PROVINCE REPORT
LAHORE: The Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS) Lahore organised a seminar titled “Saffronisation of India’s Strategic Culture: Contemporary Transition and Future Outlook”, bringing together academics, researchers, intellectuals and security experts to discuss the evolution of India’s strategic thinking and its implications for regional peace and security.
The event commenced with opening remarks by Ms. Ezba Walayat Khan, Research Assistant at CASS Lahore, who welcomed participants and highlighted the think tank’s commitment to promoting informed debate on national and regional security issues.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Asma Khawaja, Executive Director of the Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Azad Jammu and Kashmir, explored the ideological and historical foundations of India’s strategic culture. She discussed the influence of Hindutva on India’s strategic outlook and described the country’s evolving security approach as increasingly shaped by revisionist and nationalist narratives. Dr. Khawaja also shared her views on recent regional developments, stating that India’s strategic ambitions require careful assessment in light of changing geopolitical realities.
Dr. Bilal Ghazanfar, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of International Relations at the University of Poonch Rawalakot, said India’s strategic culture has undergone significant transformation in recent years through political, institutional, military and diplomatic changes. He argued that recent regional developments had tested India’s strategic assumptions and underscored the need for objective analysis of evolving security dynamics in South Asia.
In his concluding remarks, Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd.), President of CASS Lahore, discussed emerging regional security challenges and stressed the importance of maintaining vigilance, preparedness and credible deterrence in an increasingly uncertain strategic environment. He also highlighted the need for continuous assessment of regional developments to safeguard Pakistan’s national interests.
The seminar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session in which participants exchanged views on regional security, strategic communication, information warfare and contemporary geopolitical trends. Attendees appreciated CASS Lahore for organising a timely and thought-provoking discussion that encouraged academic dialogue on issues of strategic importance.
