New Delhi, In a candid assessment of regional security challenges, India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan emphasized that despite Pakistan’s economic turmoil, its military capabilities remain intact, posing a continuous threat to India. This declaration underscores the complexities of South Asia’s geopolitical landscape, where longstanding rivalries persist amidst evolving security dynamics.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Gen Chauhan’s remarks were made during a conclave in New Delhi, where he addressed the broader spectrum of security challenges facing India in the 21st century. Highlighting the external threats that unite the nation, he referenced historical confrontations in Kargil and Galwan as examples of India’s resilience against external aggression. The CDS identified the rise of China and the unresolved boundary issues as immediate challenges, alongside the nuclear capabilities of both China and Pakistan, which bolster the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Gen Chauhan also delved into the predictability of these threats and the necessity for the Indian military to adapt to the changing nature of warfare by incorporating new weapon systems, technologies, and organizational strategies. He stressed the importance of foresight in military planning to ensure India’s readiness for future conflicts.
Responding to inquiries about Pakistan’s potential threat amidst its economic instability, Gen Chauhan acknowledged the unaltered military capacity of Pakistan, advocating for a realistic appraisal of the adversary’s capabilities. He conceded that while Pakistan’s economic predicaments might limit its endurance in prolonged warfare, its military remains a significant concern for India.
This dialogue comes in the wake of India’s showcase of military might through the ‘Bharat Shakti’ exercise in Pokhran, highlighting the country’s indigenous defence capabilities near the international border, an event that Gen Chauhan and other high-ranking military officials attended.