On Friday, Gen Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff, delivered an important address on India's outlook on international affairs and defence strategy. He conveyed India's commitment to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, a principle especially relevant given the ongoing border disputes with China in Eastern Ladakh. Pande's remarks highlight India's approach to global diplomacy and its ambition to strengthen military ties with friendly countries. 

India’s Global Military Cooperation 

Pande noted that India is actively expanding its military outreach by setting up defence wings in various locations across the globe. The focus is on strengthening joint military training and collaborative exercises with friendly foreign nations. The drive to expand military coordination is part of India's dynamic response to the ever-changing global situation. 

Addressing Global Security Issues 

In his dialogue, the Army Chief touched on significant geopolitical developments, referring to the rising importance of national security in international relations and what he termed as the "renewed currency" of hard power. Amidst heightened geopolitical tensions, he singled out India as a strong advocate for peace. Without making any direct references, he reiterated India's commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts, avoidance of force, and respect for international laws and norms. 

Cautioning Deterioration of Global Peace 

Pande expressed concerns over current global instabilities, notably the escalating conflicts in the Middle East and the aftermath of events in Ukraine. All these issues have been further complicated by economic turbulence and the strategic exploitation of multiple domains, including information and supply chains. Moreover, he addressed matters like radicalization, terrorism, illegal migration, climate change, and refugees, which collectively add to the seriousness of global security concerns. 

India's Role in the Global Scenario 

The Army Chief expressed pride in India's unique and credible voice on the global stage, influenced by the country's rich heritage and ethos. Pande highlighted India's alignment with other democracies, anchored by shared values such as human rights and the rule of law. According to him, this alignment is integral to collaborative security and extends beyond it to encompass economic cooperation, technological innovation, diplomatic problem-solving, and capacity building. 

Finally, Pande reminded us of the impact technology is having on geopolitics. It is not only altering the nature of strategic competition but also revolutionizing warfare. However, amidst such uncertainty, he reiterated his belief in India remaining a bright spot, handling economic downturns and international conflicts with resilience and agility. 

This address was delivered at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, an event organized by the Indian Army and the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), aimed at analyzing security challenges in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific and devising collaborative security strategies to fortify India's position in the region.

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