It is time to operationalise the Indian Defence University 

In the ever-evolving landscape of warfare, where the nature of conflict remains constant but its character continuously changes, the importance of military education cannot be overstated. Military officers today are faced with dynamic and chaotic environments, requiring them to navigate nebulous initial information and rapidly shifting circumstances to achieve desired outcomes. To equip officers with the skills necessary to address these complex challenges throughout their careers, a robust Professional Military Education (PME) continuum is essential.

The Evolution of PME

The evolution of Professional Military Education in the United States provides valuable insights, particularly as it parallels India's objectives in theaterisation. The Goldwater-Nichols Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 marked a significant milestone in structural reforms within the U.S. military. However, the profound professionalism of the U.S. armed forces owes much to the contributions of individuals like 'Ike' Skelton.

Skelton's Influence on Military Education Reform

'Ike' Skelton's pivotal report to the U.S. Congress led to substantial reforms in military education. His recommendations emphasized the need for educational institutions to focus on specific learning objectives, enhance the quality of both civilian and military faculty, establish a two-phased system for joint officer education, and create an Institute for National Strategic Studies at the National Defense University. These reforms laid the foundation for a more effective and adaptive military education system, enabling officers to better address the challenges of modern warfare.

2. The Quest for a Defence University

Since the early years of independence, the Indian armed forces recognized the need for a comprehensive education system rooted in academic excellence. The idea of establishing a Defence Services University was first proposed by the Chiefs of Staff Committee in 1967. Subsequently, a Study Group convened in 1982 by the COSC highlighted the necessity of an apex educational institution for the armed forces in the form of an Indian Defence University (IDU).

Post-Kargil Reforms

Following the Kargil conflict, a committee chaired by Dr K. Subrahmanyam was tasked with examining the establishment of the IDU. In May 2010, the government granted 'in principle' approval for the creation of the IDU in Gurgaon. Despite initial optimism in 2017-18, progress on the establishment of the IDU has been sluggish.

Addressing Gaps in Professional Military Education

India boasts several esteemed training and education institutions under its armed forces, forming a robust ecosystem of professional training. However, these institutions lack an integrated Professional Military Education (PME) framework and a multidisciplinary approach to strategic thinking. While the armed forces have collaborations with universities for degree programs, this arrangement falls short of optimal.

The Role of the IDU

The IDU is envisioned as a solution to rectify these deficiencies in India's PME system. It aims to serve as a central institution of higher military learning, boasting a faculty comprising academicians, serving and retired military officers, and civil service personnel. By bridging theory with practice, the IDU seeks to elevate the quality of education and training provided to military personnel.

Curriculum and Focus

The curriculum of the IDU would vary across its constituent colleges and institutions, but it would prioritize subjects relevant to national security and defence. Emphasizing both sciences and humanities, the university would offer a diverse range of courses aimed at equipping military leaders with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary security challenges.

3. The Urgency of Establishing the Indian Defence University (IDU)

The realization of the Indian Defence University (IDU) is long overdue, and its delayed establishment comes at the expense of defence preparedness, strategic culture, and inter-service integration.

• Some experts have suggested that the establishment of the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gujarat renders the IDU unnecessary. However, this argument is flawed due to the fundamental differences between the two institutions. The RRU Act does not explicitly focus on defence-related education, nor does its curriculum solely address military requirements for war management and strategic planning.
• The IDU serves a distinct purpose that cannot be fulfilled by other institutions like the RRU. It is designed to cater specifically to the educational needs of the armed forces, emphasizing joint warfighting capabilities and strategic thinking.
• Delays in commissioning the IDU hinder progress in enhancing defence capabilities and fostering a robust strategic culture. Urgent action is required to operationalize the IDU, enabling the development of joint warfighting capabilities through a forward-looking military education curriculum. This will lay the foundation for effective defence planning and execution in the face of evolving security challenges.

The Indian Defence University (IDU) is a proposed university envisioned to be the premier institute for military education in India. Its establishment has been a topic of discussion for decades, with the initial proposal emerging in 1967 by the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC).

Objectives of the IDU

• Provide a robust education system grounded in academic excellence for India's armed forces.
• Unite theoretical knowledge with practical experience by incorporating a faculty of academics alongside serving and retired military and civil service officers.
•  Nurture a multi-disciplinary approach to strategic thinking within the armed forces.
• Lay the foundation for joint warfighting capabilities through a well-designed curriculum.
• Enhance India's overall defence preparedness by fostering a culture of strategic thinking and military professionalism.

Current Status

• Despite receiving "in-principle" approval for establishment in Gurgaon in 2010, the IDU's creation has been slow.
• Some argue that the existence of the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) makes the IDU redundant. However, the RRU's focus differs, concentrating on broader security education rather than military-specific needs.

Significance

• The IDU would offer a centralized institution for higher military learning, addressing the current limitations of disjointed educational programs within the armed forces.
• The university would establish a cohesive Professional Military Education (PME) framework for officers, ensuring a standardized approach to military education.
• The curriculum would encompass a wider range of subjects relevant to national security and defence, including both scientific and humanities disciplines.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Establishing the IDU may face various challenges, including securing funding, developing infrastructure, and aligning academic curricula with operational requirements.
• However, it also presents significant opportunities to enhance India's defence preparedness, foster strategic thinking, and promote synergy among the armed forces and other stakeholders.

5. Conclusion

The establishment of the IDU is not just a necessity but a strategic imperative for India's security landscape. Urgent action is required to overcome bureaucratic hurdles and operationalize the IDU, laying the foundation for a more robust and resilient defence establishment capable of addressing contemporary and future security challenges effectively.