Situations like Gaza conflict can polarise world, important to manage disputes: General Anil Chauhan

“There is a growing perception that inter-state wars are a thing of the past and have been replaced by inter-state conflicts and civil wars. This has been proved wrong. Inter-state conflicts occur due to existing but latent disputes – Israel-Hamas, Armenia-Azerbaijan, Russia-Ukraine are only examples of it,” Chauhan said.

“It is hence important to manage differences and resolve disputes,” he said. The ongoing Israel Hamas conflict and the Russian Ukraine conflict has increased uncertainty even in countries not directly affected by the conflicts, the CDS said.

“The Israel Hamas conflict which is currently on, I believe, has the potential to polarise the world. It might usher in new geopolitical alignments,” General Anil Chauhan said.

“The Russian Ukraine conflict has entered its 633rd day. The war in Europe and the Middle-East has fuelled fresh tensions in the globe,” he said.

The combination of increased tensions and rising uncertainties in the Middle-East and Europe has forced countries to review their national security strategies and has put a strain on global supply chains that were in the process of recovering from effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The pace of geopolitical events is outpacing decision-making abilities. In the next 12 years – that is till 2035 – we may find more geopolitical surprises than what we have witnessed in the last 120 years,” General Anil Chauhan said.

The CDS said the Indian Armed Forces must stay in tune with technological changes to stay on par or ahead of the curve of technology innovation which would be a cutting edge in war.

“Technological innovations offer nation states new options to secure themselves against challenges. At the same time it is also ushering new ways of combat – hyper sonic missiles, sub-sonic drones and high accuracy have increased the lethality as well as complexity of detection and engagement,” he said.

“Advancements in technologies are introducing what I believe is a new revolution in military affairs. A revolution in military affairs occurs when technology is introduced in large numbers which forces changes in tactics and concomitantly changes the organisation to support the new technology and the new tactics,” the general said.

He said the next RMA – revolution in military affairs – will integrate traditional domains of warfare with emerging domains like cyber and space, he said.

“The Indian Armed Forces will have to operate in an environment that is being rapidly shaped and reshaped by the turn of geopolitical events and advancements. This will require flexibility in our organisational structures as well as our mindsets,” the CDS said.