Read: What Army Vice Chief Said About China's Growing Ambitions Amid Three-Year Long Border Standoff

China's civil-military system has been institutionalized by its totalitarian regime, utilizing technology, knowledge, and infrastructure for security purposes, according to Army Vice Chief Lt General MV Suchindra Kumar.

He noted that China's advanced technological capabilities provide a potential threat to its rivals and opponents, giving it an edge in national security.

During the third General Sundarji Memorial Lecture on 'India's Role in Shaping the Emerging World Order', organised by the Indian Army in New Delhi under the Mechanised Infantry Centre & School (MIC&S) and Centre for Land Warfare Studies, Lt Gen Kumar highlighted various aspects of India's role in the global order.

He stated that, “China’s ambitions for regional and global dominance are driven by its internal dynamics and new found status as a political, economic, technological and military powerhouse.”

India’s transparent engagements and genuine outreach efforts have fared better, despite “the challenges posed by others’ predatory economic pursuits,” Lt Gen Kumar said, without mentioning China.

Just days after Army Chief General Manoj Pande's speech in Pune, Lt Gen Kumar made similar remarks about China. He emphasized that China's violations of existing border agreements and protocols across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remain a potential trigger for escalation and a concern for India.

Lt Gen Kumar stated that India's growing global influence is acknowledged by the world, emphasizing the critical year 2023 for India's involvement in shaping international policies.

“With the presidency of G20, India will have a significant role to play in finding practical and effective global solutions that benefit everyone,” he stated.

India's Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) presidency presents a chance to bolster ties with Russia and central Asian republics, which will establish essential counterbalances in the security realm, according to him.

India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict exemplifies the primacy of national interest, he added.

Lt Gen Kumar stated, “While remaining firmly rooted in our domestic realities and needs, we have stood clear headed and steadfast in pursuit of our national interest on this issue.

“This India-first policy approach is a product of our economic military and diplomatic capabilities as well as a confident optimism about the future. Additionally, in the military context, we remain cognizant of the imperatives of our military hardware, inventory diversification and need for self-reliance or Atmanirbharta.”

India's military training programmes will expand alongside the focus on trade, investment, energy cooperation, and technological advancements, according to the Army vice-chief.

India is now more committed to achieving development goals in South Asia and building stronger relationships with developing countries to foster regional stability and prosperity, he added.

The Army vice-chief also expressed that the guiding principle in India's endeavors has been a neighborhood-first focus, despite economic, political, and security challenges in its immediate vicinity.

“India has been shouldering its regional responsibilities by providing aid, disaster relief, extending lines of credit, supplying essential commodities, mobilising multilateral institutions and revitalising bilateral mechanisms,” he said.

He suggested that the Army should stay relevant by adapting to changes in the environment and advancements in technology to counter dynamic threats. This would honor the legacy of General Sundarji, who promoted both doctrinal and technological advancement in the military.

“It is necessary for us to transform so that we can transition into a modern, agile, adaptive and technology enabled future ready force,”  he stated.