The Department of Strategic and Regional Studies (DSRS), University of Jammu, successfully organised a National Seminar on ‘Understanding the Geo-Strategic Significance of India’s North-West Frontiers’  today. The seminar brought together eminent scholars, strategic experts, defence analysts, and policymakers to deliberate on the evolving security dynamics and strategic imperatives of India’s north-western frontiers. The program started with lighting of lamp and Sarswati Vandana. Prof. Virender Koundal, Director DSRS, formally welcomed the speakers along with other dignitaries and introduced the theme of the discussion. In his welcome address, Prof. Virender koundal underscored the importance of the North-West Frontier.

Capt. (Retd.) Alok Bansal, eminent Geostrategic and defence expert was the keynote speaker for the Inaugural session. In his address, Capt. Bansal provided deep insights into the historical, geopolitical, and contemporary security challenges posed by the region, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and proactive strategic approach. He highlighted the role of Britishers, who, having engaged in a half-century-long Great Game with the Russians, in creating the instability in the region. He emphasized the relevance of such scholarly engagements in formulating policy recommendations for India’s defence and foreign policy is a much needed step for reclaiming the occupied territories of Bharat.

The Chief Guest for the Inaugural Session was Prof. Rajeev Rattan Sharma, Director, College Development Council, who underscored the importance of academic discourse in shaping national security policies and appreciated the Department of Strategic and Regional Studies for organizing such an intellectually enriching event.

The seminar featured multiple technical sessions covering themes such as: Historical and Geopolitical Context of India’s North-West Frontiers, Security Challenges and Strategic Responses and Cross-Border Dynamics and Regional Cooperation.

Distinguished panellists, including veterans of Indian Army, members of civil society and academicians, engaged in thought-provoking discussions on history, culture, geography and geo-political positioning of north-west frontier region. Prof. Kavita Suri, Dr. (Brig.) (Retd.) Vijay Sagar Dheman, Dr. Madhulika Singh, Dr. Mohd. Monir Alam, Dr. Sumer Khajuria, Dr. Divya Gupta, Dr. Suman Kumar Verma, Dr. Vinit Kumar Jha Utpal, Dr. Chahukeshi Jamwal, Dr. Ajayshree Singh Sambyal, Yashorajya Gauri, Hitaishi Bharti, Shuvam Sharma and others presented papers on various themes of North-West Frontier. Prof. Dipankar Sengupta chaired the Technical Session on geo-strategy and security whereas Prof. Suman Jamwal chaired technical session on history and culture.

The technical sessions were followed by a Valedictory Session. Dr. Ganesh Malhotra presented the report of the seminar. Dr. Aayushi Ketkar, Assistant Professor, Centre for National Security Studies, JNU, delivered the keynote address, discussing the impact of colonial legacies, partition dynamics, and post-independence conflicts—including the Indo-Pak wars and Sino-Indian war—on the present geopolitical landscape. She further highlighted the strategic implications of China’s growing influence in Gilgit-Baltistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Prof. Meena Sharma, Dean, Planning and Development, presided over the session as Chief Guest, encouraging researchers to adopt a holistic approach while studying the North-West Frontiers.

The deliberations concluded with a consensus on the need for a robust strategic framework, where knowing the culture, history and geography of the region especially, Pakistan Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan Occupied Territories of Ladakh, and China Occupied Territories of Ladakh. enhanced regional cooperation, and technological advancements to secure India’s north-western borders effectively.

The vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Mohd. Monir Alam, Sr. Assistant Professor, DSRS.  The proceedings of the program were conducted by Dr. Chahukeshi Jamwal and Ms. Sukhvinder Kaur. This program was attended by Prof. Vinay Chouhan, Prof. Pankaj, Dr. Priyanka Sharma, Dr. Sandeep Singh, Dr. Tarsem, Dr. Ranjan Sharma and other faculty members, research scholars and students from various teaching departments of the University , members of civil society, retired defence personnel and journalists.