The Army Chief of India, General Manoj Pande, has praised India's steadfast and clear stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating that it demonstrates the country's commitment to addressing its national interests. Speaking at the annual session of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gen. Pande emphasized the political and military resolve of a rising India, particularly in the face of China's increasing power and belligerence.

Gen. Pande noted that China's economic heft has given it a new position in the world order, which it intends to lead. However, he highlighted the zero-sum games and predatory economic pursuits that China engages in, presenting a threat to the rules-based international order.

Many nations are beginning to recognize these issues, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, as they realize the consequences of China's actions. In terms of military modernization, Gen. Pande outlined the five pillars of the Indian Army's transformation force restructuring and optimization, modernization and tech infusion, systems, processes, and functions, human resource management, and jointness and integration.

He praised the Indian defense industry, which is working towards fructification of 230 contracts by 2025, with an outlay of ₹2.5 lakh crore. Additionally, the Army is pursuing 47 niche technologies for military application and has 120 indigenous projects underway to develop and absorb these technologies.

Furthermore, Gen. Pande highlighted the significance of India's foreign policy and diplomacy, which are crucial in pursuing bilateral and multilateral groupings, such as the International Solar Alliance, the Global Bio-Fuel Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. These endeavors showcase India's rise and its pursuit of becoming self-reliant through the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Overall, Gen. Pande's remarks exemplify India's commitment to national interests, its resolve in the face of adversaries, and its push for self-reliance and modernization.