India’s Chief of Army Staff Chief, Gen Manoj Pande, highlighted India’s commitment to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, as well as its commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes and adherence to international rules. Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, Gen Pande also mentioned India’s plans to establish defense wings in new locations around the world.
In his address, Gen Pande emphasized the importance of national security in international affairs, noting the significance of hard power in the current geo-political landscape. He described India as a “bright spot” in the midst of global uncertainties and geopolitical flux.
India’s outlook, according to Gen Pande, includes the promotion of peace, avoidance of use of force, and adherence to international rules and regulations. The Army Chief expressed India’s unwavering and enduring commitment to positively engage with all stakeholders.
Regarding military cooperation, Gen Pande stated that India is keen to enhance the scope and scale of joint training and exercises with friendly foreign partner nations. He also mentioned the establishment of defense wings in new locations worldwide to boost defense cooperation outreach.
Addressing the challenges and opportunities faced India, Gen Pande pointed out the growing salience of national security in international affairs and the weaponization of various attributes and domains. He also highlighted global concerns such as radicalization, terrorism, piracy, illegal migration, refugees, and climate change.
Gen Pande emphasized India’s rising stature on the world stage, with a credible voice rooted in Indian ethos. He highlighted the alignment of shared values, such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, which create a solid foundation for cooperative security efforts. These collaborative efforts extend beyond security to include economic cooperation, innovation and technology, capacity building, multilateral problem-solving, and diplomacy.
The Army Chief recognized the significant role of technology in driving geo-politics and transforming strategic competition and warfighting. Despite global uncertainties, Gen Pande expressed his belief that India remains a bright spot.
He also observed the “fracturing” of the world in various ways, with new divisions emerging between the East and the West and between the global North and the Global South. However, India’s agile, resilient, and consumer-driven economy has helped the country navigate economic downturns.
The Chanakya Defence Dialogue, organized the Indian Army in partnership with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), aims to analyze security challenges in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. The dialogue focuses on crafting collaborative security measures to enhance India’s position as a ready, resurgent, and relevant stakeholder in the region.