New Delhi: India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, made a significant statement on the India-China border dispute on Wednesday. He attributed the conflict to the differing perceptions of the two nations’ maps. Speaking at the India International Centre (IIC) on the topic “Future Wars and the Indian Armed Forces,” he remarked that it is difficult to declare which interpretation is correct or incorrect.
When asked about India’s shrinking borders post-1947, particularly concerning China, General Chauhan said, “If we were in China’s position in 1950 and looked at their map, they too would feel their borders have shrunk. They claim Arunachal Pradesh. This dispute will persist, and it’s challenging to state what is right or wrong.” He emphasized that the differing perspectives of the two countries make it hard to reach a definitive conclusion.
The CDS also commented on the military preparedness of China and Pakistan, noting that any professional military force would naturally prepare for future conflicts. He highlighted that China restructured its military nine years ago, and India must strengthen its own forces, assuming China is fully prepared for potential wars.
On the Agnipath Scheme, General Chauhan described it as a positive initiative but suggested that certain modifications could make it even more effective.
During the discussion, former Jammu and Kashmir Governor and Defence Secretary N. N. Vohra raised questions about maintaining peace in Manipur. He inquired whether the objectives and terms were clearly defined when deploying the military for civilian aid. Vohra cautioned that the absence of proper systems for such operations could lead to severe consequences. Former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran was also present at the event.
General Chauhan’s insights on the India-China border conflict and future military strategies are considered crucial amidst rising geopolitical tensions.