Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said the world's order is being increasingly challenged with little to no regard for rules. He pointed out that cyber, information, and space domains are becoming new battlefields where coercion is the new strategy.
He added that India must reassess its strategic priorities and realign its actions to ensure the country is not left behind. The Chief noted that cross-pollination of ideas from multiple disciplines can lead to critical thinking that allows people to create solutions and make more rational decisions.
His points came against the backdrop of India's border-related conflicts with China in Eastern Ladakh.
Noting the recent changes in Afghanistan and the geopolitical crisis in Ukraine, he stated that the world is witnessing a rapidly evolving international order. It is increasingly being challenged by a complex multipolar world with little or no regard for rules or the traditional processes of geopolitical interplays.
Speaking at a seminar, he listed various national security challenges. The Chief was at the 'Warfare and Aerospace Strategy Programme' (WASP), an initiative by the Indian Air Force.
The WASP is designed to generate strategic thought and understanding amongst mid-career air power practitioners. The Chief of Air Staff said he hopes the initiative will enable officers to understand the whole-of-government approach and generate independent opinions in dealing with national security issues.
The Chief of Air Staff advised military strategists to keep an eye on the primary objective of war fighting. He recounted that a military strategist must not lose sight of their primary objective, which is the war they are fighting.
"Our focus should remain at an operational level critical thinking and strategy while developing a deeper understanding of the art and science of war". He added that the military instrument is being used as a deterrent but diplomacy, economy, and information are becoming primary tools of engagement.
He told attendees that a well-crafted strategy may not guarantee success when dealing with security challenges. But, the absence of a coherent and sustainable strategy will definitely lead to failure.