Chief of Defence Staff Highlights China’s Rise and Unsettled Borders as Major Challenges
Pune, 19th March. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized on Monday that the unresolved borders with China and China’s growing influence pose significant challenges for India and its armed forces in the near future.
Speaking at the 3rd Strategic and Security Dialogue on the Rise of China and its Implications for the World in Pune, General Anil Chauhan stated that India’s historical borders transitioned into disputed borders post-independence, with the occupation of Tibet by China and the partition of India creating new challenges.
The event, organized by the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at Savitribai Phule Pune University, focused on the issue of unsettled borders as a current challenge for India.
General Chauhan highlighted the need for the armed forces to uphold India’s claims on disputed borders during peacetime and emphasized the importance of handling China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) with caution at all friction points. He stressed the necessity for both sides to adhere to agreed rules of engagement.
General Chauhan also mentioned the importance of maintaining a balance in relations with China and other nations, cautioning against allowing a technological gap to develop between India and its adversaries.
Furthermore, he referenced External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent remarks on the broader aspects of Sino-India relations, emphasizing the need to consider like-minded nations for a fair balance.
General Chauhan warned against the emergence of a significant technological disparity between India and its immediate adversaries, highlighting the potential negative consequences.
On March 12, India responded strongly to China’s objections regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, reaffirming the state’s integral and inalienable status within India.
The Ministry of External Affairs rejected China’s objections to Indian leaders’ visits to Arunachal Pradesh, emphasizing that the state has always been an integral part of India. The MEA reiterated India’s consistent position on the matter to the Chinese side.
This statement followed Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin’s criticism of PM Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh and the inauguration of the Sela Tunnel, expressing China’s opposition to the event.
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