The Indian Armed forces is one of the best and highly professional forces in the world. India’s military ranks 4th all over the world.[i] According to the latest annual report published by Global Firepower (GFP) in 2024, Indian military has maintained its status quo.[ii] The noteworthy point is that there is no change in top four military positions i.e. The United States, Russia, China and India have occupied subsequent positions.[iii] It means there is a scope of improvement within our military. One concerning area is the long and pending demand of the establishment of the Indian Defence University (IDU).
WHY IS THIS AREA CONCERNING
According to a report by an Australian Strategic Policy Institute report, there are more than 60 Chinese universities which are with military and security links.[iv] According to the report, China has three universities for armed forces and Pakistan has two universities for armed forces.[v] So it is a matter of concern for India and focus should be on the establishment of the Indian Defence University.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
The need for an IDU was felt soon after independence.[vi] For this, the idea was first proposed in 1967 by the Chief of Staff Committee (COSC).[vii] After this in 1982, a study group was constituted by the COSC and it stressed on the need of IDU for providing military education.[viii] After the Kargil conflict, a committee was formed under the chairmanship of Dr. K Subhramanyam to understand this issue.[ix] Recommendations made by this committee gave nod to an “in-principle” approval to establish IDU in Gurgaon.[x]
REASONS TO ESTABLISH IDU
India, no doubt, has world-class training institutions but there is a lack of Professional Military Education (PME) framework which needs attention.[xi] There are a number of universities in India and can be attached for affiliation courses but these are far away from the objective of specific military education needs. There is a shift in military functioning and recently Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan lays emphasis on joint culture and “Jointness 2.0” is also in the row.[xii] The establishment of IDU will help in achieving this objective as it will be solely focus on military education and requirements thus integrating all the three forces in a single university. Management of IDU should set a standard and a well-oriented faculty induction also.[xiii] Establishment of IDU will address strategic deficit and definitely will strengthen India’s role in the world.[xiv]
CHALLENGES FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF IDU:
The idea first conceived in 1967 has seen unnecessary overlong delay. Allocation of resources has a significant impact on establishing such a high-level university. Lot of experts are of the view that establishment of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gujarat is enough but it does not appear so.[xv] The curriculum is not in line with the military requirements, i.e. for management of war and execution of plans in the war time.[xvi]
CONCLUSION
In nutshell, establishment of IDU is a good idea and it is the need of the hour to make it operational and active. The role of government is required at the top level considering current security challenges. It should come to reality soon for the national interest. Overall, it will promote the quality research in the military and new dimensions will add up according to the needs and time.
ENDNOTES:
[i] “Global Firepower Ranking 2024”, The Economic Times, accessed on May 23, 2024,
[ii] “Ibid.”
[iii] “Ibid.”
[iv] “Time to operationalise the Indian Defence University”, The Hindu, accessed on May 22, 2024,
[v] “Ibid.”
[vi] “Ibid.”
[vii] “Ibid.”
[viii] “Ibid”
[ix] “Ibid.”
[x] “Ibid.”
[xi] “Ibid”
[xii] “Theaterisation Plans”, Business Standard, accessed on May 22,2024,
[xiii] “India’s National Defence University: A dream deferred or disappeared?”, THEWEEK, accessed on May 23,2024
[xiv] “Ibid.”
[xv] “Time to operationalise the Indian Defence University”, The Hindu, accessed on May 22, 2024,
[xvi] “Ibid”
By: Shikha Thakur, Research Intern, CS3, USI