Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has raised concerns over a potential strategic convergence among China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, warning it could have serious implications for India’s stability and security. Speaking at an event organised by the Observer Research Foundation, Gen Chauhan underlined the evolving regional dynamics and the risks of collusive behaviour among hostile neighbours.
Referring to the May 7–10 conflict with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Gen Chauhan said it may be the first instance where two nuclear-armed states were directly engaged in a military confrontation. He reiterated India’s stance of not being deterred by nuclear threats, noting that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s willingness to respond decisively to provocations.
The CDS highlighted the growing military partnership between Islamabad and Beijing, stating that Pakistan has sourced nearly 70 to 80 percent of its defence equipment from China in the last five years. He pointed out that Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have ongoing commercial and strategic liabilities in Pakistan, increasing their physical presence in the region.
On Bangladesh, Gen Chauhan alluded to recent tensions following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her subsequent flight to India in August 2024. He cautioned that a trilateral convergence involving Dhaka could pose a deeper security challenge.
He also addressed concerns over India’s vulnerability to advanced weapon systems such as ballistic and cruise missiles, drones, and hypersonic vectors, warning that no foolproof defence exists against such long-range threats at present.
In terms of India’s military doctrine, the CDS emphasised the space available for conventional warfare due to India’s “No First Use” nuclear policy and Pakistan’s escalatory response to India’s targeted strikes on terror camps. “Pakistan chose to escalate the conflict into a conventional domain, thus limiting its own nuclear threshold,” he said.
General Chauhan stressed the importance of maintaining operational preparedness around the clock and highlighted the need for adapting to both traditional and modern forms of warfare, including cyber and electromagnetic domains.
He also noted the seamless coordination among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force during Operation Sindoor, showcasing the effectiveness of joint military operations in modern warfare scenarios.
