The Centre for Security Analysis and National Centre of International Security and Defence Analysis (NISDA), University of Pune in association with the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, University of Madras conducted a workshop on Essential Components of National Security on September 22-23, 2006 in Chennai.

The approach to security studies is undergoing a major transformation in the post-Cold War period. Although the nation-state remains the primary unit of analysis, the emergence of a variety of non-state actors has led to new threats that require new approaches. While traditional security concerns like military security remain relevant, the focus of national security is shifting to include non-traditional aspects of security. With security studies in a state of flux, the teaching community is trying to come to terms with the dynamic nature of the field and to revise the curricula to be in sync with current developments. The workshop was held primarily to address the demands arising from the evolving state of the discipline and make practical suggestions that faculty of security studies could incorporate into their teaching programs.

Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, delivered the keynote address. Prof. Mattoo highlighted the changing nature of India's approach to national security and also noted the continuing absence of a grand strategy that would shape India's national security policy. Lt. Gen. V.R. Raghavan (retd), President, Centre for Security Analysis, Prof. Gopalji Malviya, Founder Member, Centre for Security Analysis, and Prof. Gautam Sen, Director, NISDA, also spoke during the inaugural session.