- Strategic Vision to Meet Tactical Reality
- Cyber Diplomacy to Self-Reliance
- Dialogue for Reform and Innovation
By Sangeeta Saxena
New Delhi. 14 April 2025. As India deepens its commitment to strategic autonomy and defence transformation, Kalam & Kavach 2.0 emerges as a powerful platform for converging minds, missions, and milestones. Co-organised by Pentagon Press LLP, the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), and DOAP, this landmark event—set to take place on 15 April 2025 at the Ashoka Conference Hall, Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt—promises a day of high-level discourse, insightful book launches, and impactful networking. From reimagining strategic vision to unlocking the potential of emerging technologies and bolstering Aatmanirbharta in defence, the event will bring together senior military leaders, policymakers, innovators, authors, and academia for a robust exchange of ideas and perspectives.
The day will commence with a Welcome Note, followed by the introduction of Rajan Arya, Managing Director of Pentagon Press. Setting the tone for the day’s discussions will be a powerful Fireside Chat titled ‘Strategic Discourse: India’s Strategic Vision’, featuring Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC (Retd), who will share his insights on India’s evolving defence priorities and global strategic posture. This will be followed by the launch of a timely and thought-provoking book, “Cyber Diplomacy: Navigating the New Digital World Order”, with the editors and Rajan Arya joining on stage for the unveiling. Guests will then have the opportunity to engage in informal networking over High Tea, while exploring the exhibition area that will showcase cutting-edge innovations from across India’s defence ecosystem. After the break, a Special Address will be delivered by Pankaj Saran, Former Deputy National Security Advisor, who will offer invaluable perspectives on India’s national security landscape. The momentum will continue with a compelling Fireside Chat on ‘The Year of Defence Reforms’, bringing together Lt Gen Raj Shukla, PVSM, YSM, SM, ADC (Retd), Member UPSC and defence journalist and author Sandeep Unnithan, for an engaging dialogue on strategic reforms and the path ahead for India’s defence establishment.
This will be followed by Session I: Emerging Technology & Future Warfare, where the spotlight will turn to the evolving nature of conflict in a world increasingly defined by cyberspace, AI, and multi-domain operations. Moderated by Lt Gen PJS Pannu, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Former Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, the high-powered panel will include Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, AVSM, VSM, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information Systems & Coordination); Maj Gen Pawan Anand (Retd) of USI-Cyber Peace Foundation; Ankit Mehta, CEO of IdeaForge; Dr (Prof) Nisha Kant Ojha, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS); and Vinayak Dalmia, Co-founder of 3rditech. Together, they will explore the contours of future warfare and the critical technologies shaping India’s defence preparedness.
The day will continue with the launch of the book “Artificial Intelligence: Military Tactics, Bridges and Aspirations” by Brig Pawan Bhardwaj, a thought-provoking and future-forward work that will delve into the transformative role of AI in modern warfare—not as a distant vision but as a present-day enabler of strategy, precision, and resilience. Following the book launch, Session II (02:00 PM – 03:10 PM) will focus on the pivotal theme of Self-Reliance and Exports in Defence Manufacturing, aligning with the broader narrative of The Year of Defence Reforms. The session will emphasise Aatmanirbharta as a strategic necessity, highlighting the collaborative role of policymakers, armed forces, private industry, DRDO, MSMEs, startups, and academia in transforming India into a global security provider. This high-impact session will be moderated by Lt Gen Vinod Khandare, PVSM, AVSM, SM (Retd), Principal Advisor to the Ministry of Defence, and will feature a distinguished panel including Dipti Mohil Chawla, Additional Secretary, Department of Defence, Ministry of Defence; Lt Gen RS Reen (Retd), Former Director General, Directorate General of Quality Assurance; Dr BK Das, Director General, Electronics & Communication Systems, DRDO, Ashish Kansal, CEO of SMPP and Suyash Singh, CEO of GalaxEye. Together, they will explore how India can accelerate its journey toward defence self-reliance and expand its role in the global defence ecosystem.
This session will be followed by the anticipated launch of the book Shaping India’s Arsenal: The Path to Self-Reliance in Ammunition Manufacturing, authored by Brigadier Dr. Biju Jacob, VSM, and published by Rajan Arya of Pentagon Press. Post-launch, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, will deliver a Special Address (03:15 PM – 03:30 PM), offering critical insights into India’s evolving maritime strategy. The conversations will continue with Session III (03:30 PM – 03:45 PM), focusing on Procurement and Acquisition Reforms. This panel will be led by Air Vice Marshal Anil Golani (Retd), DG, Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), and will feature Air Marshal J S Mann, DG Weapon System; Lt Gen Rahul R Singh, AVSM, VSM, DCOAS (Concepts, Doctrine & Systems); Cmde Anil Jai Singh, Vice President, Indian Maritime Foundation, Vikas Khitha, Vice President, L&T; and Kiran Raju, CEO, Indrajaal.
The day will conclude with Closing Remarks (04:45 PM – 05:00 PM) by Maj Gen (Dr) Ashok Kumar, VSM, Director General, Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), who will encapsulate the day’s deliberations. Finally, Shivam Arya, the man behind Kalam & Kavach, will deliver the Vote of Thanks, reflecting on the journey of this platform and acknowledging the collective efforts that have shaped this landmark edition.
With a carefully curated agenda that includes fireside chats, special addresses, book unveilings, and thematic panels, Kalam & Kavach 2.0 is poised to spotlight India’s most urgent and future-facing defence imperatives. Anchored in the theme “The Year of Defence Reforms”, the event will navigate topics ranging from joint warfare and cyber diplomacy to AI, defence exports, and procurement reforms. From the opening fireside chat featuring Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari (Retd) to closing remarks by Maj Gen (Dr) Ashok Kumar and a heartfelt vote of thanks by Shivam Arya, every moment is designed to spark strategic thought and civil-military synergy. This is not just a conference—it’s a catalyst for change, setting the tone for India’s defence discourse in 2025 and beyond.
