On Wednesday, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasised India's significant role on the global stage, describing the country as both a ‘Vishwa Mitra’ and a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’—a global friend and ally.
This statement came during a conclave for Foreign Service Attaches (FSAs) hosted by the Defence Intelligence Agency at the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff in New Delhi.
General Chauhan's remarks highlight India's strategic positioning in the global world order. He underscored that India’s current focus is on enhancing operational readiness, modernising its defence forces, and achieving strategic autonomy through self-reliance, referred to as ‘Aatmanirbharta.’ This approach reflects India's commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities and maintaining a robust national security framework.
In his address, General Chauhan noted that the global security landscape has become increasingly volatile, especially in the past decade. He pointed out that nations are now more inclined to use force as a means to manage conflicts and that this trend is leading countries to revisit their national security strategies and boost defence spending. This growing uncertainty and insecurity are driving nations to reassess their defence policies and enhance their military preparedness.
The CDS also highlighted four key areas of India's defence strategy: operational preparedness, modernization, transformation, and indigenization. He emphasised the importance of Data-Centric Warfare and the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in modernising military operations.
General Chauhan shared insights into India's efforts towards self-reliant defence capability development, which he believes is crucial for achieving strategic autonomy.
Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency, Lieutenant General DS Rana, provided additional context, explaining the expanding scope of India’s defence diplomacy.
He noted that India’s security cooperation has been growing both in terms of the nature of activities and geographic reach. General Rana highlighted the role of Atmanirbharta and indigenization in strengthening defence capabilities and encouraged FSAs to engage deeply with modernization programs.
The conclave also featured discussions from several defence experts. Lieutenant General Raj Shukla (Retd) offered a comprehensive overview of ‘India’s National Security, Challenges and Opportunities.’
Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan (Retd) addressed the ‘Indo-Pacific Region Competition, Cooperation and Challenges,’ while Lieutenant General Rakesh Sharma (Retd) provided insights into ‘Grey Zone Warfare and Its Impact on Security Dynamics.’
These discussions reflect India's strategic vision and its proactive approach in adapting to the evolving global security environment. By fostering partnerships and advancing self-reliance in defence, India aims to strengthen its position as a key player in international security and diplomacy.
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