Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, articulated India's foreign policy stance during his address at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, placing a strong emphasis on principles such as respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, peaceful dispute resolution, and adherence to international norms. His remarks were particularly relevant in light of the ongoing border tensions with China in eastern Ladakh.
General Pande also highlighted India's commitment to bolstering its global defense presence, with the establishment of defense wings in various locations worldwide. The Indian Army is eager to expand the scope and scale of joint military training and exercises with friendly foreign nations, reinforcing its role in the evolving multilateral landscape.
Amidst the prevailing geopolitical turbulence, General Pande emphasized the rising significance of national security in global affairs and the growing prominence of hard power. He commended India as a bright spot, describing the country's outlook as one characterized by respect for sovereignty, equality, peaceful conflict resolution, the avoidance of force, and adherence to international laws and regulations.
The Chief of Army Staff noted that India has maintained an unwavering commitment to engage constructively with stakeholders over the years. In the military domain, India acknowledges its role within the emerging multilateral framework, fostering interoperability, sharing sub-regional perspectives, and exchanging best practices with friendly foreign partner nations.
General Pande unveiled India's strategy to establish defense wings in new international locations to bolster defense cooperation outreach. He acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the nation but also underscored the opportunities and collective strength that could be harnessed to address them.
The international landscape, General Pande observed, is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, with new trends emerging, and it is crucial to recognize the growing importance of national security in global affairs, especially in the context of hard power. Recent events, including the pandemic's evolution into a national security concern and escalating conflicts in regions like West Asia, underscore the complexity of contemporary global challenges.
In addition to these developments, global issues such as economic turbulence, the weaponization of various domains, and concerns related to radicalization, terrorism, piracy, illegal migration, refugees, and climate change add to the array of global concerns.
General Pande stressed India's rising stature on the world stage, characterized by a distinct voice deeply rooted in Indian ethos, effectively articulating the concerns of the Global South. India's alignment with like-minded countries in terms of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law forms a robust foundation for cooperative security efforts, extending beyond security into the realms of economics, innovation, technology, capacity building, multilateral diplomacy, and more.
Technology has taken on an unprecedented role in shaping geopolitics and warfighting, with technology competition becoming a strategic arena for geopolitical rivalry. General Pande also noted the expansion of grey zone contests in non-traditional domains and the increased potential for all-out conflict.
In the midst of global challenges, General Pande remained optimistic, considering India as a bright spot in the international landscape. He recognized that the peace dividend of the Cold War era is diminishing, and the world is witnessing new divisions between the East and the West, as well as between the Global North and the Global South. India's agile and resilient economy has enabled it to navigate economic downturns and challenges.
The Chanakya Defence Dialogue, organized by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), aims to comprehensively analyze security challenges in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. It focuses on formulating a roadmap for collaborative security measures in the region, reinforcing India's position as a prominent and responsive stakeholder in the region.
