“National Security Means Protecting the People and Their Ideology”: CDS Anil Chauhan at JNU

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan delivered a powerful address at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Friday while commemorating the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, underscoring that national security in today’s world extends far beyond territorial defence.

Speaking to students and faculty, General Chauhan said that national security now includes safeguarding the nation’s people and its ideological foundations, not merely protecting land borders. He stressed that in an era of global uncertainty and rapidly changing geopolitical realities, Netaji’s assertive diplomacy and realistic worldview remain deeply relevant.

Netaji’s Strategic Vision Still Relevant

Highlighting Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s leadership, the CDS said that Bose was not only a visionary political leader but also a remarkable military strategist.
“Netaji formed a government, raised an army, planned military operations, entered into diplomatic agreements and arranged logistics for his forces. This clearly shows how closely political thought, smart diplomacy and military action were intertwined,” General Chauhan said.

He added that the contribution of the Indian National Army (INA) to India’s freedom struggle has not yet been fully understood or adequately acknowledged.

INA’s Sacrifice and Inclusive Character

General Chauhan noted that the INA suffered the highest casualties, a fact that reflects the intensity of its struggle. Recalling his early days as a mid-level officer studying military history, he observed that most accounts were written from a British perspective, often marginalising the role of the INA.

Describing the INA as a symbol of unity in diversity, the CDS said the force transcended regional, caste, religious and gender divisions, embodying the idea of a truly inclusive national army.

Three Circles of National Security

Explaining his conceptual framework on national security, General Chauhan said he views it as three concentric circles.
“The outer circle addresses how a nation deals with challenges to remain secure. The middle circle focuses on how a nation defends itself, while the innermost core relates to military preparedness,” he explained.

“These concentric circles operate seamlessly and interact continuously with one another,” he added, emphasising that national security is a holistic and integrated process.

General Chauhan’s address resonated strongly with students, reinforcing the enduring relevance of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s legacy in shaping India’s strategic thinking and national security doctrine.