General Upendra Dwivedi highlighted the challenges China poses to India’s aspirations of leading the Global South, particularly in influencing international decisions. He emphasized the importance of technological capability for national security and advocated for India’s active participation in regional organizations and reform of global governance to amplify the voice of the Global South. Dwivedi also stressed the importance of leveraging India’s strengths for humanitarian and geopolitical efforts.
During the fourth General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture held in Delhi, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi expressed that China’s ascent as a leading economic and strategic force complicates India’s aspirations to lead the Global South. He noted that this rise generates competition which makes India’s position in shaping global decisions increasingly challenging.
General Dwivedi emphasized the need to recognize Africa as a potential power center, citing India’s geographical, demographic, and democratic advantages. He pointed out that, despite being the world’s largest democracy and possessing significant demographic and geographical resources, India continues to struggle for a more prominent role in the global arena.
India’s efforts to influence international decisions have faced persistent obstacles, with organizations such as BRICS experiencing setbacks. The General remarked on the geopolitical tensions and the necessity for India to monitor organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) more closely amid rising geopolitical rivalries.
General Dwivedi remarked on the growing importance of technology in national security, declaring technological capability a vital asset for deterrence and emphasizing the significance of data as a form of capital in contemporary security and trade landscapes. He elaborated on the need for a comprehensive military-civil fusion and robust defense capabilities to ensure national security.
The General also noted that former General Bipin Rawat would have underscored the significance of multi-polarity in global politics and the role of bandwagoning nations in minimizing conflict. He advocated for India’s involvement in various frameworks such as SCO, BRICS, and BIMSTEC to bolster its diplomatic influence.
Furthermore, General Dwivedi outlined strategies for India to strengthen its engagement with the Global South. Recommendations included reforming the UN Security Council to enhance the representation of Global South nations, taking a more active role in conflict resolution, harnessing the Indian diaspora’s potential for humanitarian efforts, and furthering socioeconomic development by supporting underprivileged nations.
He asserted India’s commitments to peacekeeping endeavors, emphasizing the need to regard nuclear weapons as political tools purely for deterrent purposes. He also highlighted India’s experience in counterterrorism efforts, particularly in contexts such as Jammu & Kashmir, and reiterated the Indian Army’s commitment to national objectives.
In summary, General Upendra Dwivedi articulated the challenges posed by China’s rise to India’s leadership ambitions in the Global South during the General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture. He emphasized the importance of technology, multi-lateral cooperation, and strategic alignment with Global South nations to enhance India’s influence. His remarks reflect the need for India to actively engage in international forums and advocate for innovative roles in global governance and conflict resolution.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
