Special Lecture on “Understanding Future Warfare” by Lt.Gen.P.J.S. Pannu, Deputy Chief Integrated Defence Staff

Chandigarh, April 18, 2019: The Department of Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh organised a special lecture on the theme “Understanding Future Warfare” by Lt.Gen. P. J. S.Pannu, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Deputy Chief Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation and Training) on 18 th April 2019 in the department premises. Dr.Jaskaran Singh Waraich, Chairperson, Department Defence and National Security Studies, introduced the theme as well as the speaker to the audience. He also highlighted the fact that the theme of the seminar is an official part of the curriculum of the master’s programme in the department. The lecture was presided over by Sh. R. K. Kaushik, Secretary Power and Divisional Commissioner, Roopnagar, Government of Punjab. The proceedings of the lecture were initiated by Sh. R. K. Kaushik. He said that the history of war is is as old as that of society. In the previous century, the world witnessed two world wars which were one of the most devastating wars ever. As a result of the Second World War, a lot of countries gained independence. Our nation India was one of them. Since Independence, India intended to remain a peace-loving country. But within a few months, war was forced on India in the form of the Pakistani invasion of Kashmir followed by their capture of large portion of Indian territory in J&K. In 1962, our northern neighbour China attacked us and once again India was involved in war. Keeping these instances in mind and the fact that we are surrounded by perennial enemies, we must always remain prepared as far as national security is concerned. Explaining Future Warfare, Gen. Pannu spoke about how human beings have been the most dangerous species to ever exist on this planet. In order to understand the nature of war, we must first understand the nature of human beings. In the course of their evolution, Human Beings have become involved in a conflict against nature and in the recent times humans are trying to outsource this conflict via employment of machines. Quoting Kautilya, he explained how the world is slowly shifting from the age of Prakasha Yuddha (Open War) to the age of Kuta Yuddha (Deception War), Tusnim Yuddha (Silent / Cyber War), Mantra Yuddha (Information War) and Gudha Yuddha (Irregular and Concealed War). With its present rate of its growth, the human population would in the future start exceeding the planet’s capacity for sustaining life. Now we have become a consumerist society. Talking about the evolution of warfare, Gen Pannu explained the geopolitical importance of the main island of the world and also tried to establish the link between the various industrial revolutions and generations of warfare. He suggested that because at the time of Independence the strength of the Indian Army was around 2.2 million soldiers, which would have easily made India a military power. However, the then world powers, engaged in the Great Game, divided India to prevent this. He said that just like Germany tried to gain control over this heartland during the world war two, in the present day, China, which is a peripheral country has started making inroads in this region and the tool they are using is trade and soft power influence of their economy. In this backdrop, any nation that fails to understand Fourth Generation Warfare will get defeated in case of war. While highlighting the transition from Sensing to Sense Making, he said that first, computing changed the speed and complexity with which we could process information. Then, communication broadened our access in both time and space and connected us globally. In this decade, sensing devices are having the most profound effect as they bring information, awareness and responsiveness to the objects, places and people around us. The next wave of technology will be all about sense making – the ability to make sense out of the enormous amount of information and sensory signs all around us. Lt Gen K. J. Singh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Chair and State Information Commissioner,Haryana also highlighted the necessity for our security forces as well as civilians to developan understanding of the future of warfare. The lecture was attended by members of Gyan Setu Think-tank, various faculty members, serving and retired armed forces officers pursuing various courses in the department, research scholars and students. The lecture was followed by a questions and answers session with the audience.