Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan raised alarms on Tuesday over a potential strategic alignment among China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, warning that this convergence could pose significant risks to India’s stability and security. Speaking at an Observer Research Foundation event, Gen Chauhan highlighted the evolving geopolitical challenges in South Asia, particularly in light of the May 7-10 India-Pakistan conflict, dubbed Operation Sindoor.

Gen Chauhan noted that Pakistan’s military has sourced 70-80% of its weapons from China over the past five years, with Chinese firms maintaining a presence in Pakistan to fulfill commercial obligations. He also pointed to economic distress in the Indian Ocean region, which has enabled external powers to exert influence through debt diplomacy, creating vulnerabilities for India.

The CDS emphasized the unique nature of Operation Sindoor, marking it as the first direct conflict between two nuclear-armed states. He credited India’s “no first use” nuclear doctrine and its decisive response—destroying terrorist camps in retaliation for a terror attack—for maintaining strategic space and countering Pakistan’s escalation to conventional warfare. Despite no unusual Chinese activity along India’s northern border during the conflict, Gen Chauhan cautioned that the China-Pakistan-Bangladesh alignment could destabilize the region, especially after the downturn in India-Bangladesh ties following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s flight to India in August 2024.

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Gen Chauhan stressed the need for India to prepare for both traditional and emerging warfare domains, such as cyber and electromagnetic spheres, while maintaining constant operational readiness. He also highlighted vulnerabilities to advanced threats like ballistic missiles and drones, urging innovation in defense strategies to address these evolving challenges.

The CDS underscored the seamless coordination among India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force during Operation Sindoor, reinforcing India’s resolve to counter nuclear blackmail and ensure regional stability.

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