New Delhi, Nov 13 — India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat, has cautioned that the ongoing standoff with China in eastern Ladakh remains tense and that the possibility of a larger military conflict cannot be dismissed.
Speaking at the Diamond Jubilee Webinar 2020 of the National Defence College in Delhi on Friday, General Rawat underlined that even minor provocations at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) have the potential to spiral into full-scale confrontation.
“Border confrontations, transgressions and unprovoked tactical actions can escalate into a larger conflict. Such scenarios cannot be ruled out,” he observed.
India’s Firm Stance at the Border
The CDS stressed that India will not tolerate any unilateral attempt to alter the status of the LAC. He noted that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has already faced unexpected setbacks due to India’s resolute military response to its incursions.
His remarks coincided with the eighth round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China, held at Chushul on the same day, where both sides discussed disengagement and de-escalation measures. Despite several rounds of dialogue since the standoff began in May, no breakthrough has yet been achieved.
Push for Defence Diplomacy and Indigenous Industry
Beyond the border issue, General Rawat emphasized the role of defence diplomacy in strengthening India’s global partnerships. Building military-to-military trust with key strategic countries, he said, is crucial for India’s long-term security.
He also highlighted the government’s focus on self-reliance in defence production. “In the coming years, our domestic defence industry will expand exponentially, delivering state-of-the-art weapons and equipment made in India,” he stated.
According to him, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers is critical for India’s strategic autonomy. “We must free ourselves from the constant threat of sanctions or over-reliance on a few nations. Indigenous capability is essential for decisive military power to deal with present and future challenges,” he added.
Rising Security Demands for a Rising India
As India’s global stature grows, General Rawat noted, so will its security obligations. He urged long-term investments in homegrown technologies and capabilities to ensure the country can respond to evolving threats with confidence and independence.
