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6th May 2024 (18 Topics)

It is time to operationalise the Indian Defence University

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Context

The absence of the Indian Defence University (IDU) despite the establishment of defence universities in neighboring countries like Pakistan and China is concerning, highlighting the need for enhanced military education and strategic thinking.

Professional Military Education:

  • Importance of Military Education: The dynamic nature of modern warfare necessitates a well-constructed Professional Military Education (PME) continuum to empower military officers with the necessary skills and strategic thinking to tackle evolving security challenges.
  • Parallels with U.S. Military Education: The evolution of Professional Military Education in the U.S., particularly driven by structural reforms and educational objectives outlined in reports like the one by 'Ike' Skelton, serves as a relevant model for India's aspirations to enhance its military education system.
  • Slow Progress in India: Despite initiatives dating back to the post-independence era and more recent efforts following events like the Kargil conflict, progress on establishing the IDU has been slow, leaving gaps in India's military education framework.

An Idea Whose Time Has Come:

  • Need for Integrated Military Education: While India boasts several world-class training institutions for its armed forces, there remains a lack of an overarching integrated PME framework and a multi-disciplinary approach to strategic thinking.
  • Differentiation from Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU): The redundancy of the IDU in light of institutions like the Rashtriya Raksha University are flawed, as the objectives and curriculum of the RRU do not align with the specific military education requirements envisioned for the IDU.
  • Urgency of Operationalizing IDU: Delaying the establishment of the Indian Defence University hampers defence preparedness, strategic culture, and inter-service integration, emphasizing the need to operationalize the IDU promptly to enhance India's military education and preparedness.

Mains Question:

Discuss the significance of establishing the Indian Defence University (IDU) in enhancing India's military education framework and strategic preparedness. Evaluate the challenges faced in its establishment and propose measures to expedite its operationalization to meet evolving security challenges.

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