In a significant address at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in singapore, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, pointedly criticized Pakistan for its role in fostering terrorism. He emphasized that true cooperation requires mutual effort,stating,”It takes two hands to clap.” This remark underscores India’s frustration with Pakistan’s continued hostility,suggesting that maintaining distance may be the wisest course of action if only enmity is returned.
During the dialogue, General Chauhan engaged in bilateral meetings with defense officials and military leaders from several nations, including Australia, the European Union, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, and the UK. These discussions focused on enhancing military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, strengthening defense partnerships, and addressing security challenges. the emphasis on collaboration reflects India’s strategic pivot towards building a robust network of alliances to counter regional threats, especially in light of ongoing tensions with Pakistan.