- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasized the importance of human involvement in combat during his remarks at the Raisina Dialogue on Wednesday. He stated that while technology plays a supportive role, it cannot replace personnel in addressing the asymmetric threats India faces, often characterized as “subconventional conflicts.”
During the discussion titled ‘Verses and Wars: Navigating Hybrid Theatres’, General Chauhan pointed out that India coined the term “subconventional conflict” well before the West introduced concepts such as the global war on terror and asymmetric warfare. He defines these conflicts as those occurring below the threshold of conventional warfare.
General Chauhan outlined several key lessons learned from India’s experience with hybrid threats posed by both state and non-state actors. He noted that the primary lesson is the irreplaceable value of ground troops. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of shaping the combat zone, where the focus shifts from physical to mental landscapes in hybrid warfare.
He also emphasized the critical role of intelligence, both human and technical, which extends beyond the combat zone to its surroundings. General Chauhan advocated for a comprehensive governmental approach that includes collaboration between state governments and local police to effectively tackle hybrid warfare challenges.
Reflecting on the current global security environment, he described it as marked by uncertainty and rapid changes, contrasting the traditional warfare strategies he learned 43 years ago with today’s persistent conflicts. He identified the biggest challenge for India as the need to train personnel to understand and respond to both conventional and hybrid warfare.
Moreover, Chauhan touched on the challenges posed by disinformation in India’s diverse society, labeling it a significant internal threat that contributes to cognitive warfare. He also noted the rapid technological advancements that necessitate continuous training.
At the same event, Vivek Lall, CEO of General Atomics Global Corporation, stressed the essence of speed in defense and security operations. He highlighted the need for persistent surveillance, robust data sharing among allies, and effective training of special forces. Lall also underscored the importance of electromagnetic spectrum dominance and logistical capabilities, recognizing the strong relationship between India and the US as vital for addressing these challenges.
