From China's border row to Pakistan's 'bleeding India' tactic: CDS Gen Anil Chauhan reveals 6 biggest threats to national security

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Friday said that the unresolved boundary dispute with China is India’s biggest national security challenge. He placed Pakistan’s proxy war and its strategy of “bleeding India by a thousand cuts” as the second major challenge.

Speaking at an event in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, the top military officer explained that India also faces threats from regional instability, fast-changing warfare technology, and the risk of fighting two nuclear-armed adversaries.

General Chauhan called the ongoing border dispute with China the most serious issue for India’s security. He said Pakistan’s proxy war comes next, as its long-term plan has been to keep hurting India through terrorism and cross-border attacks.

How does regional instability affect India?

The CDS pointed out that unrest in neighbouring countries, whether social, political, or economic, impacts India directly. According to him, regional instability is the third big challenge the country must keep watch on.

What about the wars of the future?

General Chauhan highlighted that future wars will not be limited to land, air, and sea. Instead, they will also take place in new domains such as space, cyber, and electromagnetic fields. He stressed the need for India to prepare for this changing nature of warfare.

Two nuclear neighbours, a major worry

Another challenge, he said, is dealing with two adversaries who both have nuclear weapons. India will always have to be ready to respond to any kind of conventional war while keeping this risk in mind.

Technology, according to the CDS, will play a central role in future conflicts. Adapting to it quickly and effectively will be crucial for India’s security.

Operation Sindoor and the role of the NSA

General Chauhan also shared details about Operation Sindoor, carried out between May 7 and 10 this year. He said the operation was launched to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack and to send a strong message about India’s patience levels.

The CDS added that the armed forces were given full operational freedom during the mission. He credited the National Security Advisor (NSA) for playing a key role by guiding the military on target selection, troop deployment, and strategies for avoiding escalation.

He also praised the synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, describing Operation Sindoor as a true multi-domain operation.

Inputs from PTI