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A 17 member Swedish delegation led by Mr Henrik Haggstorm from the Swedish Armed Forces HQ interacted with the VIF faculty on 03 April 2014 on the regional and international security scenario. The Swedish delegation included Swedish Defence Attaches in Beijing, Washington, Seoul, Canberra Bangkok, and Islamabad among others. Officials from the Swedish Foreign Affairs ministry also formed part of the group. The delegation was keen to learn about India’s perspective on strategic and security environment in the region in general and about terrorism in particular. VIF Director Mr Ajit Doval briefed the visitors on international terrorism and how India was affected by terrorism much before the US and the West commenced its war on terrorism after the 9/11 terrorist attack. He emphasized that the epicenter of terrorism continues to be in the Af-Pak region as adequate steps have not been taken to meet the challenge. VIF Joint Director Amb. PP Shukla gave his perspective on the likelihood of Chinese economy not doing well and its possible consequences on the internal situation in China and its implications for its neighbours and rest of the world. Former Chief of Army Staff and Dean, Centre for Defence Studies, VIF, Gen NC Vij outlined his perspective on security challenges in the Asia Pacific and what it means for India. VIF Distinguished Fellow Lt. Gen. Ravi Sawhney made a presentation on challenges of post 2014 Afghanistan and its implications on security for the region and for the international community.

The presentations were followed by an intense question and answer session.