Wed Mar 19 16:50:22 UTC 2025: ## Indian CDS Emphasizes Importance of Ground Troops Amidst Evolving Warfare at Raisina Dialogue
**New Delhi, March 19, 2025** – Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan stressed the irreplaceable role of ground troops in modern warfare during his address at the Raisina Dialogue on Wednesday. While acknowledging the enabling role of technology, General Chauhan emphasized that “there is no substitute for boots on the ground.” His comments came during a panel discussion on navigating hybrid warfare, a conflict type India has long recognized, predating Western terminology like “asymmetric warfare.”
General Chauhan highlighted three key lessons learned from India’s experience with sub-conventional conflicts: the necessity of ground troops, the importance of shaping the combat zone through intelligence, and the crucial role of a “whole-of-government” approach involving close collaboration with state governments and local police. He also noted the global security environment’s defining characteristics: uncertainty and rapid change, emphasizing the obsolescence of traditional warfare doctrines despite the persistence of conflict.
The panel also featured former U.S. Army General David Petraeus, who criticized his country’s slow procurement processes, noting the procurement of “yesterday’s equipment” for “tomorrow’s wars.” He echoed General Chauhan’s sentiments regarding the challenges of adapting to evolving warfare, highlighting the need for updated structures, leadership development, training, and procurement processes within the U.S. military. Dr. Vivek Lall, CEO of General Atomics Global Corporation, stressed the critical need for speed in defense and energy security, outlining six key areas for improvement.
The Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship conference on geopolitics, provided a platform for these discussions on the changing nature of warfare and the crucial balance between technological advancements and the enduring importance of human soldiers.
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