New Delhi: India's ascent to a developed nation by 2047 will be a deliberate outcome of strategic choices and reforms, not a matter of chance, according to Lieutenant General Pushpendra Pal Singh, the Vice Chief of Army Staff. He made these remarks during his address at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025.
The Chanakya Defence Dialogue, held on November 27-28, 2025, serves as a platform for national and international experts to discuss defence reforms, technological advancements, and civil-military integration, all vital for India's progress towards becoming a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047. The dialogue's theme, "Reform to Transform: Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat" (Empowered, Secure, and Developed India), underscores the importance of comprehensive security in national development.
Lt Gen Singh emphasized that strategic reform is the bedrock of India's strategic destiny, highlighting the necessity of aligning the nation's defence capabilities with its developmental goals. He stressed the importance of civil-military fusion, technological modernization, and readiness in areas like AI and cyber warfare. Moral strength, he added, is also a crucial component of national security.
The Vice Army Chief's address builds upon earlier discussions at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025. During the event's curtain raiser, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the link between national development and national security, noting that realizing the aspirations of Viksit Bharat @2047 requires sustained stability and a secure environment. He also referenced the Ministry of Defence's declaration of 2025 as the 'Year of Reforms,' stressing that security and development must advance in tandem.
Furthermore, General Dwivedi highlighted "Operation SINDOOR," reiterating India's firm stance against terrorism and emphasizing accountability for those who support terrorist activities. He asserted that blood and water cannot flow together, signaling India's commitment to safeguarding its national interests and bolstering regional stability.
The dialogue also featured a special address by Mr. Rajiv Chandrasekhar, Former Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, who underscored the strategic connection between technological prowess and national security. He emphasized the need for reliable, indigenous digital and emerging-technology ecosystems to strengthen India's long-term self-reliance. Discussions also touched on the importance of resilient supply chains, reduced external dependencies, and accelerated development of India's deep-tech ecosystem to meet future operational requirements.
The Chanakya Defence Dialogue has evolved into a crucial forum for shaping India's strategic direction on national security and development. By fostering collaboration among military leaders, policymakers, strategic thinkers, and security specialists, the dialogue contributes to building a secure and prosperous future for the nation.
