Complex security landscape calls for fresh approach, officers should be knowledge warriors: President Kovind

Geo-strategic and geo-political compulsions and many other factors have made the security landscape more complex and changing times called for new ways to secure national interests and ensure national security, President Ram Nath Kovind said here on Wednesday.

Addressing student officers of the 77th Staff Course of the Defence Services Staff College at Wellington near here, Kovind said as a defence professional, an officer has to be a knowledge warrior in sync with the age of knowledge warfare.

"We are passing through challenging times which is full of changes. The concepts of national security and defence are changing." Geo-strategic and geo-political compulsions and many other factors have made the security landscape more complex. "Low-intensity conflicts, counter-terrorism and non-combat conflicts pose different challenges and there is a need to have a thorough understanding of all aspects," he said.

"In these changing times, we have to think of new ways to secure our national interests and ensure our national security. This would require a fresh approach." The student officers would be given comprehensive inputs to help them understand the changing dynamics. He said that with an understanding of the larger picture, they would be able to identify their role in the areas of national security.

The President said the 21st-century society is described as a knowledge society. "Knowledge truly is power in this century. Just as we are said to be in an era of the knowledge economy, we are also into the age of knowledge warfare." As defence professionals, the officers have to be knowledge warriors, he said. Kovind expressed confidence that their professional learning at Defence Services Staff College would enable them to imbibe the required competencies. "It would equip them with the right toolkit to take on bigger challenges in the future."

"Continuous learning of cutting-edge technologies, state-of-the-art strategies and tactics, and latest developments would make them sound professionals. The armed forces are amongst the most respected entities of the nation. The members of the forces have earned the regard of fellow citizens by their untiring efforts and great sacrifices. They have rendered invaluable service to the nation during times of war and peace. "

Referring the COVID-19 pandemic, the President said that the recent past has been very difficult for the entire humanity. He appreciated the outstanding grit and determination displayed by men and women of the armed forces in dealing with the situation on our borders as well as the pandemic. He said that most of them have been among the frontline warriors, dealing with these challenges.

"The country appreciates their commitment and contribution." Kovind arrived here on August 3 from Chennai and he is staying at the colonial era Raj Bhavan here. He is scheduled to leave for Delhi on August 6.

The President, who arrived in Chennai on Monday was the chief guest there at an event held to mark the centenary of the legislature and to unveil a portrait of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.