Book Discussion : Civil-Military Fusion as Metric of National Power and Comprehensive Security

Book discussion on “Civil Military fusion as a Metric of National Power and comprehensive security” authored by Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd)

Elevating India’s strategic posture, aligning with CCF’s focus on defence policy discourse

CHANDIGARH: Chandigarh Citizens Foundation and Gyan Setu Think Tank jointly hosted a book discussion on “Civil-Military Fusion as a Metric of National Power and Comprehensive Security” authored by Lt Gen (Retd) Raj Shukla, PVSM, YSM, SM at the CRRID on Madhya Marg, Industrial Area, Chandigarh.

The event took place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Lt Gen (Retd) Raj Shukla is a distinguished veteran of the Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery with over four decades of service, commanded formations including a Mountain Division, Infantry Brigade in counter-insurgency operations, Infantry Division along the Line of Control, Pivot Corps on Western Borders, X Corps, and served as GOC-in-C Army Training Command (ARTRAC) before superannuating in 2022; he later became a Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

His book, released in October 2025 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, explores Civil-Military Fusion (CMF) as a strategic imperative for India’s national security, advocating integration of military with civilian sectors like industry, academia, startups, and diplomacy to drive innovation, indigenisation, talent retention, and technological self-reliance amid hybrid warfare threats.

Lt. Gen. Shukla explained with examples how China’s economic zoom, technological ascendancy and military gallop are a direct result of Civil-Military Fusion. He also explained how Civil-Military Fusion lies at the heart of India’s civilizational wisdom and it is time we should exercise the principles prudently. He emphasizes “India’s rise as a global power will depend not only on its military strength but also on how seamlessly its civil, industrial, scientific, and strategic ecosystems work together. Civil-Military Fusion redefines our national power matrix by fostering synergy between soldiers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to achieve comprehensive security and technological sovereignty.”

Lt Gen (Retd) KJ Singh moderated the session, attended by Gen (Retd) VP Malik, former Chief of Army Staff, Admiral (Retd) Sunil Lanba, former Chief of Naval Staff, and several other military veterans.The discussion highlighted CMF’s role in elevating India’s strategic posture, aligning with the organizations’ focus on defence policy discourse.

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