3rd Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025: India Charts Course for a Secure & Developed Future

The Indian Army, together with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), is all set to host the third edition of the Chanakya Defence Dialogue (CDD-2025) in New Delhi on 27–28 November 2025. This high-level strategic forum will bring together eminent defence thinkers, policy-makers, and industry leaders from India and abroad to deliberate on critical dimensions of national security.

This year’s dialogue is organised under the banner “Reform to Transform: Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat”, signalling India’s resolve to modernise its defence forces while bolstering self-reliance. A key focus will be on institutional reforms, cutting-edge technological capabilities, and synergising civil-military relations to enhance overall national resilience.

In a curtain-raiser event at the Manekshaw Centre, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi stressed the deep interlinkages between national development and security. He reiterated that the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 can only be achieved if defence and development march in tandem. He also recalled past operations to underline the importance of accountability and regional stability in strengthening India’s security posture.

A major highlight of the dialogue will be the emphasis on atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence. Experts from the defence industry, academia, and research institutions will debate how indigenous technologies-especially in emerging domains like dual-use systems, advanced supply chains, and defence innovation ecosystems-can reduce external dependencies and build a stronger, resilient defence-industrial base.

The event will also explore the future of civil-military integration. In doing so, it aims to foster collaboration between the military, government bodies, universities, and private industry. This holistic approach is expected to generate actionable recommendations on procurement reform, start-up participation, and capacity building in the defence sector.

Earlier, as a preparatory event, the Indian Army and CLAWS convened a Young Leaders Forum on 31 October, bringing together young minds from the armed forces, think tanks, academia, NCC cadets, and entrepreneurship circles. The forum underscored the role of youth as the driving force behind India’s national security ambition. It highlighted initiatives such as setting up army cells in technical institutes, promoting defence internship programs, and facilitating technology clusters to deepen youth engagement in shaping India’s strategic future.

The Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 is expected to yield policy insights, forge strategic partnerships, and lay down a roadmap for a strong, secure, and developed India-anchored in innovation, resilience, and trust.