CNN-News18 is set to roll out a powerful new edition of its flagship event series, the CNN-News18 Town Hall, on Saturday, 28 June 2025. Titled ‘The Defence Edition’, this special installment will serve as a tribute to India’s armed forces while spotlighting the growing influence of indigenous defence production and national security initiatives. 

Themed ‘Borders to Business – The Strength of Bharat’, the Town Hall is timed to reflect on recent strategic milestones and will celebrate the spirit, strategy, and resilience of India’s military and innovation-led defence ecosystem.

According to a CNN-News18 press release, the edition will convene some of India’s most decorated defence officers, thought leaders, and policymakers in a day-long dialogue to examine how the country’s armed forces and indigenous industries are together forging a stronger, self-reliant India. Renowned for facilitating conversations that matter, CNN-News18’s Town Hall has over the years emerged as a key platform for national discourse on subjects of critical importance.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), will open the session with insights on ‘The Age of Modern Warfare’, outlining the changing face of battlefields and the preparations India must make to stay future-ready. In a policy-driven segment titled ‘Forging India’s Defence Independence’, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh will map out the government’s ongoing push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

A poignant moment will unfold during ‘From Sindoor to Seema’, where BSF Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari and three fellow women officers will reflect on their frontline experiences during Operation Sindoor. This conversation is expected to provide a rare, human lens on the courage and strength of India’s female defence personnel.

Further sessions include ‘Made in India, Made for World’, with Lt. Gen. Vinod G. Khandare (Retd.) and Dr. Sudhir Mishra of DRDO and BrahMos Aerospace, who will elaborate on India’s rising defence exports and international collaborations. Complementing this will be Dr. B.K. Das, Director General (ECS), DRDO, who will address ‘Defence Aatmanirbharta: Opportunities Ahead’, highlighting India’s growing capabilities in strategic electronics and systems.

The event will also explore the private sector’s increasing involvement in national defence. A high-powered panel including Maj Gen Vishal Saxena (Retd.), Smit Shah, Maj Gen Indrabalan (Retd.), and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd.) will discuss ‘Catalysing Indigenous Defence’ and the road ahead for drones, AI, and military tech startups.

Smriti Mehra, CEO – English & Business News, Network18, said, “CNN-News18 has long stood for robust journalism and impactful dialogue. With the Defence Edition, we’re proud to honour the courage of our forces while shining a light on the transformational work taking place in India’s defence sector.”

Adding to the sentiment, Zakka Jacob, Managing Editor, CNN-News18, commented, “At a time when national security is central to India’s growth story, this Town Hall will honour the bravery of Operation Sindoor and generate meaningful conversation about the nation’s defence priorities.”

As India solidifies its position as a global strategic power post the recent war, The Defence Edition of CNN-News18 Town Hall promises to offer viewers not only stirring tributes but also deep insights into the evolving nature of national security.

Viewers can tune in live on June 28, from 3pm onwards, on CNN-News18 TV, CTV, and the network’s official YouTube channel.