline in income from traditional sources during the COVID-19
pandemic. Despite financial constraints, the Institution prioritised crucial
repairs and enhancements to audio-visual facilities, showcasing a commitment to
maintaining its capabilities. The severity of the financial situation was
underscored by the implementation of extreme austerity measures from 2021 to
2022. The USI highlights the likelihood of its financial status remaining
critical unless substantial funds or grants are obtained from the Services and
MoD. Collaborative endeavours with external entities aim to secure additional
resources for financial sustainability. The Institution’s proactive measures
underscore its dedication to overcoming financial challenges and ensuring
ongoing operations and growth. Despite its financial limitations, the USI has
continued its upward trajectory in performance, aligning with its rich
traditions. The Institution has established new clusters and benchmarks to
enhance its reputation, along with that of the Indian Armed Forces and the
nation as a whole.
I express my gratitude to the USI
Council for their guidance and unwavering support during this transformative
period.
I also take this opportunity to thank
the esteemed members and contributors who have actively participated in the
various events and contributed to the USI Journal, Strategic Year Book and
other publication forms. I urge everyone to continually support the USI
initiatives and also participate enthusiastically in the events and contribute
to the literary front.
I would also like to place on record my
heartfelt gratitude to each member of the USI family for their stellar
performance on both the academic and administrative fronts throughout the year.
Their dedication, hard work, and commitment have not only elevated the
reputation of the Institution but have also contributed significantly to our
collective pursuit of knowledge and excellence. I would also like to thank the
USI support staff for their commitment in ensuring the functioning of the
Institution without any hitches.
As I conclude the Director’s page for
2023, I would like to thank the Residency Resorts for their commitment to
providing neat and clean lodging facilities at the USI premises.
Looking ahead, the coming year holds
promise and potential for the USI too. We are poised for further innovation,
impactful research, and meaningful contributions in the literary and strategic
fields. May the New Year bring fresh perspectives, inspiring breakthroughs, and
a renewed sense of purpose. Let us seize every opportunity that comes our way,
and together, make 2024 a year of unprecedented accomplishments and take the
USI together to dizzy heights of glory.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy,
healthy, and prosperous New Year!
With
best wishes,
Jai
Hind
Major General BK Sharma, AVSM,
SM** (Retd)
Director General, United
Service Institution of India