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PRESS NOTE

The Deccan Youth Conclave

The Deccan Youth Conclave titled “Perspectives on Geopolitics & Security” was successfully conducted today, 3^rd March 2026 (Tuesday), at Hotel Maris, #11 Cathedral Road, Chennai – 600086, by the Deccan Centre for International Relations (DCIR), an independent think tank under the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR).

The Conclave provided a dedicated platform for young and emerging voices from universities and colleges in Chennai, specialising in international relations, defence, and strategic studies. It aimed to critically examine the evolving global geopolitical landscape, India's strategic responses, neighbourhood challenges, and the transformative role of technology in national security. By convening sessions with domain experts, the event sought to amplify South India's scholarly contributions to national security debates and empower the next generation of strategic thinkers to influence India's foreign and security policies.

The inaugural address was delivered by Ambassador T. S. Tirumurti, IFS (Retd.), Former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, New York. In his talk titled “Geopolitics at Crossroads,” he highlighted the weakening of the post-World War II liberal world order, the unpredictability introduced by evolving US policies, and India's effective navigation through these shifts via strategic autonomy and multi-alignment.

This was followed by a presentation by Mr. C. Balasubramanian, on the “Evolving Dynamics in India’s Neighbourhood.” He discussed persistent challenges in India's immediate neighbourhood and the recalibration of India's foreign and security policies under the "Neighbourhood First" framework, amid asymmetric threats like cross-border terrorism.

The next talk by Lt. Gen A. Arun, PVSM, YSM, SM, VSM (Retd.), former Chief of Staff of the South Western Command, Jaipur and former General Officer Commanding, Dakshin Bharat Area, on the topic “Contours of India’s Military Strategy.” He elaborated on the profound changes in the security environment following Operation Sindoor and underscored the shifts toward multidomain, technology-enabled warfare.

The address by Mr. Muthukumar, Chief Executive Officer, Vaan Megam Networks Pvt. Ltd., on “Technology and National Security” highlighted technology's pivotal role touching on AI-driven multi-sensor data fusion, cyber operations, electronic warfare, and emerging technologies redefining escalation management and precision lethality in limited conflicts under a network centric warfare framework

The Conclave drew enthusiastic participation from students, young scholars, academics, and strategic enthusiasts, fostering interactive discussions and critical engagement with contemporary security challenges. This Youth Conclave marks an important step in building capacity among young minds in South India to contribute meaningfully to national and regional strategic discourse.

3^rd March 2026

Chennai

EOM

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