Why in news?
The Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) launched a professional engagement called the Comprehensive Orientation for Rejuvenation and Empowerment (CORE) programme in September 2025. The five‑day initiative in New Delhi brought together senior officers from the three armed services, civil servants and representatives of other ministries to discuss national security challenges and strategies.
Purpose and themes
- Shared understanding: The programme aims to build mutual trust and awareness between the military and civilian officials who shape policy.
- Technological transformation: Sessions focus on how emerging technologies—artificial intelligence, cyber‑warfare and space assets—are transforming the nature of warfare.
- Joint planning: Participants work on case studies and scenarios that require coordinated responses to hybrid threats, disaster relief and regional conflicts.
- Leadership development: Discussions on ethics, strategic decision‑making and communication are designed to prepare leaders for complex security environments.
Importance
As India’s security challenges span land, sea, air, cyber and space domains, effective coordination between the armed forces and civilian agencies has become essential. The CORE programme fosters a culture of jointness outside operational settings. It encourages ministries and the military to speak a common language, anticipate each other’s needs and craft integrated policies. Such engagements can improve disaster response, defence procurement, border management and diplomatic initiatives.