In a significant step towards reinforcing national security awareness through cultural understanding, the Indian Army’s Central Command hosted a one-day seminar titled “Interwoven Roots: Shared Indo-Tibetan Heritage” at DANFE Hall, Shimla.

The event brought together scholars, strategists and senior military leaders to examine the deep civilisational ties between India and Tibet and assess their relevance to contemporary border management and regional stability.

The rationale for conducting the seminar stemmed from a growing recognition within the strategic community that cultural depth and historical continuity are essential components of national security particularly in the sensitive Himalayan frontier. India and Tibet share not just a border but a long and layered relationship marked by spiritual resonance, cultural fusion, ancient trade linkages and shared civilisational values.

The Indian Army operating at the frontline of both defence and development in these regions has taken the lead in promoting a holistic approach to border security- one that is formed not only by geography and tactics but also by cultural intelligence, community engagement and historical awareness. This seminar was envisioned as a platform to bridge strategic studies with cultural scholarship allowing defence professionals to draw on historical insight while shaping responses to emerging challenges in border areas.

 

The day-long event began with a keynote address by Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command. He emphasised the significance of cultural diplomacy in national strategy and underscored the Army’s commitment to preserving India’s territorial and civilisational integrity.

The seminar featured two thematic sessions. Session-I focused on Indo-Tibet Linkages and explored civilisational, spiritual and economic ties - Mr Claude Arpi spoke on historical and cultural bonds between Northern India and Western Tibet; Dr Shashibala highlighted shared Buddhist traditions and sacred geographies; and Dr Aparna Negi discussed traditional trade routes like Shipki La and their present day relevance. Session II addressed Border Management and Strategic Concerns with a panel moderated by Maj Gen G Jaishankar, VSM (Retd) covering China’s grey-zone strategies, India’s border doctrine, psychological and information warfare and diplomatic coordination. Panelists included Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd), Dr Amrita Jash, Dr Dattesh D Parulekar, Ms Antara Ghosal Singh and Amb Ashok K Kantha.

Prior to the seminar, participants undertook a forward area visit from June 24-27 to Pooh, Shipki La, Nako, Sumdo, Giu, Tabo and Kaza. These visits offered a firsthand look into the socio-cultural fabric and strategic significance of the Indo-Tibetan frontier  reinforcing the seminar's goal of grounding intellectual discussions in lived realities 

In his concluding remarks, Lt Gen DG Misra, GOC, Uttar Bharat Area, stressed the necessity of blending cultural continuity with strategic foresight in safeguarding India's borderlands. He commended the speakers for their scholarly contributions and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to promoting platforms that nurture civil-military-academic synergy.

This seminar marks part of a broader initiative by the Indian Army to foster a deeper integration of regional awareness, cultural heritage and academic insight into the fabric of national security discourse ensuring that India's borders are defended not only by force but also by understanding.