India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, has issued a powerful call to action, urging the nation to draw lessons from its historical experiences and channel them into building a formidable and self-reliant country. He emphasized that India's future security and prosperity depend on achieving strength across all domains.
A Vision Forged from Historical Lessons
Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Doval articulated a vision where national power is not an abstract concept but a tangible reality built on past struggles. He stated that India must "avenge" its history, not through conflict, but by transforming historical vulnerabilities into contemporary strengths. This, according to the NSA, is the foundational principle for ensuring the nation's survival and dignity in a complex global order.
The top security official pointed out that the nature of power and the instruments to achieve it have undergone a radical shift. Military might, while still crucial, is no longer the sole determinant of a nation's standing. "The new security paradigm involves a fusion of all elements of national power," Doval explained, highlighting the interconnected roles of technology, economy, and diplomacy.
The Pillars of a Resilient Nation
Doval outlined several critical areas where India must focus its efforts to build comprehensive strength. He placed significant emphasis on achieving strategic autonomy, particularly in the realm of advanced and critical technologies. Dependence on external sources for key technological components is viewed as a major strategic risk that must be mitigated through indigenous innovation and production.
Furthermore, he linked national security directly to economic performance. A robust economy is seen as the engine that fuels all other elements of national power, from defense modernization to social welfare. The NSA's message was clear: security and economic development are two sides of the same coin, and one cannot be sustained without the other.
Shaping a New Global Role
The address also touched upon India's evolving role on the world stage. Doval suggested that a strong and confident India, rooted in its civilizational ethos yet forward-looking, is inevitable. This strength, he argued, would allow India to shape global narratives and contribute to a more stable and equitable international system.
The call to "avenge history" is thus interpreted as a motivational framework to overcome historical constraints and build a future where India is not just secure but also a leading contributor to global progress. The speech serves as a strategic roadmap, aligning internal development goals with the ambitions of a rising power seeking its rightful place in the world.
In conclusion, Ajit Doval's remarks reinforce the government's focus on holistic national development where security is broadly defined. The path forward, as charted by the NSA, requires a concerted national effort to excel in every field—from technology and economy to diplomacy and military capability—to create the "strong India" envisioned for the coming decades.
