Indian Army organises seminar on Indo-Tibetan ties in Shimla
In its effort towards reinforcing national security awareness through cultural understanding, the Indian Army's Central Command hosted a one-day seminar titled 'Interwoven Roots: Shared Indo-Tibetan Heritage' at DANFE Hall, Shimla on Saturday.
The event brought together scholars, strategists and senior military leaders to examine the deep civilisational ties between India and Tibet and assess their relevance to contemporary border management and regional stability. The rationale for conducting the seminar stemmed from a growing recognition within the strategic community that cultural depth and historical continuity are essential components of national security particularly in the sensitive Himalayan frontier. India and Tibet share not just a border but a long and layered relationship marked by spiritual resonance, cultural fusion, ancient trade linkages and shared civilisational values.
'The Indian Army operating at the frontline of both defence and development in these regions has taken the lead in promoting a holistic approach to border security — one that is formed not only by geography and tactics but also by cultural intelligence, community engagement and historical awareness. This seminar was envisioned as a platform to bridge strategic studies with cultural scholarship allowing defence professionals to draw on historical insight while shaping responses to emerging challenges in border areas,' Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Anindya Sengupta, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, who delivered the key-note address said.
He emphasised the significance of cultural diplomacy in national strategy and underscored the Army's commitment to preserving India's territorial and civilisational integrity.
The seminar featured two thematic sessions with the first on Indo-Tibet linkages, which explored civilisational, spiritual and economic ties of the two countries. In the session, Claude Arpi spoke on historical and cultural bonds between northern India and western Tibet, Dr Shashibala highlighted shared Buddhist traditions and sacred geographies, and Dr Aparna Negi discussed traditional trade routes like Shipki La and their present day relevance. The second session addressed border management and strategic concerns with a panel moderated by Major General G Jaishankar, VSM (retired) covering China's grey-zone strategies, India's border doctrine, psychological and information warfare and diplomatic coordination. Panelists included Lt Gen Raj Shukla (retired), Dr Amrita Jash, Dr Dattesh D Parulekar, Ms Antara Ghosal Singh, and Amb Ashok K Kantha.
'Prior to the seminar, participants undertook a forward area visit from June 24-27 to Pooh, Shipki La, Nako, Sumdo, Giu, Tabo and Kaza. These visits offered a firsthand look into the socio-cultural fabric and strategic significance of the Indo-Tibetan frontier reinforcing the seminar's goal of grounding intellectual discussions in lived realities,' a senior army officer said.
In his concluding remarks, Lt Gen D G Misra, AVSM, GOC, Uttar Bharat Area, stressed the necessity of blending cultural continuity with strategic foresight in safeguarding India's borderlands. He commended the speakers for their scholarly contributions and reaffirmed the Army's commitment to promoting platforms that nurture civil-military academic synergy.
'Chinese premier not happy with his army generals; India should take inspiration from Mossad'
Penalist Lt Gen Raj Shukla (retired) said in a discussion that the Chinese premier is not happy with his army generals because the former doesn't get what he is expecting from them on the front of Taiwan.
'There is an alarming number of army officers in China who committed suicide in the recent time. There must be something wrong going,' he said.
Lt Gen Shukla also stressed that India should take inspiration from the Israeli spy agency Mossad to eliminate the enemies of the country across the border. He spoke on the importance of heavy investment in the start-ups, defence sector if India wants to counter China. He said it is not Pakistan, which is posing a threat to our nation, but China.
'China wants trade only through Nathu La'
In the panel discussion, Ambassador Ashok K Kantha, former ambassador of India to China, said, 'China will never show any eagerness of trade through Shipki-La or any other border area except for Nathu La but we (India) do not quite agree on this front'.
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