Special Lecture on “Balakot: A Strategic Shift” at the Department of Defence and National Security Studies

Chandigarh, April 8, 2019: The Department of Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh organised a special lecture on the theme “Balakot: A Strategic Shift” by Maj.Gen.G.G.Dwivedi, here today. Dr.Jaskaran Singh Waraich, Chairperson, Department Defence and National Security Studies, introduced the theme as well as the speaker to the audience. Speaking on the aftermath of the Balakot Strikes, Gen. Dwivedi stated that it reflects a strategic shift in India’s policy towards terrorism. The Pakistani state since its inception has always aimed at proving themselves superior to India and in this quest have initiated various wars to inflict defeat on India. However, as every nation learns from history, post the crushing defeat it suffered in the 1971 war, Pakistan realised that it cannot defeat India in the battlefield because of India being a bigger power in every sphere. Thus, Pakistan initiated proxy war against India which proved to be a profitable act on their part. Where India has lacked is dealing with this situation as a counter terrorism situation instead of following a counter proxy war approach. He said that Pakistan’s strategy has three basic characteristics, first being using terrorists as a strategic asset, second being has based its reliance on nuclear weapons, and third being taking advantage of various military alliances such as NATO and SEATO in the past and its alliance with China in the present. Through its relations with Pakistan, China is aiming at keeping India marginalised through its preoccupation with Pakistan. He emphasised that we need to make strikes like Balakot the new normal and there should be more such strike when major terrorist attacks are carried out in India by Pakistan supported terrorist organisations. Our aim should be to give this message to Pakistan that there will be retaliation for every terrorist attack on India. He also discussed the need to build a favourable international opinion for India as well as to aim to weaken Pakistan economically. He said that India must not forget that China is India’s main adversary and the Chinese will not negotiate with a weaker power, so we need to build our strength to be able to match China and defend our interests. With this aim, he highlighted the need to strengthen our Armed Forces by equipping them with modern equipment. The lecture was attended by various faculty members, serving and retired armed forces officers pursuing various courses in the department, research scholars and students. The lecture was followed a questions and answers session with the audience.