New Delhi:
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Friday delivered a strong and thought-provoking address at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on the occasion of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary, highlighting the evolving meaning of national security in today’s world.
Speaking to students and faculty, General Chauhan said that national security can no longer be limited to the protection of geographical boundaries alone. “National security today also means safeguarding the people of the country and the ideology they stand for,” he said, stressing the need for a broader and more inclusive understanding of security.
Referring to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the CDS said that Bose’s aggressive diplomacy and realistic worldview remain highly relevant as India navigates a rapidly changing and uncertain global environment. He noted that Netaji not only formed a government-in-exile but also raised an army, planned military campaigns, negotiated alliances, and ensured logistical support—demonstrating a deep connection between political vision, smart diplomacy, and military action.
General Chauhan described Netaji as an exceptional military leader and said the contribution of the Indian National Army (INA) to India’s freedom struggle has not yet been fully understood or acknowledged. He pointed out that the INA suffered some of the highest casualties, a fact that reflects its intense involvement and sacrifices during the struggle for independence.
Sharing personal reflections, the CDS said much of the military history he studied as a mid-level officer was written from a British perspective. He described the INA as a powerful symbol of unity in diversity, noting that it rose above regional, caste, religious, and gender divisions.
Explaining his views on national security, General Chauhan said he sees it as three interconnected concentric circles. The outer circle focuses on securing the nation as a whole, the middle circle deals with defending the nation from identified threats, and the innermost circle represents military preparedness. He emphasized that these three layers function seamlessly and constantly interact with one another.
The address received strong attention from students and academicians, reinforcing the relevance of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s legacy and the need to rethink national security in the modern era.