National Security Advisor Ajit Doval declared on Friday that India is firmly on course to transform into a developed nation, maintaining the momentum set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He asserted that the country's progress is so robust that it would continue even on "autopilot." Doval made these remarks while addressing the youth at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue in New Delhi.
Decision-Making: The Core of Future Leadership
Speaking to the young audience, Doval emphasized that while India's development is inevitable, the crucial question revolves around future leadership. "India will definitely develop. India, at the pace and speed that PM Modi has set. Even if it runs on autopilot, it will still be developed," he stated. However, he redirected focus to the qualities required to steer a developed India.
"But the question is: who will lead this developed India? How capable will they be?" Doval asked. He identified decision-making ability as the most critical skill for aspiring leaders across all fields, be it science, technology, or security. He urged the youth to cultivate this skill proactively, noting that the capacity to take strong and timely decisions, and implement them with conviction, defines true leadership.
National Willpower: The Ultimate Strength in a Conflict-Ridden World
Reflecting on the turbulent global landscape marked by wars and conflicts, including recent tensions involving the US and Venezuela, Doval presented a philosophical view on the nature of warfare. He argued that wars are not fought for violence but to break an opponent's morale and national will.
"We're not psychopaths who get great satisfaction... from seeing enemy corpses... Wars are fought to break a country's morale, so that it will surrender according to our wishes," he explained. Doval stressed that a nation's willpower is its greatest asset, more vital than mere physical strength or resources. "If you have everything but without that morale, all your weapons and resources will be useless, and for that, you need leadership," he added, linking the concept back to the need for capable leaders.
Praise for Current Leadership and a Call to Action
Doval lauded the current national leadership for its transformative impact over the past decade. "Today, we are very fortunate to have such leadership in the country. A leadership that, in 10 years, has taken the country from where it was to where it is now, putting it on the path to rapid progress," he said, describing their commitment as an inspiration.
His address culminated in a powerful call to action for the young generation. The NSA's message was clear: India's destiny as a developed nation is assured, but its future stature and security will be shaped by the decision-making prowess and fortified willpower of its emerging young leaders.
