In a significant move to amplify India’s presence in global military discussions, the Ministry of Defence is set to unveil a strategic conference titled ‘Ran Samvad’. This initiative will focus squarely on warfare and defense cooperation, drawing inspiration from prominent international events like the Raisina Dialogue and Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue. The goal of Ran Samvad is to establish itself as a leading forum dedicated to military affairs, with each branch of India’s armed services taking turns to host future editions.
The first edition of this conference is scheduled for August 26-27, 2025, and will be held in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, under the aegis of the Indian Army. It is expected to bring together defense attachés stationed in India, marking a critical step toward positioning India as a prominent voice in the discourse on warfare and global security.
The conference will be organized in collaboration with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), a tri-services think tank that aims to serve as a permanent institution for this dialogue. The structure of Ran Samvad anticipates a rotating format where future editions will be led by the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, thereby broadening the scope of military engagement and dialogue. The event aims to attract high-profile international figures, including the US Secretary of Defence and other senior military leaders, to foster greater collaboration and understanding.
While the Raisina Dialogue, administered by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation, does encompass a defense component, Ran Samvad is designed to facilitate a more focused discussion on military matters. It will specifically address operational, strategic, and doctrinal challenges in warfare, differentiating itself from broader geopolitical dialogues.
Furthermore, the initiative seeks to establish India as a preeminent leader in the Global South, advocating for a collaborative and inclusive approach to global security. By institutionalizing this platform, the Ministry of Defence aims to address and fulfill the strategic needs of developing nations, often overlooked in existing multilateral military dialogues.
With the Shangri-La Dialogue consistently playing a vital role regarding Asia-Pacific security dialogues, Ran Samvad aspires to complement and eventually rival such platforms. By offering a distinctive, India-centered perspective on evolving global military trends, this conference could reshape India’s role in international security discussions and enhance its strategic partnerships.
