Web desk: Speaking at the inaugural ‘Ran Samvad 2025’, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, instead of delivering a message on the country’s approach to peace and security, chose to threaten Pakistan.
The ‘Ran Samvad 2025’ is a two-day tri-service strategic conclave hosted at the Army War College in Mhow, Indore district, Madhya Pradesh.
General Chauhan stated, “India has always championed peace. As a nation, we cherish harmony, but let there be no misunderstanding—we are not passive. Peace without strength is an illusion. As the Latin proverb goes, ‘If you want peace, prepare for war. ‘”
This claim to champion peace comes right along the message, ‘If you want peace, prepare for war.’
Soon after, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar remarked that if Operation Sindoor had to be restarted, the Navy was ready to take the lead.
India’s war drums: what can such threats mean
Such bold statements are rare from the Indian Armed Forces, and their back-to-back occurrence suggests that certain preparations may already be underway, analysts say.
According to analysts, for many years, India tried to show the world that it was a secular democracy with a neutral foreign policy. But today, under the influence of Hindutva ideology, the country’s internal and external policies have turned aggressive and unbalanced, showing its desire for regional dominance.
Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power, India has followed a path of military aggression, extremist ideology, and diplomatic pressure, a direction that threatens not only South Asia but also wider global peace and stability, analysts say.
India’s push for regional control is strongly linked to the Hindutva doctrine, which has long shaped its attitude toward neighbouring countries. But under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), this approach has grown even more extreme, analysts say.
Ties with Pakistan have become especially hostile in the observer’s opinion. From the disputed “surgical strikes” to the Pulwama false flag attack, India’s actions along the Line of Control and its aggressive statements show a policy of provocation rather than defence.
Its attempts to diplomatically isolate Pakistan and carry out false flag operations further reveal a mindset of hostility, not restraint, analysts say.
The statement coming after the failed ‘Operation Sindoor’ is also a matter of concern, with many concerned about more attempts at misadventure by India.
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