At the Chanakya Dialogue’s inaugural event, Army Chief General Manoj Pande highlighted India’s increasing importance in the Indo-Pacific region. He also shed light on the forthcoming challenges and India’s evolving role in the strategic landscape.
He highlighted the necessity for adaptation and transformation, particularly in harnessing technology for military purposes. He underscored the growing impact of cutting-edge technology, especially niche innovations, on the future of warfare. With this in mind, he discussed how modern warfare encompasses not only traditional battles but also information and cyber warfare.
Artificial intelligence and robotics are also being explored, along with advancements in surveillance, image interpretation, and facial recognition systems.
Despite the challenges faced over the past year, General Pande reassured that the situation along the borders remains stable. He reflected on the transformative journey undertaken by the Indian Army, emphasizing its pillars: force restructuring, modernization, technological integration, combat readiness, jointness, and human resource management. Self-reliance has been a paramount focus, with tangible progress made in achieving this goal.
Responding to a question related to potential conflicts at sea or on land, General Pande affirmed that the land domain would continue to be pivotal in warfare, particularly in the context of contested borders. The victorious markers, he asserted, are likely to be found on the land, reinforcing India’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity.
Addressing the ongoing border dispute with China in eastern Ladakh, General Pande offered reassurance, asserting that the border situation remains stable. He also stressed the need for the armed forces to maintain a proactive stance in addressing national security challenges. The Army has been actively engaged in force restructuring, technology infusion, structural reforms, and optimizing human resource management as part of a comprehensive reform process.
General Pande’s insights also drew lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance and the reduced reliance on the import of military hardware. This shift towards self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing reflects India’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities.
His discussion at the first Chanakya Dialogue in New Delhi highlights India’s increasing role in the Indo-Pacific region and its commitment to modernizing its armed forces. As the nation continues to invest in cutting-edge technology, it stands prepared to meet the challenges of the evolving global security landscape while ensuring territorial integrity and self-reliance in defense.
