CDS General Chauhan Advocates for India's Defence Self-Reliance

During EastTech 2025, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan highlighted the imperative need for India to become self-reliant in the defence sector, focusing on indigenous development of weapon systems, platforms, and networks. He underscored the necessity for strategic investments in research and innovation to keep the armed forces equipped with advanced technology.

General Chauhan emphasized that while progress has been made in weapons systems, more needs to be done in self-reliance for platforms. He advocated for a shift away from Western warfare concepts, urging creativity among soldiers, scientists, and industrialists to strengthen the nation's defence capabilities and approach warfare as both an art and science.

Quoting Hindi poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, Chauhan stressed the importance of imagination and innovation in modern warfare. He referenced Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of strategic planning to avoid civilian casualties, illustrating confidence in India's capabilities to conduct precise operations even under challenging conditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)