Indian Defence Chief warns of challenges from rising China

General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff, stressed in a major speech given at the third Defense and Strategic Dialogue the ongoing challenge that China’s unresolved borders provide to India and its armed forces. Speaking at the “Rising China and its implications for the world” event, which was co-hosted by Savitribai Phule Pune University (SSPU) and the Department of Defense and Strategic Studies (DDSS), General Chauhan emphasized the significance of China’s military and economic ascendancy and stated that it should be of great concern to both India and the rest of the world.

General Chauhan advised Chinese leadership to strike a balance between morality and military might, warning against China’s ambitions to use economic domination to transform the world order to suit its interests. In order to promote worldwide cooperation, he underlined the significance of the Indian concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World Is One Family).

General Chauhan brought attention to the problem of unresolved borders, emphasizing that the over 4,000 kilometers of disputed borders with China are still a major issue that was left over from the British Empire. He underlined the necessity for the armed forces to defend India’s claims during peacetime and to deal deftly with the Chinese army at sensitive areas, all while upholding the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). General Chauhan also reaffirmed India’s critical position in the Indo-Pacific and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), highlighting the Indian Navy’s duty as the area’s principal responder and security ally. He underlined the significance of strengthening India’s naval capabilities to protect national interests and applauded the Indian Navy’s efforts in anti-piracy operations.