Tough to define allies or enemies, India on its own: CDS Gen. Chauhan

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Friday said assumptions about permanent friends or adversaries are increasingly becoming unreliable in the current global order and asserted India must remain prepared - mentally, structurally, materially - to act independently when required.

Emphasising the need for pursuing strategic autonomy, the CDS noted partnerships are valuable when aligned with national interest, but they cannot substitute for indigenous capability or the power to exercise freedom of choice.

"In today's world, it is difficult to define who are your friends, who are your allies, who are your enemies and who are your adversaries. Strategic alignments have become fluid and transactional," General Chauhan observed.

He was speaking at the 'JAI' (Jointness, Aatmanirbhar Innovation) seminar organised by the Southern Command here.

"India must, therefore, be prepared to act independently when required. That preparedness has to be mental, structural and material," he ..