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Rashtriya Raksha University ITEC Programme Trains 30 Officials

RRU Programme Brings Together Officials from 17 Nations to Study International Law and Security

Thirty government officials from 17 countries have completed a two-week international training programme at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gujarat, focused on international law, security governance and emerging global challenges.

The Fourth Global Capacity Building Programme on Fundamentals of International Law and Security was organised by the School of Integrated Coastal and Maritime Security Studies (SICMSS) under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme of the Ministry of External Affairs. The initiative brought together senior officials from Asia, Africa and other regions for discussions on maritime security, aerospace security, economic risks, information warfare, international law and new technologies shaping modern conflict.

The programme reflects India’s growing use of education and training as part of its international engagement strategy. Through ITEC, launched in 1964, India provides training opportunities to thousands of officials from partner countries each year. The scheme has become an important tool for professional cooperation and diplomatic outreach, particularly among developing nations.

Over the course of two weeks, participants attended around 27 technical sessions led by former military officers, legal experts, academics and security specialists.

Among the speakers was Additional Director General A.K. Harbola of the Indian Coast Guard (Retd.), who discussed maritime and coastal security. Air Commodore Rajnish Verma of the Indian Air Force (Retd.) spoke on aerospace and air security, while Sunil Kavishwar addressed financial and economic security.

Former Indian Coast Guard Director General Dr Prabhakaran Paleri examined the relationship between national security and public well-being. Information warfare, an area receiving increasing attention from governments around the world, was covered by Dr Aparna Verma.

Other sessions explored subjects that have gained prominence in international policy discussions. Prof. (Dr.) Manas K. Mandal discussed the psychological dimensions of security, while Dr Amruta Karambelkar examined broader security studies.

Dr Subhajit Bandopadhyay led discussions on the connection between data, disasters and diplomacy. Dr Parikshet Sirohi addressed the growing role of autonomous weapon systems in warfare and the legal questions surrounding their use. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into military systems, governments and international organisations continue to debate accountability, control and compliance with international humanitarian law.

Participants also heard from Dr Srinivas Burra on Third World Approaches to International Law, a school of thought that examines how international legal systems affect developing nations. Sessions by Ankur Sharma and Yash Vardhan focused on international law-making processes, maritime governance and jurisdictional challenges.

Another discussion explored sports diplomacy and its role in promoting peace and cooperation between countries. The subject has attracted increasing interest in recent years as nations use sporting events and exchanges to strengthen international relationships.

The programme was not limited to classroom learning. Participants received practical exposure at RRU’s MAHASAGAR Navigation Simulator Laboratory, where they experienced maritime navigation scenarios. They also trained on a firing simulator designed to provide realistic operational exercises in a controlled environment.

Security training institutions worldwide are placing greater emphasis on simulation technology because it allows personnel to practise decision-making in situations that may be difficult, expensive or risky to recreate in real life. Maritime security, in particular, has become a major area of focus as countries face challenges related to piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking networks and protection of critical sea routes.

The officials also took part in activities outside the academic schedule. They joined a tree plantation drive on the university campus and visited several important cultural and historical sites in Gujarat.

One of the visits was to Rani Ki Vav in Patan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate stepwell architecture and fine examples of the Maru-Gurjara style. Participants also visited Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, where they paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and learned about his role in India’s freedom movement.

Such visits are often included in international training programmes to provide participants with a broader understanding of India’s history, culture and social development alongside technical instruction.

The programme concluded with a valedictory session attended by Registrar Dr Dharmesh Prajapati, Life Time Professor Dr Prabhakaran Paleri, Dean Affiliation and Accreditation Dr Avinash Kharel, Head of the International Cooperation and Research Bureau (ICRB) Ravish Shah and SICMSS Director Ankur Sharma.

Yash Vardhan, Assistant Professor at SICMSS and Programme Coordinator, presented a report summarising the activities and outcomes of the training programme.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Prajapati congratulated the participants on completing the course and acknowledged their engagement throughout the programme.

Dr Kharel outlined opportunities for police academies and training institutions from participating countries to pursue affiliation and accreditation arrangements with RRU. Ravish Shah discussed future knowledge-sharing initiatives and scholarship opportunities available for international students interested in full-time academic programmes at the university.

Dr Paleri encouraged participants to continue learning and maintain professional cooperation beyond national borders.

During the vote of thanks, Ankur Sharma expressed appreciation to the governments that nominated officials for the programme. He also thanked Indian diplomatic missions and the Ministry of External Affairs for supporting the initiative. Sharma acknowledged the contribution of the experts and guest speakers who delivered sessions during the two-week course.

He further thanked RRU Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Dr Paleri, Registrar, Dr Prajapati and other university leaders for their participation in the programme.

The closing ceremony carried added significance because it came shortly after an important international development involving the university’s Vice-Chancellor.

Participants joined the RRU community in congratulating Prof. Bimal N. Patel, who had been elected in New York as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), one of the world’s leading judicial bodies dealing with maritime disputes. The election took place during a meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

ITLOS, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, handles disputes involving maritime boundaries, navigation rights, marine resources and other issues arising under international maritime law. Prof. Patel will serve on the tribunal for the 2026-2035 term. His election has been viewed as a significant achievement for India in the field of international law and maritime governance.

Participants described the development as a matter of pride for both the university and the countries of the Global South. Many also recognised Prof. Patel’s long-standing work in international legal studies and maritime law.

As international security challenges become more complex and interconnected, programmes such as the one hosted by RRU are increasingly being used to build professional networks among government officials. The Ahmedabad programme brought together experts from different regions and disciplines, creating opportunities for cooperation on issues that cross national borders, from maritime security and international law to information warfare and emerging technologies.

For the officials who completed the course, the programme offered both technical training and a platform for continued engagement with counterparts facing many of the same security and governance challenges in their own countries.