India was ‘vishwa guru, vishwa mitra’; ancient stratagems should be an inspiration: CDS General Anil Chauhan

In his inaugural address, Southern Army Commander Lt Gen AK Singh stressed adapting these ancient strategies to counter modern threats and challenges.

Gen Chauhan delivered the address on the subject “Ancient Indian Stratagems in Modern Warfare”.

Speaking about India’s standing in the ancient world, the CDS said, “India at some point of time was the vishwa guru. We were Gurus in Physics, Medical sciences, astronomy, mathematics etc when the West was in the dark ages. But somehow we lost this. While being vishwa guru we were also vishwa mitra. This was because of our basic ability to debate and analyse anything very deeply. Deep learning was part of our DNA. That DNA has not changed. We are the same Indians who were vishwa gurus at one point in time,” Gen Chauhan said.

“In the context of applicability of these ancient stratagems, at a larger level, they may help you understand statecraft, diplomacy or in developing a grand strategy. When you look at the TTP (tactics, techniques and procedures) which is influenced by technology, then you may find it not relevant. What I am saying is, they are relevant because they tell you you were a vishwa guru at one point in time. So ancient Indian stratagems should be a source of inspiration for us,” he added.

The CDS also said the world of armed forces was on the cusp of a great change and termed it the third revolution of military affairs (third RMA).

“Its shapes and contours are really identifiable as of now but a general timeline is available to us… The Indian Armed forces got left being the first and second RMA like the nation got left behind in the industrial revolution. So what we are trying to do is to catch up with this,” the CDS said.

“The only way we can actually catch up with advanced nations is if we try and alter the third RMA along with them. It would require a lot of imagination on our part and an innovative and inventive approach. And I have been advocating that this RMA won’t be led by technologies but by tactics. That’s the choice before us,” he added.