CDS Anil Chauhan stated that if China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh align strategically, it could pose a serious threat to India's security and stability. Concerns were also raised regarding the increasing foreign interference in the IOR.
New Delhi: CDS General Anil Chauhan has warned that a potential strategic alignment between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh could pose a significant threat to India's security and stability. He also expressed concerns about the growing foreign influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), debt diplomacy, and the changing political dynamics in South Asia. This statement comes against the backdrop of potentially strained relations with Bangladesh following the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power.
Major Statement by the CDS
India's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, expressed grave concern regarding the potential strategic alignment of China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. He stated that if these three nations were to unite to serve their interests, it could profoundly impact India's internal stability and security environment.
He made this statement on July 10, 2025, while addressing an event organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). He clarified that the ongoing political and ideological shifts in South Asia are creating new security challenges for India.
Increasing Foreign Influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
CDS General Anil Chauhan also voiced his concern over the rapidly changing strategic equations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). He stated that economic crises and debt diplomacy in the region have provided opportunities for external forces to intervene.
He said, “The economic crises in the Indian Ocean region have given external forces the opportunity to increase their influence here. This is directly impacting India's strategic autonomy and security balance.”
How Debt Diplomacy Creates a Threat
The CDS clarified that countries like China are utilizing their financial power to trap smaller nations in debt. This is not merely about economic influence; it is also affecting the foreign and defense policies of these countries. When smaller nations are burdened with heavy foreign debt, they lose their independence in making strategic decisions. This is akin to creating a new form of strategic encirclement around India.
Political Instability in South Asia is a Cause for Concern
The CDS said that the frequent changes in governments and the clash of ideological viewpoints in South Asia have emerged as a new challenge. He also noted that when democratic institutions are weakened and governance is unstable, it provides opportunities for foreign powers to intervene.
Also Mentioned the Military Tensions Between India and Pakistan
In his address, General Anil Chauhan also discussed the military tensions between India and Pakistan in May 2025. He described it as an unusual situation because it was perhaps the first time that two nuclear-armed countries had come so close to a confrontation.
He stated, “India has already made it clear that it will not be intimidated by any nuclear threats. I think Operation Sindoor is the only example of that tension, in which open military confrontation between the two nuclear powers came to the fore.”
