Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday called for sustained international dialogue, mutual learning and greater strategic cooperation among nations to address emerging global security and developmental challenges.
Addressing delegates of the fourth edition of the International Strategic Engagement Programme (IN-STEP) at Up-Rashtrapati Bhawan, V-P Radhakrishnan said the interconnected nature of the modern world makes it increasingly difficult for countries to tackle emerging challenges in isolation.
The Vice President welcomed 38 international delegates and participants from India, including senior professionals and leaders from friendly and like-minded countries, particularly those from the Global South.
He said IN-STEP reflects the shared commitment articulated during India’s G20 Presidency to establish a sustained platform for meaningful dialogue, mutual learning and strategic engagement.
Emerging Security Challenges Require Collective Action
V-P Radhakrishnan noted that the global strategic environment is undergoing rapid transformation, with traditional security concerns increasingly intersecting with issues related to technology, cyberspace, artificial intelligence, energy security, economic resilience, maritime security, climate change and supply chains.
He said IN-STEP provides an opportunity for participants to develop a broader strategic perspective, assess the long-term implications of global developments and formulate appropriate responses.
“Think globally, engage strategically, and act in cohesion,” the Vice President said, outlining the three principles that capture the underlying philosophy of the initiative.
He emphasised that shared challenges can often be addressed more effectively through cooperation, coordination and collective efforts.
Focus on the Global South
The Vice President highlighted the importance of the Global South in shaping international discussions, saying its diverse experiences and developmental priorities offer valuable lessons in resilience, development, security, governance and cooperation.
He said India’s engagement with the Global South is guided by mutual respect, shared interests, sovereign equality and an appreciation of the developmental and strategic priorities of individual nations.
V-P Radhakrishnan also identified corruption as a major challenge facing countries of the Global South and called for coordinated efforts to eradicate it.
He urged participants to work towards building corruption-free systems at every level, stressing the importance of integrity and transparency in public life.
Science and Technology Should Benefit Humanity
Referring to India’s assistance to countries of the Global South through the Vaccine Maitri initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vice President said scientific and technological advancements should serve the collective good of humanity.
He stressed that knowledge and innovations should be shared for the benefit of all, reflecting the Indian ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – One Earth, One Family, One Future.
V-P Radhakrishnan commended the National Security Council Secretariat, Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence for bringing together the participants and expressed confidence that their engagement would strengthen professional relationships and enhance strategic understanding among participating nations.
38 Delegates Participate in Fourth IN-STEP Edition
The fourth edition of IN-STEP brings together 38 delegates, including 25 international delegates from 22 countries. Participants are from countries including Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Mongolia, Nepal, Mauritius, Maldives, Oman, Guyana, Chile, Argentina, the Philippines, Thailand, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Myanmar, Uzbekistan and Brazil.
IN-STEP is a two-week programme jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Defence (MoD) and National Security Council Secretariat, in collaboration with the National Defence College.
The programme provides a platform for senior professionals to exchange perspectives on strategic, security and developmental issues and strengthen institutional and professional linkages.
Earlier editions of IN-STEP were held in March 2024, October 2024 and October-November 2025.
