Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Thursday said that the form of war is transforming rapidly due to technological advancements and the country’s armed forces will have to be ready to accept this change.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, while addressing a gathering of Army officers, junior commissioned officers (JCOs), and soldiers from the 18 Grenadiers to mark 25 years of the battles, emphasized the evolving nature of warfare.
“The form of war is transforming rapidly due to technological advancements and the country’s armed forces will have to be ready to accept this change,” CDS Chauhan said while addresing the Silver Jubilee Commemoration Ceremony of ‘Battle of Tiger Hill’ under Operation Vijay on Thursday.
“The concept of change is written in our scriptures, Lord Shri Krishna told Arjun in Mahabharat that ‘change is eternal, change is the law of nature and change is the only static thing in this world.’ A great philosopher Heraclitus said that ‘change is the only constant in life’ and therefore we cannot remain away from this change,” he said.
“Renowned scientist Charles Darwin wrote the theory of evolution and about the survival of the fittest when he rendered his concept and said that inheritance, variation, adaptation, selection and timing are very important for any species to survive.
Adding further, he said that this rule or percept is not only applicable to species but also to organisations and unions.
CDS Chauhan also remembered the tales of bravery from the battles of Tololing and Tiger Hill stand out as pivotal victories that turned the tide in India’s favour.
“Today we are remembering the moment when our soldiers hoisted the flag on Tiger Hill 25 years ago. 18 Grenadiers hoisted the national flag not only on Tiger Hill but also on Tololing and other such difficult peaks. This victory has played an important role in changing the course of the battle,” he said.
“Today on this occasion, I also want to remember those brave soldiers who are not among us, who sacrificed their lives in the battle,” added the official.
General Chauhan also underscored the importance of maintaining the trust and prestige earned by the armed forces.
He highlighted the need for adaptability in modern warfare, citing the rapid technological developments that are changing the landscape of combat.
“Today we are talking of multi-domain warfare. Instead of just conventional domains like land, sea, maritime, and air, the cyber, electromagnetic spectrum, and space domains are also added to augment our military strength.”
The CDS stressed that the armed forces must embrace change to maintain their edge.
“We cannot fail in a war,” he asserted, adding that, unlike sports, there are no runners-up in war as the winner takes it all. To maintain that trust, you will have to understand and adapt to these new things,” he said.
In the summer of 1999, the Kargil War became a defining moment for India, a test of valour and strategy.
The 18 Grenadiers played a crucial role in the Kargil War. The battalion’s heroic efforts were recognized with 52 honours, including a Param Vir Chakra, two Maha Vir Chakras, six Vir Chakras, and several Sena Medals.
The memories of these brave soldiers were revisited by CDS Chauhan and other Kargil heroes during Operation Vijay as the nation commemorates the 25th anniversary of this conflict.
The battles of Tololing and Tiger Hill were not just military victories but also symbols of India’s resilience and determination. The images of Indian soldiers celebrating their conquest of Tiger Hill became iconic, showcasing their bravery to the world.
The stories of bravery from Tololing and Tiger Hill remind us of the immense sacrifices made by the Indian Army. The legacy of these battles continues to inspire future generations of soldiers, reinforcing the spirit of courage and resilience that defines the Indian armed forces.
The commemorative events also serve as a reminder of the strategic importance of the Kargil War, not just in terms of military achievements but also in fostering national unity and pride.
The evolving nature of warfare demands that the armed forces remain vigilant, adaptive, and ready to face new challenges.
The 25th anniversary of the Kargil War is not just a time for reflection but also a call to action, urging us to uphold the legacy of our heroes and to ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.
