WE LIVE in turbulent times, with the world facing volatility, which may end up in reshaping of the world order. In such an environment, India has emerged as a key global player. Its global esteem has risen manifold over the past few years. There have been many a brain that have contributed to India’s rise. Lt Gen Vinod G Khandare (Retd) is undoubtedly one of the prominent contributors. So, when it comes to getting an insight into the happenings in the world and its context setting for India, he is the expert to turn to. During his visit to Nagpur, Lt Gen Vinod G Khandare (Retd) spoke to ‘The Hitavada’, sparing some time out of his busy schedule. He is an illustrious retired officer of the Indian Army, decorated with PVSM, AVSM, and SM. He was Military Adviser in National Security Council Secretariat under the Prime Minister’s Office from 2018-2021. Presently, he is Principal Adviser, Ministry of Defence. His last appointment in his long years in Indian Army was Director General, Defence Intelligence Agency and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Intelligence), from November 2015 to January 2018. His expertise has been built over the years of experience he gained from different prestigious assignments apart from his service along the Line of Actual Control including in Doklam area, Siachen Glacier, in Naushera sector during Kargil war, and other locations. Here are the excerpts of the interaction:

 

A. India is now following the path of ‘strategic autonomy’. We are not getting involved in rivalry of Russia and the West. We are not getting into any act of mediation or politics of war. For, that is not our war. As far as Afghanistan-Pakistan and the challenges of terrorism and radicalisation are concerned, they have continued. We are quite familiar with dealng with that problem. In case of Pakistan, its peril is of its own making. The democracy is namesake in Pakistan. May it be these issues or China-Taiwan tension, India is looking at all the happenings from the perspective of our national interest. We are pursuing the policy of ‘strategic autonomy’, and are not getting dictated by anybody.

 

A. Yes. India has come of age. We are playing ‘The Long Game’ with China equally efficiently. Our stand in this game is clear -- we will defend our sovereignty, and won’t be the aggressors. We will protect our interest and keep following the International norms. We do not bully anyone. We treat our neighbours, no matter the size, like a family and treat the regional players with respet and dignity. We do not treat them from the position of superiority, and do not look down upon them from the point of view of subordination. As far as our region is concerned, Sri Lanka and others have started suffering because of Chinese debt trap and its fallouts. But, since India believes in treating everyone with respect and dignity, we have provided relief to these countries and helping them to come out of crisis. India believes more in striking friendships, and fraternising. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi also has highlighted the Indian principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the whole world is a family). Co-operation is what succeeds and is in the best interest of everyone in the long run.

 

A. As has been said earlier, India has indeed come of age. We are not adopting one-stop approach. As you have rightly pointed out, India has attracted attention of the global powers. There may be elements looking at it from a different angle. New problems may emerge. We have to find solutions to new problems regularly. One thing is sure, we have started finding our own solutions in internal security, intelligence, and other areas. Also, we are now capable of dealing with our problems. So, India is faring pretty well in handling the emerging situations, with national interest forming the core of decision-making.

 

A. Strong economy and comprehensive national security form the bedrock of the roadmap for India to emerge as the global superpower. There are many fields in which we have to be secure. Stronger economy supports the efforts to achieve comprehensive national security. When I say comprehensive national security, it includes food security, intellectual security, environment security, water security, energy security etc. With these, focussed approach within country will help. Besides, intelligent diplomatic approach is crucial to our efforts in International affairs, and we are following it.

 

A. It is very important to develop ‘security culture’. Since ancient times, India has had strategic culture. We have real democracy. We involve people in decision-making process. Political parties also reach out to electorate. There is a lot of communication and dialogue. Media is free in India. All this helps in having a dialogue that is rich in content. Nowadays, there is a lot of awareness among people with lot of information coming their way. So, overall, there is an enhanced awareness about ‘security culture’ among masses, and it is essential and good.