Former Ambassador and Chairman of the India Trade Promotion Organisation, Jawed Ashraf, spoke to senior defense officials about India’s foreign policy, stressing the importance of pursuing national interests in the global arena. He highlighted the challenges involved in navigating complex international dynamics but emphasized the necessity of doing so effectively. Ashraf’s address took place during the 82nd Staff Course organized as part of the Ministry of External Affairs’ Public Outreach Programme at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington.
Ashraf delved into India’s foreign policy strategies, outlining the obstacles it faces and suggesting a way forward. He emphasized the significance of fostering regional stability, upholding strategic autonomy, and managing global relationships amidst intricate geopolitical landscapes. Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth conducted visits to forward areas along the Line of Control in Poonch, Rajouri, and Sunderbani, where he evaluated the security situation and counter-insurgency measures in place.
During his visit, General Seth received briefings on the security environment, operational deployments, surveillance systems, and initiatives to enhance operational readiness. He also inspected the progress of infrastructure development and the army’s initiatives aimed at empowering local communities in India’s border villages through community-centric projects. General Seth praised the dedication and operational excellence of the army personnel, urging them to maintain a sharp focus on their missions, stay agile in operations, and strive for continuous improvement.
In a separate incident, the Indian Army participated in rescue operations following a building collapse at the Waste-to-Energy project site in Moshi, Pune’s Pimpri Chinchwad. The Southern Command of the Indian Army promptly responded to the state administration’s request for assistance, deploying rescue, engineering, and medical teams to aid in the rescue efforts. Working closely with other agencies like the NDRF, Fire Service, Police, and civil administration, the army teams contributed to search and rescue operations, debris removal, and providing medical assistance on-site, despite the challenging conditions.
