New Delhi- Achieving self-reliance in defence and reducing import dependency for military hardware is important for India to maintain its strategic autonomy and shoulder new responsibilities commensurate with its emerging stature, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said on Saturday.
In an address at a think-tank, Gen Chauhan noted that India’s economic growth coupled with its soft power, technological advancements and ability to stand up to coercion and intimidation to defend its territory are contributing to the rise of its comprehensive national power.
His reference to India’s ability to stand up to coercion and intimidation came in the backdrop of a three-year border row with China in eastern Ladakh.