India’s Greatest Security Challenge: CDS Anil Chauhan Weighs China, Pakistan, And Nuclear Threats

National News: Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan said on Friday that the unresolved border dispute with China is the biggest national security challenge, followed by Pakistan's proxy war and its strategy to "slowly weaken India". The top Army official cited regional instability and its impact on India and preparedness required to deal with future warfare scenario involving hi-tech equipment in a fast-changing challenging environment as the third and fourth major challenges.

"Nuclear-Armed Enemies Pose Threat"

In his address at an event in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, the CDS said that dealing with the threats posed by two enemies possessing nuclear weapons is another big challenge for India as it has to be prepared for any kind of conventional war.

Gen Chauhan said the armed forces were given complete operational freedom to carry out Operation Sindoor and its aim was not only to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack but also to draw a "red line" on cross-border terrorism.

NSA’s Key Role In Sindoor

In his first such public comments, the CDS also said that the National Security Advisor (NSA) played a key role in guiding the Army in the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor, including selection of targets, deployment of troops, de-escalation framework and use of diplomacy.

"This was also observed in the operation. The guidelines given by the NSA included selection of targets, deployment of troops (in terms of number and time), action without escalating tensions, de-escalation measures and use of diplomacy," he said.

What did the General say about Pakistan?

However, the highlight of his speech was his detailed account of the national security challenges facing India. General Chauhan said, "I consider the border dispute with China to be the biggest challenge. The second biggest challenge is the proxy war waged by Pakistan against India. Pakistan's strategy has always been to 'weaken India with small attacks'. This means causing slow damage to India at regular intervals and continuing the cycle of bloodshed in the country."

Fifth Challenge: Nuclear Weapons Threat

Regarding the fifth challenge, the CDS said, "Both our enemies are nuclear armed and it will remain a challenge for us as to what kind of conventional war we will fight and what kind of operation we will carry out to deal with them."