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Tuesday 20 February 2024

Firstpost Defence Summit 2024-24TH FEBRUARY 2024-Palki Sharma


What's the summit about?

The theme for this year's summit is "The Future Forward" The discussions seek to navigate the evolving dynamics of India's defence priorities as India seeks to take on a bigger role on the global stage. The speakers will explore the balance between defence and diplomacy, the need for diversification, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in future warfare landscapes. As countries look to India for leadership, Firstpost's Defence Summit brings you the thought leaders and policymakers shaping our outlook and worldview.


SESSION 1:Securing India: A SWOT Analysis

As India rises on the global stage, the security challenges for the military are widening as well. From tensions at the border to confronting risks on the high seas - what are the pathways for leveraging India's defence strengths, mitigating its weaknesses, capitalizing on emerging opportunities, and confronting the evolving challenges in today's complex security environment?


SESSION 2:Defence Beyond Borders: India's Global Leap

India's defence exports are soaring. Last year, it reached a record high, with New Delhi exporting to over 80 countries. In 2023, India's defence production crossed a significant milestone of one lakh crore rupees for the first time. LCA-Tejas, light combat helicopters, and aircraft carriers are leading the charge. New Delhi has successfully transformed from a defence importer to an exporter. Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's leadership, India is betting big on local weapons manufacturers. "Make in India" is now attracting global attention.


SESSION 3:Securing the Seas

The Red Sea crisis has disrupted global supply chains. The crisis is also stoking fears of food inflation. It's the latest blow to the world economy already wracked by instability. Amid this turmoil, India has assumed greater responsibility in maritime security, deploying at least a dozen warships near the Red Sea. There is tension brewing in the disputed South China Sea, too. India has joined forces with other countries to thwart China's expansionism in the disputed waters. Recently, New Delhi held naval drills with Manila, a clear sign of its greater involvement in the South China Sea. India is leading global efforts to secure our seas.


SESSION 4:Future of War: AI & Tech

What role will artificial intelligence play in the future of warfare? Will AI shape how wars are fought? We take a deep dive into the path forward for AI in military operations and the risks that it poses. Superintelligent machines are no longer confined to the realm of science fiction. Artificial Intelligence is developing rapidly, but without guardrails, it can do more harm than good. As countries race to ensure that they don't fall behind in the AI race, we discuss how we these nonhuman entities could determine results on the battlefield.


SESSION 5:Make-in-India: Forging a new era in defence manufacturing

Despite its position as one of the world's largest defence spenders, India continues to be the top importer of weaponry globally. This session probes the paradox: What barriers are preventing a significant surge in India's defence manufacturing sector? With the Ministry of Defence setting an ambitious target to reach a turnover of $26 billion in aerospace and defence manufacturing by 2025, including $5 billion from exports, this discussion will unveil the strategic roadmap envisioned to accomplish these goals.


SESSION 6:India's Defence Diversification

In a shifting global order, countries are rethinking their military strategies. India is focusing on diversifying its defence relationships. New Delhi is deepening its defence ties with the West, while maintaining a steady relationship with Russia. Surrounded by hostile neighbours, India is walking a tightrope. Is New Delhi's defence diplomacy a roadmap for others to follow? As China, increasingly, threatens international security, countries must rethink their engagements with global swing states.


SESSION 7:Navigating Conflicts in a Multipolar World

With two wars and multiple conflicts raging in the world, what is the road ahead? As geopolitical fault lines sharpen, is the era of America's global leadership over? China is testing the U.S. in Asia, but there is growing mistrust of Beijing, too. India has emerged as a leader in conflict resolution in this multipolar world. We discuss the possibilities of global peace, and whether it will remain a pipe dream


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