New Delhi, October 13, 2026: The faculty and course members of the 66th National Defence College (NDC) Course called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.
Addressing the gathering of senior officers from the Indian Armed Forces, Civil Services, and friendly foreign countries, the President observed that the security and technological landscapes are changing rapidly, bringing new and complex challenges. These developments, she said, call for greater preparedness, strategic foresight, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Fast decision-making mechanisms are becoming more important as the techniques of modern warfare have expanded into cyber security, space technology, and biotechnology, in addition to the traditional domains.
President Murmu stated that national security today extends beyond military capabilities and requires close cooperation between scientific institutions and the armed forces to translate innovation into practical solutions. Recent conflicts have highlighted the importance of cost-effective technologies that complement advanced defence systems and make the best use of available resources.
She underlined the role of government initiatives in strengthening the link between innovation and national security. Referring to the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme of the Government of India, the President described it as a coordinated initiative to promote indigenous research and technological development. The scheme supports deep-tech startups as well as the development of technologies critical to strategic requirements, economic security, and Atmanirbharta.
On emerging technologies, President Murmu noted that many countries, including India, recognise that the future landscape of national security will witness the convergence of quantum technologies, biotechnologies, and Artificial Intelligence. Space-based capabilities have also become important for national security. While the use of Artificial Intelligence is increasing across domains of science, national security, and economic activities, and is expected to assist in strategic decision-making, she emphasised that decision-making cannot be outsourced exclusively to this technology. A balanced approach needs to be calibrated. She expressed satisfaction that the course modules and interactions at NDC address different dimensions of these emerging concerns.
Drawing from ancient Indian texts, the President referred to elaborate descriptions of security response mechanisms and the duties of a ruler in the Valmiki Ramayana and the Mahabharata. She cited the detailed questions posed by Bhagwan Ram to Bharat in Chitrakoot on aspects of statecraft, including military readiness, strategic decision-making, intelligence gathering, fiscal management, justice, public welfare, and external relations. Similarly, she recalled Bheeshma Pitamah’s guidance to Yudhishthir in the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata, which elaborates strategies to protect the kingdom, including the management of a spying network, and emphasises security with societal cohesion. Under the theory of righteous rule, economic resources, diplomacy, defence, and internal peace form integral parts.
President Murmu underlined that economic resilience is an integral part of the national security framework. The Indian economy has demonstrated, time and again, its capabilities to absorb disruptions created by external factors, accomplishing this without compromising the strategic freedom of action.
She expressed confidence that the NDC course has equipped the participants with insights that would help them contribute to strategic thinking and leadership responsibilities, thereby strengthening the overall national security framework of the countries they represent. The President extended her best wishes to the officers for success in their future endeavours.
The National Defence College course prepares senior officers of the civil services and defence personnel from India and friendly foreign countries for higher responsibilities in national security and public policy. The 66th Course includes participants from the Indian Armed Forces, civil services, and a number of officers from friendly foreign countries. Air Marshal Manish Kumar Gupta is the Commandant of the National Defence College.
