Indian Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, in an address during an event, praised the resolute and firm stance of Indian troops during the Eastern Ladakh border standoff with China. He stated that this display of determination has brought global attention to the political and military resolve of a rising India.
Gen Pande, as reported by PTI, also expressed concerns about China’s behavior, noting its continued efforts to project power beyond its region, which he sees as a threat to the rules-based international order.
He highlighted the recent hosting of the Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conclave by the Indian Army, which saw participation from leaders or delegations of 30 countries bordering the Indo-Pacific region.
Gen Pande pointed out the rise of China in terms of political, economic, technological, and military power, placing it in a new position in the world order. He noted that China has approached geopolitical and trade agreements as zero-sum games and has demonstrated belligerence by projecting power beyond its region.
The Indian Army’s steadfast response during the events of April-May 2020 has, according to Gen Pande, made the world take notice of India’s political and military resolve. He also mentioned that many nations are now willing to confront India’s northern adversary on various issues, particularly after realizing the predatory economic pursuits of that adversary.
The border standoff in eastern Ladakh between Indian and Chinese militaries began on May 5, 2020, following a violent altercation in the Pangong Lake region.
Gen Pande noted that India is currently experiencing a sense of confident optimism about the future, with improved living standards, higher literacy rates, and rising aspirations of the population. India’s growing stature in the international arena is also recognized by the global community.
However, he acknowledged that with a nation’s expanding influence, new challenges arise. Some may question India’s rise, some may contest it, and others may attempt to compete. Gen Pande also mentioned the presence of gray-zone pursuits by adversaries and internal security challenges that pose unique difficulties.
He emphasized that one of the key challenges is the unresolved border issues, which have been amplified due to cooperation between India’s western and northern neighbors.
Gen Pande also touched upon the changing nature of warfare, where disruptive technologies and advancements in kinetic weapons have altered the conventional force ratios. He highlighted the significance of space, sea, electromagnetic, and cognitive domains in information warfare, which have become crucial in today’s battlefield.
The Army chief stressed that the security of a nation cannot be outsourced and must not depend on the largesse of others. He emphasized the need for the Indian Army to transition into a modern, agile, adaptive, and technology-enabled force aligned with national interests and objectives.
Gen Manoj Pande’s address underscored the Indian Army’s resolve during the Eastern Ladakh standoff and its role in shaping India’s position in the changing global order. He highlighted the need for India to adapt to evolving security challenges and maintain a strong, self-reliant defense posture.