CDS Anil Chauhan: Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has warned that India may face serious security troubles if the growing closeness between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh continues.
He said that this kind of regional friendship could cause big problems for India’s safety and internal peace. While speaking at an event held by the Observer Research Foundation, he clearly said India must stay alert and keep building stronger military powers, both old and new. He also explained that the country needs to act fast to be ready for future challenges that could come from this alignment of interests.
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General Chauhan spoke strongly about how war has changed, saying that today’s battles are not just on land or sea. according to ET, He explained “The fourth evolving military challenge is increasing vulnerabilities to long-range vectors and long-range precision flights. There is currently no foolproof defence mechanism against ballistic missiles, hypersonics, cruise missiles, and large-scale attack by drones or loitering ammunition.” He felt that without making changes in how we prepare, India could be left behind while others move ahead.
Regional Risks
On regional dynamics, Gen. Chauhan said, “There is a possible convergence of interest … between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh that may have implications for India’s stability and security dynamics.” He said this growing partnership can hurt India’s peace and stability, especially since India’s relations with Bangladesh have gotten worse after the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last August. He didn’t say these countries are fully against India right now, but he believes the way their interests are joining hands could lead to troubles in the future.
CDS Anil Chauhan said “The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has allowed outside powers to leverage their influence through debt diplomacy, creating vulnerabilities for India. Similarly, frequent shifts in government in South Asia, with changing geopolitical equations and ideological views, pose another major challenge.”
India’s Nuclear Strategy
General Chauhan also talked about the recent military fight between India and Pakistan that took place from May 7 to 10. This event is called Operation Sindoor. He said “India has also said that it will not be deterred by nuclear blackmail. I think Operation Sindoor is the only example of a conflict between two nuclear weapon states,” he stated. He further added, “So Operation Sindoor, in that manner, is slightly unique in itself, and it may hold lessons not only for the subcontinent, but for the entire world.”
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He shared that India’s nuclear policy is clear no first use. “First is India’s nuclear doctrine, that there’s no first use. I think that gives us strength and that contributes to creating this particular space between us and Pakistan,” he said. He further noted, “When India went to respond, we destroyed terrorist camps in response to the terror attack as part of a prevention strategy… that ought to prevent further attacks.” According to him, “The escalation to a conventional domain was in the hands of Pakistan. Thus, it reduces his option to raise the threshold of this nuclear conflict.”.
