The Deccan Centre for International Relations (DCIR), an independent think tank under the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR), hosted the Deccan Youth Conclave titled “Perspectives on Geopolitics & Security” on March 3, 2026, at Hotel Maris in Chennai, India.

According to DCIR, the conclave created a platform for young and emerging voices from universities and colleges in Chennai specializing in international relations, defense, and strategic studies. The event aimed to examine the evolving “global geopolitical landscape, India’s strategic responses, neighbourhood challenges, and the transformative role of technology” in national security.

“By convening sessions with domain experts, the event sought to amplify South India’s scholarly contributions to national security debates and empower the next generation of strategic thinkers to influence India’s foreign and security policies,” DCIR said in a statement.

The inaugural address was delivered by Ambassador T. S. Tirumurti (Retd.), former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations. Speaking on the theme “Geopolitics at Crossroads,” Ambassador Tirumurti discussed the weakening of the post-World War II liberal world order, the uncertainty created by evolving U.S. policies, and India’s efforts to navigate these shifts through strategic autonomy and multi-alignment.

His remarks were followed by a presentation by C. Balasubramanian on the “Evolving Dynamics in India’s Neighbourhood.” He addressed persistent challenges in India’s immediate neighborhood and outlined the recalibration of India’s foreign and security policies under the “Neighbourhood First” framework, particularly in response to asymmetric threats such as cross-border terrorism.

Lt. Gen A. Arun, PVSM, YSM, SM, VSM (Retd.), former Chief of Staff of the South Western Command in Jaipur and former General Officer Commanding of the Dakshin Bharat Area, also spoke at the conclave. His presentation, titled “Contours of India’s Military Strategy,” examined the evolving security environment following Operation Sindoor and highlighted a shift toward multidomain, technology-enabled warfare.

In a separate address on “Technology and National Security,” Muthukumar, CEO of Vaan Megam Networks Pvt. Ltd., underscored the growing role of advanced technologies in modern security frameworks. His remarks focused on “AI-driven multi-sensor data fusion, cyber operations, electronic warfare, and emerging technologies redefining escalation management and precision lethality” in limited conflicts under a network centric warfare framework.

The conclave drew strong participation from students, young scholars, academics, and strategic observers, encouraging “interactive discussions and critical engagement with contemporary security challenges,” the statement added.

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