Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated on Sunday that China's growth as a major economic and strategic force "hampers" India's attempts to be a natural leader for the Global South, adds complexity, and fosters competition.

While delivering the Gen Bipin Rawat memorial lecture in Delhi, he mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for 'Viksit Bharat 2047' presents an opportunity for India to secure its rightful position in the evolving global security landscape. During his speech, the Army chief also alluded to China and Pakistan's close ties, stating that the "near absolute collusivity" between the two countries today has "further compounded the threat." In a subtle allusion to China and Pakistan, Gen. Dwivedi stated on March 8 that there is a "high degree of collusivity," which needs to be acknowledged.

"What it means, as far as I am concerned, is that the two-front threat is a reality," he had said in response to a question on the proximity between China and Pakistan. "What it means, as far as I am concerned, is that the two-front threat is a reality," he had responded when asked about China and Pakistan's proximity. In his lecture on Sunday, Gen Dwivedi said, "While the nation works along multiple lines of efforts, we need to be mindful that in the security vertical, it is very easy to be drawn to the Thucydides trap." Experts describe this trap as a situation where a growing power poses a challenge to replace an established major power. "Can we as a nation with compelling requirements in the social sector afford to be drawn into this trap? At the same time, can we overlook the fact that we live in an extremely volatile neighbourhood?"

"As Gen Rawat said when you have unsettled borders to your north and west, you don't know which side the battle will commence and where it will end. So, you should be prepared for both fronts. Today, the near absolute collusivity has further compounded the threat," he said. According to General Dwivedi, "my thoughts gravitate towards his (Gen Rawat's) thoughts" while seeking strategic direction for military-related answers. The Army chief praised India's first Chief of Defence Staff, who lost his life in a helicopter crash in 2021, calling him a scholar soldier and a military reformer with remarkable foresight. In 2025, the world is slowly recovering from two major conflicts — in Ukraine and Gaza — where most countries chose sides. Some did so based on practicality, some on principles, and a few based on religious beliefs.

"The turmoil is also interspersed with several ongoing sub-national conflicts and certain common threats to global peace which is increasingly challenged by terrorism, radicalisation, mass cyber attacks, and a certain shift from democracy to authoritarianism," he said. In his address, the Army chief said, "If you look at friction points visible on the horizon, we find China challenging the established rules-based system, exemplified by its Belt and Road Initiative investment across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

"The US, reinforcing alliances like AUKUS and Quad, and promoting a free Indo-Pacific, Europe navigating a delicate path, striving to maintain its principle of human rights while engaging with China and the US concurrently, but they are not sure how to deal with Russia now."

"The rise of China as a dominant economic and strategic force also adds complexity, creates competition, and hampers India's efforts to be the natural lead for the Global South," Gen. Dwivedi added while discussing India's position in this new global order. The Army chief underlined that when it comes to security, "doing more and doing better is no longer enough." "We need to do things differently and that means thinking differently. Enhancing security today requires reimagining," he said.

He mentioned that India's approach has shifted from its traditional non-alignment policy to a strategy of building strong relationships with multiple countries. According to the Army commander, India's international stance has become more "dynamic and assertive" in recognition of both its increasing capacity and the expectations of the rest of the world. "Herein lies an opportunity for us to seek our rightful place in the emerging global security scenario," he said, quoting Prime Minister Modi's clear appeal for Viksit Bharat 2047. "We understand that security is about wholesome capability to wage war and deter war," stated General Dwivedi.

He emphasised that it is DIME-T (Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic, and Technology) deterrence, "we are talking about and not military deterrence alone". He stated that achieving this goal requires a strong blend of military and civilian efforts, a self-reliant defence industry, dual-purpose resources at the national level, informed and capable decision-makers within the DIME framework, and an inclusive approach that encourages citizen participation in defence. "To further add to the traditional deterrence, I believe that technology prowess probably has become the new currency of deterrence. Data has become the new capital of trade and security," the Army chief said. He also mentioned that China's growing military presence in space is adding to the risk of orbital debris.