Singapore City [Singapore], June 1: India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, participated in the Chiefs of Defence Round Table at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defence and security summit. The event brought together senior defence leaders from over 40 nations, including the US, UK, Japan, France, Australia, and the European Union, to discuss global security concerns and strategic cooperation.
Speaking on the theme ‘Defence Innovation Solutions for Future Challenges’, General Chauhan underscored the growing complexities of modern warfare amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics and technological advancements. He warned that the democratisation of technology has enabled non-state actors to destabilize regions, leading to proxy wars and new security threats.
Key Highlights of CDS General Anil Chauhan’s Address:
- Four Emerging Warfare Trends:
- Proliferation of multi-domain sensors
- Long-range hypersonic and precision weapons
- Manned-unmanned teaming with autonomous systems
- Intelligentisation of the battlefield via AI, Machine Learning, Large Language Models (LLMs), and quantum technology
- Capability Development Strategy:
- Emphasis on adaptability, innovation, and self-reliance
- Promotion of a collaborative defence manufacturing ecosystem involving the private sector
- Focus on ‘Tactics-led Modernisation’, tailoring systems to India’s operational realities
- Institutional Transformation:
- Modernisation beyond hardware — addressing doctrine, organisational culture, and human capital
- India’s unique geography and strategic aspirations are central to its evolving defence doctrine
General Chauhan reaffirmed India’s commitment to global peace and responsible innovation, applauding the Shangri-La Dialogue as a key platform for fostering defence diplomacy and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
The ongoing summit aims to deepen international collaboration and address pressing regional challenges, reaffirming the region’s centrality to global stability and strategic balance.