Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said China’s growing economic and strategic influence is challenging India’s aspirations to emerge as the natural leader of the Global South. Delivering the fourth General Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture in Delhi on March 16, he highlighted the increasing complexities in global geopolitics resulting from China’s rise.
“The ascent of China as a dominant economic and strategic power adds layers of complexity, fuels competition, and obstructs India’s efforts to be the natural leader of the Global South,” General Dwivedi stated.
He emphasized the need for India to look towards Africa as a future power centre, recognizing its growing role in the shifting global order. He observed that despite India’s demographic and geographic advantages, its global standing remains relatively modest.
“With ongoing geopolitical shifts and the race for resource control, Africa presents itself as a future power centre. India’s position will remain crucial due to its geography, demography, democracy, prosperity, soft power, and inclusive approach,” he asserted.
Strategic Challenges and Two-Front Threat
General Dwivedi highlighted the hurdles India faces in shaping international policies, noting that despite its credentials as the world’s largest democracy and a key geostrategic player, it continues to struggle for greater influence.
“We have been repeatedly blocked, limiting our ability to shape key global decisions directly. Even BRICS has faced setbacks, particularly in its challenge to the dominance of the US dollar, which has drawn strong pushback from the Trump administration. In this context, we must closely monitor developments in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO),” he warned.
The Army Chief also referenced the growing strategic coordination between China and Pakistan, describing it as “near absolute collusivity.”
“As far as I am concerned, the two-front threat is now a reality,” he cautioned.
Echoing the late General Bipin Rawat, he warned of the dangers posed by India’s unsettled borders.
“When you have unsettled borders to your north and west, you don’t know where the battle will commence or where it will end. So, you must be prepared for both fronts. Today, the near-absolute collusivity between our adversaries has further compounded the threat,” he said.
Global Conflicts and Realignments
Speaking on the evolving world order, General Dwivedi noted how recent conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have reshaped global alliances.
“In 2025, the world is just recovering from two major conflicts—Ukraine and Gaza—where nations took sides based on realism, idealism, or even religious considerations,” he remarked.
He also pointed to China’s challenge to the existing rules-based order, particularly through its Belt and Road Initiative, which has extended its influence across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
“The United States, reinforcing alliances like AUKUS and Quad, is pushing for a free Indo-Pacific. Europe is treading a delicate path, balancing principles of human rights while engaging with both China and the US, yet remains uncertain about its approach to Russia,” he explained.
Meanwhile, he noted, Africa is rising, and the Global South is increasingly demanding a multipolar world that better reflects diverse interests.
Rethinking Security in Changing World
General Dwivedi stressed the need for India to rethink security strategies in response to the shifting geopolitical landscape.
“Doing more and doing better is no longer enough. We must do things differently, which requires thinking differently. Enhancing security today means reimagining our approach,” he said.
He highlighted India’s transition from a traditional non-alignment policy to a more dynamic and assertive strategy of “multi-alignment.”
“Security is about comprehensive capability—both to wage war and deter war. A robust military-civil fusion, an Aatm Nirbhar defence industrial base, dual-use national assets, well-informed decision-makers within the DIME (Diplomatic, Informational, Military, Economic) framework, and an inclusive approach for citizen warriors are pivotal,” he elaborated.
Role of Technology and Space Warfare
General Dwivedi underscored the growing role of technology in deterrence.
“Technological prowess has become the new currency of deterrence. Data has emerged as the new capital of trade and security,” he said.
He also raised concerns over China’s increasing militarization of space, warning that it heightens tensions and escalates risks, including orbital debris.
Strengthening Global Influence and Governance Reforms
General Dwivedi called for reforms in international governance structures, such as the United Nations Security Council, to bolster India’s global standing.
“The UN Security Council must be reformed to include representatives from the Global South. India must actively engage in conflict resolution as a negotiator or mediator, leverage its diaspora for humanitarian causes, and advocate a common platform for global commerce,” he urged.
He reaffirmed India’s commitment to peacekeeping and counterterrorism, emphasizing that the military remains aligned with national priorities.
“India should lead peacekeeping operations, advocate nuclear weapons as a political deterrent, and play a decisive role in the Global War on Terrorism, given our firsthand experience combating terrorism in J&K, the Northeast, and against left-wing extremism,” he stated.
The Road Ahead
General Dwivedi’s address painted a complex picture of India’s geopolitical challenges. While China’s rise and the strengthening China-Pakistan nexus pose serious strategic concerns, he emphasized that India must focus on enhancing its diplomatic, technological, and military capabilities to secure its position in the emerging global order.
As India asserts itself on the world stage, navigating the road ahead will require a careful balance of leveraging alliances, reimagining deterrence, and championing the interests of the Global South.
Team BharatShakti
