National Seminar on “Beyond Borders: Pakistan’s Proxy War and India’s Internal Security”

Chandigarh, October 31, 2025: The Department of Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Forum for Awareness of National Security (FANS), organised a National Seminar on the theme “Beyond Borders: Pakistan’s Proxy War and India’s Internal Security” at the Central Instrumentation Laboratory (CIL), Panjab University, Chandigarh.

The seminar, organised under the able leadership and guidance of Prof Jaskaran Singh Waraich, Chairperson, Department of Defence and National Security Studies, and Maj Gen Anil Khosla (Retd), President, FANS (Chandigarh Chapter), focused on various dimensions of Pakistan’s proxy war and its implications for India’s internal security. It also explored policy and strategic options for India to effectively counter emerging threats in this domain.

Maj Gen Anil Khosla (Retd) welcomed the distinguished speakers, guests, faculty members, research scholars, and students in attendance. In his opening remarks, he introduced the eminent speakers and outlined the importance of understanding the evolving nature of proxy warfare in safeguarding national interests.

The first keynote address was delivered by Maj Gen Neeraj Bali (Retd), Director, Gyan Chakra Think Tank, Western Command, on the topic “Cross-Border Terrorism from Pakistan and India’s Response.” He highlighted that Pakistan adopted a strategy of cross-border terrorism due to its lack of military parity with India and noted that this approach is unlikely to change under Pakistan’s continued military influence. He emphasised that India should strengthen strategic partnerships with the United States and Afghanistan to exert pressure on Pakistan, and that a well-calibrated diplomatic approach towards China could yield significant dividends in countering Pakistan’s strategy.

Col Jaibans Singh (Retd), Defence and Security Expert, Author, Columnist, and Commentator, spoke on Pakistan’s long-standing proxy war against India. He explained that Pakistan’s sustained hostility stems from its internal political-military dynamics, particularly the dominance of Punjab in its power structure. He elaborated on how this internal dynamic perpetuates continued confrontation with India and discussed the origins and evolution of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr Harmanpreet Singh, Faculty Member, Department of Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University, examined the nexus between drug trafficking and terrorism. He detailed how the narcotics trade across Pakistan, Punjab, and India contributes to financing terrorism and poses a grave threat to national security. He underscored the need for enhanced border security, intelligence sharing, and surveillance systems, along with sustained diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation to effectively tackle this menace.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks and closing remarks by Dr Mandeep Singh, who expressed gratitude to all speakers, participants, and attendees. The event witnessed active participation from faculty members, research scholars, and students of the University, as well as serving and retired military personnel.