In a significant development reflecting India’s growing strategic outreach in the Indo-Pacific region, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan will visit Singapore from May 30 to June 01, 2025, to attend the prestigious 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defence and security summit. The event is hosted annually by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and brings together key global stakeholders to deliberate on pressing defence and strategic challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
Strengthening Strategic Ties and Bilateral Engagements
During his three-day visit, General Anil Chauhan is scheduled to hold high-level bilateral meetings with Chiefs of Defence Forces and senior military leadership from several key nations, including Australia, the European Union, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. These engagements are poised to strengthen India’s defence ties, explore avenues of military cooperation, and reinforce partnerships in areas such as joint exercises, technology collaboration, maritime security, and regional stability.
General Chauhan’s discussions will focus on mutual security interests, evolving defence strategies, and shared concerns over regional and global security dynamics. These dialogues are particularly crucial in the backdrop of increasing geopolitical shifts and military modernization efforts among Indo-Pacific nations.
Thought Leadership on Future Warfare
General Anil Chauhan will also address academia, think tanks, and strategic researchers, delivering a keynote speech on ‘Future Wars and Warfare’. His address will explore the rapidly evolving nature of military conflict in an era defined by artificial intelligence, cyber threats, space militarization, autonomous weapon systems, and hybrid warfare.
In addition, he will participate in special sessions of the Dialogue, where he will speak on the topic ‘Defence Innovation Solutions for Future Challenges’. This session will provide valuable insights into India’s approach towards leveraging innovation, indigenous defence manufacturing, and public-private collaboration to counter emerging threats and maintain strategic edge in future combat scenarios.
Shangri-La Dialogue: A Crucial Multilateral Forum
The Shangri-La Dialogue, held annually in Singapore, is a premier multilateral platform that convenes defence ministers, military chiefs, policymakers, and strategic experts from across the globe. The 2025 edition will feature participation from over 40 countries, addressing critical themes related to Indo-Pacific security, multilateralism, deterrence, and regional cooperation.
This platform provides India with a valuable opportunity to strengthen its strategic presence, advance military diplomacy, and promote a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. General Chauhan’s participation highlights India’s dedication to fostering regional stability, security, and driving innovation in defence.
A Step Forward in India’s Defence Diplomacy
General Anil Chauhan’s visit comes at a time when the global security architecture is undergoing significant transformation, and nations are increasingly seeking trusted defence partners. India’s active engagement through such high-level dialogues underscores its evolving role as a net security provider and a pillar of strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The Chief of Defence Staff’s participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue not only reinforces India’s stature in global military forums but also opens avenues for strengthened multilateral cooperation, capability development, and strategic partnerships that align with India’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) and a secure Indo-Pacific.
As the world looks to navigate the complexities of 21st-century warfare and security dynamics, India’s contributions—through leadership, collaboration, and innovation—will be pivotal in shaping a stable, secure, and cooperative international order.
