Achieving technological independence by 2035 is a crucial national military objective, stated Colonel Y. Vijaya Kumar, Group Commander of the NCC Group HQ in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. He was speaking during the third day of the ongoing five-day National Level Workshop on India’s National Security and Disaster Management, organised by the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at the Central University of Kerala.

In his presentation on the “Role of Armed Forces in Securing India’s National Security”, Colonel Vijaya Kumar underscored the essential responsibility of the armed forces in safeguarding and promoting national values, aims, and interests. He highlighted the foundational national values, including Sovereignty, Socialism, Secularism, Democracy, Republicanism, Justice, Equality, and Fraternity, emphasizing the armed forces' role in their protection.

Discussing national security, Colonel Vijaya Kumar noted that it involves the protection and promotion of national interests against both external and internal threats. He identified the key national security objectives, including maintaining a credible deterrent capability, ensuring the defence of national territory, airspace, maritime zones, and cyber-space, and fostering a secure internal environment. He also stressed the importance of expanding constructive engagement with other nations to promote regional and global peace.

A significant portion of Colonel Vijaya Kumar's address focused on the National Military Objectives (NMOs), which he detailed as preventing war through strategic and conventional deterrence, defending territorial integrity, providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief, supporting civilian authorities, and participating in international peacekeeping. Of particular importance, he emphasized, is the goal of achieving technological independence by 2035.

The session was chaired by Prof. Suresh Rangarajan, Head of the Department of International Relations and Politics and Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies. The event began with a warm welcome from Dr. Reinhart Philip, Assistant Professor, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Mohan, Assistant Professor.