VP Radhakrishnan Calls for Respect for National Sovereignty

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 12th Oct: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Monday called for respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, asserting that no country should encroach upon another nation’s borders or dictate terms to it.

Addressing the 66th Course of the National Defence College (NDC) in New Delhi on the theme “India’s Core Values, National Interests and National Objectives”, the Vice-President emphasised that national strategy must translate the country’s purpose into action and its intentions into tangible outcomes.

“India seeks to become a leading global power not to dominate others, but to ensure that no country dictates terms to us,” he said, underlining the importance of sovereign equality and mutual respect among nations.

The address was attended by 122 participants from the Indian Armed Forces, civil services, police and other government organisations, along with 41 officers from friendly foreign countries.

Highlighting India’s civilisational philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family — Radhakrishnan cited initiatives such as Vaccine Maitri during the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s disaster response efforts and its engagement in climate action as examples of the country’s values in practice.

He identified safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, protecting democratic and constitutional values, advancing strategic and economic objectives, ensuring a secure environment for development, and contributing to international peace and stability as key national priorities.

The Vice-President also stressed that modern national security extends beyond land, airspace and maritime interests to include cyberspace. He called for stronger international cooperation to tackle terrorism, cyber threats, pandemics, climate change and transnational crime.

Referring to Viksit Bharat @ 2047, he said India’s long-term national vision must be supported by sound policies, realistic priorities and effective use of resources. He also urged greater engagement with the Global South, particularly in technology, trade, connectivity, education, innovation and capacity building.

Radhakrishnan called corruption a major challenge for developing countries and urged collective efforts to address it. He encouraged participants to adopt an integrated, forward-looking approach to strategic leadership, stressing the need to identify national interests, set clear objectives and develop strategies that deliver measurable results.

Air Marshal Manish Kumar Gupta, Commandant of the National Defence College, faculty members and participants of the 66th course were present at the event.