College of Defence Management launches ‘Discover India’ to deepen defence diplomacy

The College of Defence Management in Hyderabad convened senior officers from several partner nations for a week‑long ‘Discover India’ itinerary that combined seminars on maritime security, visits to indigenous defence manufacturers and tours of historic battlefields. Participants engaged with Indian strategists on topics ranging from cyber‑defence to logistics, while witnessing the operational capabilities of the nation’s armed forces through live demonstrations. The event was framed as an opportunity to build mutual understanding beyond conventional diplomatic channels.

Organisers positioned the programme as a response to shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indo‑Pacific, where collaborative security frameworks are increasingly prized. By exposing foreign officers to India’s defence ecosystem, the college hopes to joint research projects, technology‑transfer agreements and coordinated training exercises. The initiative also aligns with the Ministry of Defence’s broader outreach strategy, which aims to position India as a reliable partner for capacity‑building in the region.

If successful, the ‘Discover India’ series could become an annual fixture, expanding to include naval and aerospace components. The immediate outcome may be the signing of memoranda of understanding with participating countries, laying groundwork for deeper interoperability. Over the next twelve months, the programme may stimulate a modest increase in defence exports and joint‑venture ventures, reinforcing India’s stature as a strategic hub.