'Biggest challenge is to train people for unconventional threats', says General Anil Chauhan

UPDATED: Mar 19, 2025 10:47 IST

At the Raisina Dialogue 2025, General Anil Chauhan, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, addressed the evolving landscape of hybrid warfare and the critical challenges it presents. Speaking at the session titled "Verses and Wars: Navigating Hybrid Theatres," General Chauhan underscored the dynamic nature of modern conflicts, emphasising the need for adaptability and strategic foresight.

"The global security environment is marked by uncertainty and a rapid amount of change," he stated, pointing to the increasing prominence of cyber operations, disinformation, and economic coercion as essential elements of contemporary warfare.

One of the primary concerns highlighted by General Chauhan was the challenge of preparing military personnel for unconventional threats. "The biggest challenge is to train people for unconventional threats," he noted, stressing the necessity for forces to be equipped not just physically but also intellectually to counter hybrid warfare.

He also addressed the growing role of information warfare, stating, "Disinformation is another challenge, which is a part of a larger battle of minds." With cyber threats and misinformation campaigns becoming potent tools of modern warfare, he called for enhanced intelligence mechanisms. "To deal with these threats, intelligence is the most important thing," he asserted.

Reflecting on India’s historical experience in countering asymmetric threats, he remarked, "Much before the West invented terms called war on terror and asymmetric warfare, India developed strategies to deal with sub-conventional threats."

General Chauhan also highlighted the need for technological parity with adversaries, cautioning, "We cannot let the technology gap between India and adversaries grow." However, he acknowledged India's slow procurement processes, admitting, "India's procurement process is so slow it becomes difficult to keep pace with technological developments."

On international collaborations, he emphasised mutual exchange, stating, "Partnership is about give and take," and noted that "The West can take help from India’s progress in dealing with unconventional threats."

His address reinforced India's commitment to adapting its defence strategies in an era of hybrid warfare, strengthening intelligence capabilities, and fostering global defence partnerships.