The
security environment the world over is rapidly changing with
resultant fallouts in the Asia-Pacific region. To cope with
the challenges brought about by these dynamic realities, there
is a need to evolve a consensual and complementary approach
in tackling issues of common concern. This was stated by Lt.
Gen. S S Chahal, Commandant National Defence College while inaugurating
the 7th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Meet of Heads
of Defence Universities, Institutions and Colleges in New Delhi
today. He said this calls for synergising our actions and expressed
the hope that this meet will significantly contribute towards
developing military to military relations among the member countries
of ARF.
Gen.
Chahal said that two-day meet will discuss the role of the military
in providing assistance to the civil administration during the
times of distress and UN peace keeping operations which have
assumed greater prominence since the end of the cold war.
He
said that natural disasters continue to occur at almost regular
intervals and their impact is not always confined to the national
boundaries of a particular country. Gen. Chahal underlined the
need to evolve a framework and contingency plan based on anticipation,
accurate forecasting, preventive measures and a quick response
to mitigate the sufferings of those affected by natural calamities.
He said a great deal could be achieved in this field through
mutual cooperation and sharing of experiences and technical
expertise.
Referring
to UN peacekeeping operations Lt Gen Chahal said that there
could be no two opinions that by and large the forces deployed
in this field have done commendable work. He said wherever aberrations
have occurred we need to take note of them and draw lessons
for the future. A wealth of experience is available amongst
us which needs to be shared for mutual benefit, he added.
The
meet is being attended by 19 countries, which includes 8 ASEAN
members and 11 dialogue partners. The major participants are
Australia, China, European Union, Japan, New Zealand, Indonesia,
Singapore, Vietnam and Myanmar. The ARF formed in 1994 with
a view to fostering constructive dialogue and consultation of
political and security issues of common interest. The forum
also aims at making significant contributions towards instituting
confidence building measures.
The
6th ARF Meet of heads of defence institutions was
held at Moscow in September 2002 where issues related to development
of military education in the 21st Century were discussed.
The current meet is being conducted by National Defence College,
Ministry of Defence.
