Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, on Tuesday, said that India will fight and win the next war with indigenous technology and weapons.
In yet another aggressive statement, the Indian Army Chief has pushed for the use of indigenous technology, which would give “India an edge over its adversaries.” Rawat said that India will fight its next war with indigenous weapons, and win it.
Bipin Rawat: We will fight and win the next war with indigenous weapon systems: Army Chief
He also said the development of weaponry and other systems should be done keeping "future warfare" in mind. https://t.co/BQv39xFZOd
— Amrita Bhinder 🇮🇳 (@amritabhinder) October 15, 2019
The Indian Army Chief and National Security Advisor agreed that it is time for New Delhi to “focus on future warfare.”
Indigenous Weapons for India
Addressing a conference of the 41st Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the Indian Army Chief said, “We are looking at systems for future warfare. We have to start looking at the development of cyber, space, laser, electronic and robotic technologies and artificial intelligence.”
Bipin Rawat commended the achievements of the DRDO in equipping the Indian armed forces with “home-grown solutions”. He said that the DRDO and military establishment of India needs to focus on “non-contact warfare” for the future.
The Chinese military leadership extended support to Pakistan’s stance. The ISPR stated, “Chinese military leadership supporting Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir issue
The National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said that niche technologies need to be based on the needs of the armed forces, and “they can make India more secure.” Doval said, “We have to make a hard assessment of what we need to give us an edge over our adversaries.”
NSA Doval said that armed forces that are well equipped have always “decided the destiny of mankind and India historically has always been a runner-up.” In a veiled reference to Pakistan and China, Doval added, “There is no trophy for the runner up. Either you are better than your adversaries or you are not there at all.”
In a message that shows India’s robust defence policy, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said that India will win the next war totally based on indigenous capabilities.https://t.co/2PxxZnCzwe
— News Nation (@NewsNationTV) October 15, 2019
Doval said that global politics is shaped by two key factors: technology and money. He observed that winning depends on the countries strength in these two factors, of which technology is more important.
Pak-China Defence Cooperation
China and Pakistan enjoy extensive cooperation in multiple fields, of which defense cooperation takes the forefront in their bilateral relationship. Earlier this month, the Chief of Army Staff arrived in China on an official visit and engaged with the Chinese military leadership.
A delegation of the Pakistan army, led by Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, met with the Chinese military delegation, including PLA Army Commander General Han Weiguo, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission General Xu Qiliang and the Chinese Commander Southern Theater Command.
COAS arrived China on official visit. COAS will meet Chinese mil leadership including PLA Army Commander, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission & Commander Southern Theater Command. COAS will also join PM for meeting with Chinese PM and President.
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) October 7, 2019
The Chief of Army Staff later joined Prime Minister Imran Khan for a meeting with the Chinese Prime Minister and President.
During his discussions with the Chinese military leadership, General Qamar Javed Bajwa underscored Pakistan’s desire for regional peace, but he stressed that peace shall not come at the cost of comprising the nation’s dignity.
Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa says Pakistan looks forward to peace but that shall not be at the cost of any compromise on principles and dignity of the nation. He was talking to the Chinese military leadership pic.twitter.com/5Rf0xI48ms
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 8, 2019
The two sides also discussed matters pertaining to the regional security environment, including the situation in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoK) and the dynamics of the Pak-China defense cooperation.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated in this regard, “COAS apprised Chinese military leadership about consequences of the ongoing situation in IOJ&K if it’s not amicably resolved for which India needs to respect UN resolutions and ensure the human rights of Kashmiris.”
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The Chinese military leadership extended support to Pakistan’s stance. The ISPR stated, “Chinese military leadership supporting Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir issue, appreciated sane Pakistani approach in the interest of peace.”
Regional security environment including situation in Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IOJ&K) and Pak China defence cooperation were discussed.
2/6 pic.twitter.com/b348a4FcVV— PTV World (@WorldPTV) October 8, 2019
“They agreed that continued unresolved Pakistan- India tension will have serious implications for peace and stability in the region. COAS apprised them that Pakistan looks forward to peace but that shall not be at the cost of any compromise on principles or honor and dignity of the nation.”
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The two sides also exchanged notes on the ongoing situation in the Gulf, and the efforts to facilitate peace in Afghan. Pakistan and Chan agreed to intensify defense cooperation in line with their history of the mutually beneficial and time-tested relationship.