The Young Leaders Forum (YLF) kicked off with a compelling series of sessions centered on empowering India’s youth to engage decisively in the nation’s defence and security framework. Key discussions highlighted the changing landscape of national security, emphasizing the vital roles of innovation, technology, and civic commitment in shaping India’s strategic future.
The first session, titled “The Future of Defence: Youth at the Heart of National Security,” initiated a dynamic dialogue on how the younger generation can redefine national security in the present century. Experts underscored the importance of start-ups and entrepreneurship in enhancing the country’s defence infrastructure, asserting that the creativity, spirit, and determination of young Indians are essential to cultivate a resilient and self-sufficient nation.
Moving forward, the second session focused on Youth Leadership in Defence Strategy. It delved into the multifaceted roles young citizens can assume in supporting the nation’s security across both conventional and grey-zone confrontations. Participants explored how modern warfare transcends traditional battlegrounds, extending into realms such as information warfare, technology, and civic responsibility. The consensus was clear: India’s youth must become informed, empowered, and proactive in fortifying the country’s strategic posture.
The concluding session examined the contemporary battlefronts, encompassing cyberspace, outer space, and the information domain. This session illuminated how technology and innovation led by youth are transforming the notions of conflict. Discussions on themes like Cybersecurity, Space as a Pivot for Multi-Domain Operations, and the role of Social Media as a National Security tool highlighted an urgent demand for a new generation of digital warriors—coders, engineers, data analysts, and content creators who will become indispensable defenders on the digital frontlines.
The overarching message of the Young Leaders Forum was clear: the youth of today constitute the backbone of India’s secure and self-reliant future, embodying the vision of a technologically advanced, resilient, and forward-looking defence ecosystem.
