India is a “bright spot” amid geopolitical upheavals and despondency: Army Chief Gen Pande

With regard to the ongoing border dispute with China in eastern Ladakh, India’s outlook emphasizes respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, as well as peaceful dispute resolution and adherence to international law, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Manoj Pande stated on Friday. During the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, General Pande stated that India is expanding its defense wings globally and that the Army is eager to increase the extent and magnitude of cooperative military training and exercises with friendly foreign partner countries.

“Our outlook emphasises respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, equality of all, peaceful resolution of disputes, avoidance of use of force and adherence to international rules, laws and regulations,” Gen Pande said without making any specific references.

The Chief of Army Staff said India’s commitment towards positively engaging all stakeholders has been “unwavering and enduring” over the years.

“In the military domain we understand our role in the emerging multilateral architecture. We are keen to enhance the scope and scale of our joint training and exercises, interoperability, sub-regional perspectives and sharing of best practices with friendly foreign partner nations,” he said.

“Our initiatives are bedrock in the Indian way,” he stated, adding that “the spin-offs of these collaborative efforts transcend into the economic realm, innovation and technology, capacity building, multilateral problem solving, and diplomacy as well.” The Chief of Army Staff added that technology is changing war fighting and strategic competition in geopolitics like never before.