The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as an unprecedented disruptor over multiple domains, the likes of which have seen no parallel in recorded history. It has led to extreme divergence of views on the post COVID world – from isolationism and nationalism, to regionalism, to ‘dispersed globalisation’. However, what is certain is that there would be a new normal with most leading strategic thinkers currently debating what the contours of this new normal is likely to be.

South Asia too is struggling to cope with the severe impact of the pandemic. Despite the low levels of COVID cases in the region, the impact on the economy, tourism, agriculture, industry, trade, employment, internal security and health services, has been devastating. It makes it imperative for the countries of the region to join hands not only to counter this pandemic, but also in the revival needed post COVID 19. SAARC, BIMSTEC and BBIN could play a significant role in providing succour to the people of the region.

To discuss these issues, AIDIA and the United Service Institution (USI) of India will be holding a joint webinar on Nepal – India Security Relations: During and Post COVID 19, on 08 May 2020.

The sessions would be as under,     

1. The Global Pandemic Impact,
   1. Indian Speaker: Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM & Bar (Retd), Director USI of India;
   2. Nepali Speaker: Brig Gen Dr. Umesh Kumar Bhattarai, Nepal Army (Retd)     
2. The South Asian Scenario,
   1. Indian Speaker: Maj Gen Rajiv Narayanan, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Head Centre for Strategic Studies and Simulation, USI of India;
   2. Nepali Speaker: Mr Navaraj Dhakal , Former AIG of Nepal Police ;
3. Indo-Nepal Relations,
   1. Indian Speaker: Lt Gen GS Katoch, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), Head Editorial Team, USI of India
   2. Nepali Speaker: Maj Gen Binoj Basnyat, Nepal Army (Retd)  

Moderator: Mr. Shyam KC, AIDIA                               

To join us for a virtual discussion on the subject, please follow the link: 

 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81120637047?pwd=WGJXQjlDbXRwQ1N5V1ZtN3dDY1NSQT09

Or,

Enter Meeting ID: 811-2063-7047 and Password:  AIDIAUSI

To submit a question for the event, please email at shyam@aidiaasia.org Participants may also submit their questions through the Q&A box in the Zoom webinar.

Date: 08 May 2020

Time: 3:15 to 5:00 PM NPT (UTC + 5:45) 

Partnering with:

United Service Institution of India (USI)

The United Service Institute of India is a national security and defence services think tank under the Ministry of Defense, GoI. USI is an oldest think tank of India established in 1970. It was founded for ‘furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services. USI operates centres for research in various areas of national security'. The USI Journal, published quarterly since 1872, is the oldest defence journal in Asia. It also publishes a number of monographs based on research and study by its members.