General Upendra Dwivedi addressing the 4th General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture in New Delhi, on March 17, 2025. (India Sentinels photo)
New Delhi: The Indian Army chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, in his address at the fourth General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture here in the national capital on Sunday, stated that despite India’s numerous advantages, it still holds a “lower global standing.” He attributed this to the complexities brought about by China’s rise as a dominant economic and strategic force.
Gen Dwivedi discussed how China’s increasing influence challenges India’s aspirations to be the leader of the global south. He noted that the demographic and geographic advantages of India are overshadowed by the strategic and economic clout of China, complicating India’s efforts to shape international policies.
He highlighted the significant potential of Africa as a future power centre, urging India to forge stronger ties with the continent. “With the democratic shift and resource control race, we need to look at possibilities of Africa as a future power centre,” he said.
He said despite its demographics, geography, democracy, and inclusive approach, India still grapples with a relatively lower global standing.
Gen Dwivedi pointed out the obstacles India faces in shaping international policies. He acknowledged that although India has significant credentials, such as the largest population and being the world’s largest democracy, it continues to struggle for greater influence. He mentioned that India’s efforts to shape key international decisions have often been blocked, leaving the country with limited ability to influence global policies directly. Even the BRICS initiative, which aimed to challenge the dominance of the US dollar, faced setbacks.
The Army chief also touched upon the growing coordination between China and Pakistan, describing it as “near-absolute ‘collusivity’,” raising concerns about a two-front threat being a reality. He reiterated the caution of the late General Rawat against the dangers posed by India’s unsettled borders, emphasizing the need to be prepared for conflicts on multiple fronts.
Speaking on the evolving global dynamics, Gen Dwivedi discussed how recent conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have reshaped global alliances.
“In 2025, the world is just cooling down from two major conflicts – Ukraine and Gaza – where the majority of nations took sides, some based on realism, some on idealism, and a selective few on religion,” he observed.
He also addressed China’s growing challenge to the existing rules-based system, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative, which extends its influence across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The US is reinforcing alliances like AUKUS and Quad and promoting a free Indo-Pacific. Europe is navigating a delicate path, striving to maintain its principles of human rights while engaging with China and the US concurrently, but they are uncertain how to deal with Russia now. Meanwhile, Africa is rising, and the global south is increasingly demanding a multipolar world that better reflects diverse interests.
Gen Dwivedi stressed the importance of rethinking security in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. “Doing more and doing better is no longer enough. We need to do things differently, and that means thinking differently. Enhancing security today requires reimagining,” he said.
He noted that India’s traditional non-alignment policy has evolved into a strategy of “multi-alignment”, making its international posture more dynamic and assertive.
He also emphasized the growing role of technology in deterrence. “Technology prowess has become the new currency of deterrence. Data has become the new capital of trade and security,” he said. Additionally, he expressed concerns over China’s increasing militarization of space, warning that it escalates the risk of orbital debris and further heightens tensions.
To bolster India’s international standing, Gen Dwivedi called for reforms in global governance structures, such as the United Nations security council. He urged the inclusion of global south representatives and encouraged India to play an active role in conflict resolution and humanitarian causes through its diaspora.
Gen Dwivedi’s address highlighted the complex geopolitical challenges India faces. While China’s rise and the growing China-Pakistan nexus present significant strategic concerns, he emphasized that India must focus on strengthening its diplomatic, technological, and military capabilities to secure its place in the emerging global order.
He said the way forward requires leveraging alliances, reimagining deterrence, and championing the interests of the global south.
Watch Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi’s full address at the Fourth General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture here:
