A 06-member Chinese PLA National Defence University (NDU) delegation visited USI on 19 Nov 2019. The delegation was led by Lt Gen Zhou Aimin, Vice Commandant, NDU. Welcome remarks were given by Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM & Bar (Retd), Deputy Director (Research), & Head of Centre for Strategic Studies and Simulation, USI, which was followed by remarks by Lt Gen Zhou Aimin.
Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM & Bar (Retd) gave a presentation on “Evolving Security Scenario in Afghanistan and its Implications for Regional Peace and Stability,” in which he highlighted the chequered past of the Afghanistan, character of Afghan conflict, spectre of jihadi terrorism, geopolitics of the region and critical uncertainties regarding the possibility of peace and stability in the region. It was followed by Gen Rajiv Narayanan, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Distinguished Fellow, USI presentation on “Sino-Indian Relations: Building Strategic Trust.” Maj Gen Narayanan highlighted the need to evolve India-China Relations and look for new ways to achieve new modus of engagement. He also flashed important divergences in the relations including the Border issue and Pakistan factor.
During the Q&A session a number of critical issues pertaining to the discussion came up. Issues deliberated were strategic autonomy of India, NAM.2.0, Border management, QUAD, Cold Start Doctrine, RCEP, China’s role in peace process in Afghanistan. The closing remarks were made by Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM & Bar (Retd) and Lt Gen Zhou Aimin.