CENTRE FOE EASTERN & NORTH EASTERN RESEARCH STUDIES – KOLKATA (CENERS_K)
HYBRID SEMINAR TO BE HELD ON ……….FEB 2024, AT HQ EASTERN COMD, AT 0900H
INDIA’S SECURITY CONCERNS IN THE EAST AND NER & STRAT NEEDED TO HANDLE THEM
CONCEPT NOTE
Situation on the Sino-Indian Border
Recent talks between India and PRC has resulted in a partial pull back of forces and some de-escalation of tensions. What are current intentions and capabilities of PLA on the Sino-Indian border? How credible are assessments that China continues to plan an attack?
How serious is the Chinese threat to Idia to construct a mega dam on the R Tsangpo at the great bend
Implications of political changes in Bangladesh
What are national security concerns for India after the over-throw of the Sheikh Hasina Govt in BD? Is the new regime pivoting to a stance that is against India’s national security interests? Can BD pose a mil threat to Tndia.
Myanmar
What has been the impact of the current unrest in Myanmar on India’s security concerns relating to IIG havens, and also impact on “Act East” related projects? What is China role, if any, given its massive investments in Myanmar? Will the Arakan Army’s offensive against the Rohingya’s increased exodus of refugees from Myanmar/BD borders to India.
Bhutan
How will Bhutan’s talks with China to settle border disputes at Doklam, Central Bhutan and Eastern Bhutan impact on vulnerability of India’s borders? Is there a chance of China threatening India through Bhutan.
Nepal
What is the current state of India’s relations with Nepal? What are the major issues relating to differing perceptions relating to the border, particularly areas like Kalapani? What is the situation relating to increase in the influence of China, and increased engagement of the US?Is there a chance of China threatening India through Nepal in synergy with a thrust through Bhutan?
India’s NER
What is the current status of the situation in Manipur? What has been the impact on neighboring states like Mizoram and Nagaland? How significant is the threat from Islamic jehadi groups in the NER, particularly after the regime-change in BD? Could the CAA trigger social unrest? Are there indications of a revival of unrest in Tripura?
Air, Naval. Cyber/info War Threats
What is the current assessment of the threat from China in the broader IOR particularly with respect to air and naval capabilities? What is current assessment relating to China’s capabilities with regard to Cyber/ Info warfare capabilities?
Conclusion
This objective of the seminar is to assess threats in these identified areas, and outline Strategic options.
SESSIONS AS FOLLOWS AT THE CENERS_K HYBRID SEMINAR
Session 1 – China
Session 2 – Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan & Nepal
Session 3 – NER
Session 4 – Air and Naval Aspects
Session 5 – Cyber/ Information Warfare aspects
Opening Address
0930 – 0940 – ACM Arup Raha, President, CENERS K
0940 – 0945 – Moderator – Mr J N Choudhury
Session 1 – China
0940 – 1000 – Lt Gen J R Mukherjee – Assessment of the Chinese threat in East
1000 – 1020 – Brig N Mukherjee
1020 – 1040 – Col SS Sarkar – threat arising out of Chinese dam constr on R Tsangpo
Session 2 – Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar
1040 – 1100 – Sit in BD Prof Dey
1100 – 1120 – Amb G Mukhopadhyaya – Sit in Myanmar and how it affects Indian interests
1120 – 1140 – Maj Gen Arun Roye – Threat from Bangladesh, Myanmar and thru Nepal/Bhutanand how to counter it
Tea break –1140– 1155
Session 3 – IS/NER
1155 – 1215 – Lt Gen J R Mukherjee – Sit in NER Manipur
Session -4 – Air/ Naval Aspects
1215 – 1235 – ACM Arup Raha – Air Aspects of the threat and countering it
1235 – 1255 – Adm B Dasgupta – Naval aspects of the threat and countering them
Session 5 – Cyber and Info War issues
1255 – 1315 – Maj Gen P K Mallick – Cyber and Info War issues
Concluding Remarks –
1315 – 1345 – Q & A Session
!345 – 1400 – ACM Raha – Concluding Remarks
!400 – Lunch at AOI