Two-front war a possibility, warns Army Chief Bipin Rawat

“War is very much in the realm of reality,” General Rawat said at a seminar organised by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies here on Wednesday.

Rawat said it was a “myth” to assume that “democracies or nuclear armed” neighbours do not go to war. Pakistan believes that India is its main enemy and has launched a proxy war against India. “Differences with Pakistan is irreconcilable,” he said.

Referring to the recent stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops at Doka La plateau in Bhutan, General Rawat said China has already started flexing its muscles.

The General said more incidents like the stand-off at Doka La plateau in Bhutan cannot be ruled out.

China, he said, will continue to try and nibble away Indian territory. Taking away territory gradually will continue as China tests our limits and thresholds. This is something India will have to be prepared for, he said.

The Army chief also said that Pakistan could take “advantage” when India is engaged with China. “We have to be prepared for conflict on the northern and western borders,” he said. He added that militaries do not only go to war, nations go to war for which preparations must be made accordingly.

The Army chief also talked about China engaging in a psychological warfare by using the media and information technology against India during the Doka La face-off.

He rejected the notion that credible deterrence could prevent war and pitched for adequate budgetary allocation for the armed forces.

Talking about Pakistan, Gen. Rawat said there was no scope for any reconciliation with that country.