How Can a Whole-of-Nation Approach (WoNA) Counter Future Conflicts?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The seminar promotes the Whole-of-Nation Approach for national security.
- Collaboration among military, civil, and academic sectors is essential.
- Modern warfare encompasses multiple domains beyond traditional battlefields.
- A state-level framework for Rajasthan is proposed as a model.
- Emphasis on technology integration in national security strategies.
New Delhi, Nov 10 (NationPress) The highly anticipated Security Synergy Seminar on A Whole-of-Nation Approach (WoNA) to Counter Future Conflicts kicked off on Monday at Jaipur Military Station, organized under the auspices of Sapta Shakti Command in partnership with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), New Delhi.
Initiated by Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, the Army Commander of the South-Western Command, this two-day seminar seeks to enhance collaboration among the Indian Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, civil administration, academia, and industry to create a cohesive national security strategy.
In his opening remarks, Lt. Gen Singh pointed out that the current global landscape is highly volatile, characterized by uncertainty and changing power dynamics.
He referenced recent international conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars, emphasizing that “in addition to military forces, economic systems, civil infrastructure, citizens, information, and cyber domains were targeted without restraint in these conflicts.”
“Consequently, modern warfare has expanded beyond traditional battlefields to encompass various domains including cyber, space, drones, and electronic warfare, necessitating the seamless integration of all elements of national power—Diplomatic, Informational, Military, and Economic (DIME)—backed by technology,” he stated.
He also underscored that genuine national resilience arises from the collective efforts of governance, industry, and citizens—the core principle of the Whole-of-Nation Approach.
Guided by Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘JAI - Jointness, Atmanirbharta & Innovation’, the Army Commander encouraged a shift from an “Individual Centric to National Centric” approach to build a unified, self-reliant, and forward-looking force.
This inaugural Security Synergy Seminar serves as a platform for enlightening discussions, blending insights from distinguished military strategists, seasoned veterans, diplomats, bureaucrats, industry leaders, innovators, senior state administration stakeholders, respected media outlets, and 130 university students from Jaipur.
The first day featured engaging sessions on ‘The Strategic Imperative of WoNA’ and ‘Forging Partnerships - The Pillars of Collaboration’.
The second day will focus on stimulating ideas regarding ‘Information Operations’ and establishing a state-level framework to address future conflicts.
A key highlight of this Security Synergy Seminar is the proposal for a framework tailored for Rajasthan, which is intended to serve as a model for other states.