On September 18, 2024, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan reaffirmed India’s position as a ‘Vishwa Mitra’ (World Friend) and ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ (World Brother) during his address at a conclave for Foreign Service Attaches (FSAs) in New Delhi. The event, hosted by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, emphasized India’s expanding role in global defence diplomacy.
Focus on Military Diplomacy and India’s Global Role
The CDS began his address by discussing the importance of military diplomacy in India’s foreign relations. He stressed that the Foreign Service Attaches (FSAs) have a crucial role in furthering India’s diplomatic efforts. Military diplomacy has increasingly become a pillar of India’s strategic engagement with global powers, reflecting the country’s commitment to peace and cooperation.
Highlighting the growing global tensions and the increased use of military force to contain conflicts, General Chauhan noted, “In the most violent decade since World War II, nations are renewing their National Security Strategies and boosting defence expenditures to counter emerging threats.” As global uncertainty rises, military diplomacy becomes ever more significant in securing strategic alliances and promoting security cooperation.
India’s Defence Strategy: Operational Preparedness, Modernisation, and Indigenisation
The CDS outlined four key areas of India’s defence strategy: operational preparedness, modernisation, transformation, and indigenisation. These pillars form the backbone of India’s effort to strengthen its military capabilities while maintaining strategic autonomy.
With India’s ambition to become a global defence powerhouse, modernisation plays a crucial role. The CDS also discussed Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence capability development. India’s commitment to indigenisation ensures that the country can meet its own defence needs, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers and securing its strategic autonomy.
Data-Centric Warfare and Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionizing Defence
A major component of modern warfare is the integration of data-centric warfare and Artificial Intelligence (AI). General Chauhan emphasized how AI is revolutionizing the future of warfare, allowing for quicker decision-making, more efficient operations, and more effective defence systems. As AI transforms the battlefield, India is at the forefront of this change, actively integrating advanced technologies into its military strategy.
The application of data-centric warfare and AI is essential for addressing contemporary security challenges. These technologies enable enhanced situational awareness, predictive analytics, and real-time threat assessments, making them invaluable tools in modern defence strategies.
Defence Diplomacy Expands Under India’s Strategic Vision
During the conclave, Director General Defence Intelligence Agency (DG DIA), Lt Gen DS Rana, provided a comprehensive overview of India’s expanding defence diplomacy. He highlighted how the country’s security cooperation with other nations is growing both in scale and scope.
The expansion of India’s defence diplomacy is supported by its focus on indigenisation and modernisation, as well as the active role played by Foreign Service Attaches (FSAs). The DG DIA emphasized that the vision of Atmanirbharta aligns perfectly with India’s growing geopolitical influence. FSAs are tasked with gaining first-hand experience in India’s defence modernisation programs, making them key players in international defence cooperation.
Strategic Insights from Defence Experts
The conclave also featured insights from defence subject matter experts who provided FSAs with a holistic view of India’s strategic perspective. These discussions shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced by India as it navigates its evolving role in the global defence landscape.
- Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd) addressed the topic of India’s National Security: Challenges & Opportunities, offering a comprehensive analysis of India’s current defence posture and future strategic goals.
- Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan (Retd) delivered a talk on the Indo-Pacific Region, discussing the region’s competition, cooperation, and challenges. The Indo-Pacific has become a focal point for strategic alliances and power dynamics, making it crucial for India to maintain a strong presence in the region.
- Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma (Retd) shared insights on Grey Zone Warfare and its impact on security dynamics. This evolving form of conflict, which operates below the threshold of conventional war, poses unique challenges for national security.
India’s Strategic Vision and Defence Diplomacy
India’s focus on Atmanirbharta, coupled with its emphasis on data-centric warfare and AI, places the country at the forefront of defence modernisation and strategic autonomy. With global military tensions on the rise, India’s defence policies are designed to maintain operational readiness while fostering peaceful relationships through military diplomacy.
By positioning itself as a ‘Vishwa Mitra’ and ‘Vishwa Bandhu’, India continues to strengthen its global partnerships. The presence of FSAs at the conclave underscores the importance of diplomatic military cooperation in promoting peace, stability, and security in the global order.
The ongoing efforts to expand defence diplomacy through initiatives like modernisation, indigenisation, and technological advancements reflect India’s commitment to securing its strategic interests and enhancing its role on the global stage.
