Chief of the Army Staff reiterates hardline against terrorism

New Delhi, Nov 17: The Indian Army, in partnership with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), on Monday held the Curtain Raiser for the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 (CDD-2025) at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.

The Dialogue, scheduled for 27–28 November, will examine the theme “Reform to Transform: Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat.” A key highlight of the event was a Fireside Chat with Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi. Linking national security with national development, the COAS said that India’s aspirations for Viksit Bharat @2047 demanded long-term stability and a secure environment. He recalled the Ministry of Defence’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Reforms, adding that security and development “must move in tandem.”

Referring to the recent Operation SINDOOR, General Dwivedi reiterated India’s uncompromising stance against terrorism. “Blood and water cannot flow together,” he said, stressing that accountability was essential for those aiding terrorist activities. He noted that the operation underscored India’s firm and proactive approach to safeguarding national interests and contributing to regional stability. The programme formally opened with welcome remarks and the release of the CDD-2025 teaser, followed by a Special Address from former Minister of State for Electronics & IT and Skill Development, Rajiv Chandrasekhar. He highlighted the strategic importance of technological capacity-building, stressing the need for trusted, indigenous digital and emerging-tech ecosystems to bolster national security and long-term self-reliance.

PANEL DISCUSSION: ATMANIRBHARTA IN DEFENCE

A panel chaired by Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development & Sustenance), brought together experts from DRDO, industry and academia. Panellists underscored Atmanirbharta as a foundation for strategic autonomy, focusing on indigenous design and innovation, dual-use technologies, and stronger integration between DRDO, the private sector and universities. They also called for procurement reforms, enhanced roles for MSMEs, vibrant Defence Industrial Corridors, resilient supply chains and reduced external dependencies. Accelerated growth of India’s deep-tech ecosystem, they said, would be vital to meeting future operational requirements. CDD-2025 will convene national and global experts to discuss defence reforms, technological transformation, civil–military integration and India’s evolving security priorities ahead of Viksit Bharat @2047. As part of the lead-up to the Dialogue, the Army earlier hosted the Young Leaders Forum on 31 October 2025 to promote strategic awareness among youth.