Key Highlights from CDS General Anil Chauhan's Speech

General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, addressed an event in Dehradun on February 13, 2026, focusing on India-China relations and Himalayan strategic concerns.

Historical Context of India-China Relations

• Post-Independence, India aimed to establish positive relations with China.
• Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, considered the McMahon Line in the east and claims in Ladakh, though undefined.
• The Panchsheel Agreement was a diplomatic effort to stabilize relations.

Changes Post-Tibetan Occupation

• Upon China's occupation of Tibet, India's strategic buffer zone disappeared, leading to a direct border.
• In 1954, India formally recognized Tibet as part of China and signed the Panchsheel Agreement.

Border Legitimacy and Trade Routes

• India believed border legitimacy was strengthened by identifying six trade and pilgrimage passes: Shipki La, Mana, Niti, Kungri Bingri, Darma, and Lipulekh.
• China maintained that the agreement was focused solely on trade, not border disputes.

Strategic Significance of the Himalayan Region

• General Chauhan emphasized the increasing strategic importance of the Himalayan frontiers.
• The Indian government's focus: infrastructure development and strategic planning in border areas.

Topics of Concern and Future Planning

• Issues like climate change, water security, border management, military modernization, and disaster preparedness require a holistic approach.

Role of Bharat Himalayan International Strategic Manch (BHISM)

• BHISM, a think tank in Dehradun, aims to provide strategic policy recommendations to the Government of India.
• Fosters collaboration with academic and research institutions in the Himalayan region.
• Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar Singh (retd.) outlined BHISM's objectives during the event.