India’s national security continues to be defined by the shifting landscape of geopolitics, and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan recently underscored the gravity of these challenges. Speaking in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, the CDS called China India’s “biggest challenge” and warned that this dispute will not fade away any time soon. He also identified Pakistan’s proxy war as the second major threat to India, stressing that both adversaries require India to constantly adapt its strategies in defence and security planning.

China: The Biggest Challenge

General Anil Chauhan emphasized that the boundary dispute with China remains unresolved and continues to threaten India’s security architecture. Since the Galwan clashes of 2020, India and China have been locked in a tense standoff across several points in eastern Ladakh. Despite multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks, disengagement remains partial, and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) continues to be a zone of friction.

The CDS pointed out that China’s aggressive military posture, infrastructure expansion along the LAC, and increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific are signals that India must prepare for a long-term challenge. “The boundary dispute with China is India’s biggest challenge and will continue to remain so,” he said firmly.

Pakistan’s Proxy War Strategy

General Chauhan further highlighted that while China remains the primary challenge, Pakistan’s proxy war poses the second significant security issue. For decades, Pakistan has used terrorism as a tool of state policy, employing what he described as a strategy to “bleed India by a thousand cuts.”

This form of asymmetric warfare, through cross-border infiltration and support for terror groups, continues to destabilize regions like Jammu and Kashmir. The CDS reiterated that India remains vigilant and proactive in countering such proxy wars.

Regional Instability and New War Domains

Another dimension the CDS addressed was regional instability. He noted that many of India’s neighbours—whether politically, socially, or economically—are struggling with unrest. From internal crises in Pakistan, to political shifts in Nepal, Sri Lanka’s financial instability, and Myanmar’s civil conflict, India faces a volatile regional environment.

Importantly, General Chauhan reminded the audience that modern warfare has transcended traditional battlegrounds. “The domains of war have changed—it now includes cyber and space,” he said. With cyberattacks, espionage, and satellite warfare becoming increasingly relevant, India’s defence forces are being compelled to prepare beyond conventional borders.

Operation Sindoor: A Case of Multi-Domain Warfare

General Chauhan also provided insights into Operation Sindoor, an Indian military response following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including tourists.

The CDS explained that the aim of Operation Sindoor was not revenge but to clearly draw a red line of India’s patience. The operation, which included cyber warfare and coordinated mobilisation among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, was described as a landmark demonstration of joint operations.

He emphasized that the armed forces had been given full operational freedom, including in planning and target selection, highlighting India’s evolving approach to counter-terrorism and cross-border threats.

Strategic Implications for India

General Chauhan’s remarks come at a time when India is recalibrating its defence priorities. With both China and Pakistan being nuclear powers, the CDS stressed that India must carefully weigh its operational decisions. The risks of escalation demand not just military preparedness but also robust diplomacy.

The challenges outlined—China’s aggressive stance, Pakistan’s proxy war, regional instability, and new-age warfare in cyber and space—present a complex security environment. It underscores the need for India to strengthen its defence infrastructure, intelligence network, and technological capabilities.

Balancing Tradition and Modern Security

The context of the CDS’s remarks in Gorakhpur’s Vyakhyanmala, attended also by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, added a cultural and historical dimension to the discussion. The Vyakhyanmala, commemorating Mahant Digvijaynath Maharaj and Mahant Avedyanath Maharaj, is a platform where national security intersects with cultural values.

By linking military preparedness with civilisational consciousness, the CDS underscored the importance of both strength and resolve in safeguarding India’s sovereignty.

Looking Ahead

General Anil Chauhan’s analysis is a stark reminder that India’s defence challenges are not temporary but long-term. The twin threats of China and Pakistan require India to remain on constant alert, while also preparing for new-age domains of warfare.

The reference to Operation Sindoor highlights that India’s armed forces are not just reactive but also proactive in defining strategic boundaries. The ability to integrate cyber, space, and conventional warfare is becoming the cornerstone of India’s national defence policy.

As India continues its journey as a global power, the importance of self-reliance in defence technology, modernisation of forces, and strategic alliances with friendly nations becomes all the more critical. The CDS’s remarks serve both as a warning and a call to action—India must continue evolving its security doctrine to match the changing dynamics of warfare.

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