CNN-News18 is set to host a pivotal national dialogue as its acclaimed Town Hall series makes a grand return with ‘The Defence Edition’ on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The highly anticipated event, themed ‘Borders to Business – The Strength of Bharat’, is poised to be a comprehensive tribute to India’s formidable defence forces, celebrating the nation’s strategic might, resilience, and accelerating journey towards self-reliance in the critical defence sector.
This special edition of the CNN-News18 Town Hall will be broadcast live from 3 PM onwards across CNN-News18 TV, CTV, and its YouTube channel, offering viewers an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the evolving landscape of India’s national security. The platform is renowned for its dynamic and thought-provoking discussions, consistently bringing together top policymakers, military leaders, and industry stalwarts to dissect issues of national importance.
The Defence Edition’s agenda is packed with compelling sessions designed to offer deep insights into various facets of India’s defence ecosystem:
- ‘The Age of Modern Warfare’: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), will kick off the discussions, providing an incisive perspective on how global battlefields are rapidly evolving and the essential strategies India must adopt to maintain its strategic advantage.
- ‘Forging India’s Defence Independence’: Defence Secretary of India Rajesh Kumar Singh will outline the government’s ambitious strategic roadmap, detailing the initiatives and policies aimed at achieving greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing and production.
- ‘From Sindoor to Seema’: In a truly stirring and rare session, Assistant Commandant of Border Security Force, Neha Bhandari, along with three fellow women officers who were integral to Operation Sindoor, will share their firsthand experiences and invaluable insights directly from the frontlines. This segment promises a poignant human element to the discussions on courage and operational resilience.
- ‘Made in India, Made for World’: Highlighting India’s growing global defence footprint, this session will feature Lt. Gen Vinod G. Khandare (Retd.), Former Principal Adviser to the Ministry of Defence, and Dr Sudhir Mishra, DRDO Chair, Former Director General, DRDO and Ex – CEO & MD, BrahMos Aerospace. They will discuss the nation’s increasing capabilities in defence exports and international collaborations.
- ‘Defence Aatmanirbharta: Opportunities Ahead’: Dr. B.K. Das, Director General (Electronics & Communication System), DRDO, will provide critical insights into India’s advancements and future opportunities in achieving self-reliance across strategic defence technologies.
- ‘Catalysing Indigenous Defence’: A high-powered panel including Maj Gen Vishal Saxena (Retd.), Vice President, Business Development, ideaForge; Smit Shah, President, Drone Federation of India; Maj Gen Maniyil Indrabala (Retd.), Military Technology Advisor, Amber Wings & The ePlane Company; and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd.), Former Chief of Air Staff, will bring the crucial industry lens to the fore, discussing the role of the private sector, drones, AI, and military tech startups in strengthening India’s defence capabilities.
Zakka Jacob, Managing Editor, CNN-News18, emphasized the timeliness and importance of this edition. “India has demonstrated immense resilience and capability during Operation Sindoor, and as conflicts unfold around the world, this dialogue is crucial to understand our position and priorities,” Jacob stated. “The upcoming CNN-News18 Town Hall edition will honour the valour of our armed forces and ignite meaningful conversations on how India is securing its future, from borders to business, at a time when national security and self-reliance are central to India’s growth story.”
Smriti Mehra, CEO – English & Business News, Network18, further highlighted the channel’s commitment to impactful journalism. “With the Defence Edition of CNN-News18 Town Hall, we’re bringing together some of the sharpest minds in the field, leaders and experts to discuss the strength and resilience of our armed forces and the success of Operation Sindoor,” she commented.
As India continues to solidify its position as a significant global strategic power, particularly after recent conflicts, this edition of the CNN-News18 Town Hall promises to offer viewers not only a stirring tribute but also deep, actionable insights into the courage, strategy, and innovation driving the country’s defence transformation.
Key Highlights:
- CNN-News18 Town Hall Returns with Defence Focus: CNN-News18 is launching “The Defence Edition” of its Town Hall series on Saturday, June 28, 2025, broadcasting live from 3 PM onwards.
- Key Themes and Speakers: The event, themed “Borders to Business – The Strength of Bharat,” will feature top military leaders (e.g., Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh), defence scientists, and industry experts discussing modern warfare, indigenous production, and national security.
- Spotlight on Operation Sindoor and Women Officers: A special session titled ‘From Sindoor to Seema’ will feature women officers from the Border Security Force, including Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari, sharing frontline experiences from Operation Sindoor.
- Focus on Self-Reliance and Industry Role: Discussions will also cover India’s push for defence self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta), increasing defence exports, and the critical role of the private sector and emerging technologies like drones and AI in strengthening national defence.