India’s CDS Chauhan Sounds Alarm on China-Pakistan-Bangladesh Alliance as Regional Security Threat
India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, raised concerns on Tuesday, July 8, about a potential alignment of interests among China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, warning that such a convergence could pose significant risks to regional stability.
Addressing the launch of the Foreign Policy Survey 2024, organized by the Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Gen Chauhan highlighted the challenges posed by frequent political shifts in South Asia. “The changing geopolitical dynamics and ideological shifts in the region present a major challenge,” he said. “A possible alignment between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh could have serious implications for regional security.”
Strategic Autonomy, Not Isolation
Gen Chauhan clarified that India’s policy of strategic autonomy is distinct from isolationism. He noted that the global order is undergoing a transition, with the United States’ geopolitical stance adding further complexity to an already volatile security environment.
He also pointed to the growing influence of foreign powers in the Indian Ocean region, driven by economic vulnerabilities in neighboring countries. Gen Chauhan specifically referenced “debt diplomacy” in nations like the Maldives and Sri Lanka, which have taken substantial loans from China. Sri Lanka’s 2022 debt default triggered a severe economic crisis, prompting India to extend over $3 billion in emergency aid.
The ongoing civil war in Myanmar, where ethnic armed groups have seized control of significant territories since 2021, was also flagged as a regional concern.
China’s Role in Operation Sindoor
When questioned about China’s involvement during India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May, Gen Chauhan noted that Pakistan relies heavily on Chinese defense equipment. “This necessitates the presence of original equipment manufacturers in Pakistan as part of their obligations,” he said, adding that whether this presence was state-sponsored requires further investigation.
Also read:Shashi Tharoor Denied Any Third-Party Intervention In Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the April Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. India conducted strikes on terrorist targets across the border, leading to a 87-hour conflict after Pakistan retaliated with full-scale military action.