Webinar – Addressing Threats from India’s Eastern Borders and Regional Cooperation
A very warm welcome to all of you to this timely and significant webinar on the topic, “Addressing threats from India’s Eastern borders and Regional Cooperation.” Today, we gather here to delve into crucial discussions surrounding the challenges faced by India along its eastern borders and explore avenues for regional cooperation to address these threats effectively.
India’s Eastern borders, particularly with neighboring countries like China and Bangladesh, have been witness to diverse geopolitical, security, and socio-economic dynamics. The need for a comprehensive understanding of these challenges and fostering regional cooperation has never been more imperative. Today, we are honoured to have a distinguished panel of speakers who bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience in the realm of border security, intelligence, international relations, and academia.
Firstly, let me introduce Mr Sanjay Krishan Sood Sir, the esteemed Chairman of Borderman. He is a distinguished retired Additional Director General (ADG) of the Border Security Force, with an illustrious career spanning over 38 years. During this period of dedicated service, he has patrolled along the entirety of India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, showcasing his commitment to safeguarding the nation. Notably, he spent eight years on the Line of Control (LC) and in the sensitive Samba Sector of Jammu & Kashmir, demonstrating his expertise in managing challenging and critical areas.
Mr. Sood’s multifaceted interests extend beyond his professional domain. He is deeply engaged in matters of border management, security-related issues, and the integral role played by security forces in shaping India’s security matrix. His passion for understanding the intricate interplay of politics and security is complemented by a distinctive sense of humour that adds a unique dimension to his persona.
In addition to his on-field contributions, Mr. Sood has shared his wealth of knowledge through the written word. An accomplished author, he has penned a book and contributed several chapters on the nuanced subject of border security. His literary endeavours not only showcase his depth of insight but also contribute significantly to the discourse on national security.
Furthermore, Mr. Sood is a familiar face on mainstream news channels, where he serves as a regular participant in television debates. His articulate and informed perspectives make him a sought-after voice, adding value to public discussions on vital issues.
Ajai Singh Sir, an accomplished officer holding the rank of Inspector General (IG), embarked on his journey with the Border Security Force (BSF) after completing his post-graduation at Agra University in 1986. His dedicated service has taken him across diverse terrains, from Punjab to Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal to Rajasthan, and Manipur to Assam and Meghalaya.
Having navigated insurgency-prone regions and terrorism-infested areas, Ajay Singh Sir has not only safeguarded international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh but has also excelled in intelligence operations. His notable achievements include dismantling a spying network orchestrated by PAK ISI in the sensitive district of Jaisalmer and West Bengal.
Sir’s commitment to national security extends beyond borders. He has lent his expertise to the elite National Security Guard (NSG), handling crucial assignments and responsibilities. Moreover, his international contributions include serving in the United Nations in Bosnia & Herzegovina as a member of the International Police Task Force.
With a remarkable tenure, Ajay Singh has not only safeguarded the largest frontier of the BSF along the international border with West Bengal but has also risen to the esteemed position of Inspector General, reflecting his exemplary leadership and dedication to duty.
Sahana Ghosh, a distinguished scholar, delves into the intricate realms of borders, mobility, agrarian societies, and gender and labour in South Asia. The author of “A Thousand Tiny Cuts: Mobility and Security across the Bangladesh-India Borderlands” (University of California Press, 2023), she illuminates the lives and histories of people in the India-Bangladesh borderlands through numerous articles. Currently, her focus lies on researching the lived experiences of soldiering and transformations within the Border Security Force (BSF). Dr Ghosh teaches in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at the prestigious National University of Singapore.
And last but not the least, Mayank Singh Sir, a seasoned journalist with an illustrious career spanning over 18 years, has been closely covering and writing on national security issues. His comprehensive coverage extends across all uniformed forces under the Union defense and home ministries, offering valuable insights into governmental affairs. Currently holding the position of Senior Special Correspondent at The New Indian Express Newspaper, Sir’s expertise is fortified by previous roles in prominent TV channels, newspapers, and renowned publications like Force and Asian News International. His assignments encompass extensive national and international ground visits, enriching his understanding of complex issues. Sir’s scholarly pursuits are evident through his contribution to the book “NJ 9842: The Siachen Saga,” showcasing his academic approach. Beyond his journalistic endeavors, he generously imparts knowledge as a regular guest faculty at various security academies and colleges.
Sir expresses himself on X through his handle @scribesoldier, making him a distinctive and influential figure in the realm of national security journalism.
His assignments includes extensive national and international ground visits.Mayank Singh also has an academic approach and has even contributed a chapter in a book “NJ 9842: The Siachen Saga”. Apart from this, he is a regular guest faculty at various security academies and colleges. He expresses himself on X through his handle @scribesoldier.
Together, this panel promises a wealth of insights, diverse perspectives, and expertise on the critical issues we aim to address. I invite all participants to engage actively, ask questions, and contribute to the collective understanding of the challenges and opportunities in addressing threats from India’s Eastern borders. Once again, a warm welcome to each one of you, and let the discussions begin!
Webinar – Addressing Threats from India’s Eastern Borders and Regional Cooperation
Tuesday, January 30 · 11:00am – 1:00pm
Time zone: Asia/Kolkata
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/vhb-dfbf-yge
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