Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi recently engaged in a conversation with India Today News Director Rahul Kanwal and Managing Editor Gaurav Sawant, where he shed light on critical national security concerns, especially the growing collaboration between Pakistan and China. He emphasized that India needs to fully acknowledge the high degree of collusion between the two neighboring countries, particularly in the realms of military and cyber capabilities. General Dwivedi pointed out that this strategic alliance between Pakistan and China poses a serious threat to India’s security, especially in the context of a potential two-front war.According to General Dwivedi, while the collaboration between Pakistan and China may not be visible in its entirety, it is glaringly evident in the virtual and physical domains. "There is a high degree of collusion that we must acknowledge. In the virtual domain, it is nearly 100 percent. Physically, most of the equipment present is of Chinese origin. The two-front war threat is a reality," General Dwivedi explained. He stressed the need for India to prepare itself for a situation where it may have to face adversaries on both fronts simultaneously—an issue that the Indian Army continues to closely monitor and prepare for.
 

The discussion also delved into the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. General Dwivedi was asked about the possibility of cross-border incursions as the summer months approach. His response was firm—there has been no indication of a reduction in terrorist activities emanating from across the border. "Has there been any signal suggesting a halt? Has there been any indication at all? The answer is no. We must be prepared for an increase in terrorist movement," General Dwivedi warned. This statement serves as a clear reminder that the threat of terrorism remains a pressing concern for India, particularly in the Kashmir Valley.Despite the ongoing security challenges, the Indian Army has made notable progress in reducing terrorist activities in the region. Since 2018, there has been a significant 83 percent decrease in the number of terrorist incidents. General Dwivedi also highlighted the success of counter-terrorism operations, noting that recruitment into terrorist organizations in the region has dropped drastically. "Only 45 individuals have been recruited into terrorist activities recently, which is a far cry from the past," he said. This decline in recruitment reflects the effectiveness of the Indian Army's counter-insurgency operations in the region.
 

The Army's efforts have also helped shift the region's focus from terrorism to tourism. General Dwivedi pointed out that the Amarnath Yatra, one of the most important religious pilgrimages in India, saw over five lakh participants this year. This surge in tourism in the region signals a positive change, demonstrating that the area is moving away from its troubled past towards a more peaceful and prosperous future. The successful management of security around such events has played a key role in rebuilding public trust and encouraging tourism in the region.However, despite these achievements, the Army remains vigilant due to the continued external threat posed by Pakistan-based terrorists. General Dwivedi stressed that a majority of the terrorists neutralized by Indian forces in recent years, particularly in 2024, were of Pakistani origin. This highlights the ongoing external interference that India faces in its efforts to bring stability to Jammu and Kashmir.
 

General Dwivedi also addressed the broader geopolitical dynamics surrounding Pakistan and its internal struggles with extremism. He acknowledged the deepening crisis in Pakistan, a country that has long been dealing with the consequences of rising extremism and militancy. "Pakistan is suffering due to its own extremism and is digging itself into a deeper crisis," General Dwivedi remarked. However, he also made it clear that India does not wish for Pakistan to descend into further instability, as this would have serious regional and global implications. "We want stability in Pakistan, not for it to become an epicenter of terrorism," he added, underlining India's desire for peace and stability in the region.In conclusion, General Dwivedi's comments underscore the complex security landscape that India faces, particularly in light of the growing collaboration between Pakistan and China. While significant progress has been made in counter-terrorism efforts, the situation remains fluid, with continued threats from cross-border terrorism and the looming risk of a two-front conflict. The Indian Army, however, is committed to maintaining the nation's security and readiness to face any challenges that may arise in the future.As India navigates these complex security challenges, the role of the military in safeguarding national interests continues to be pivotal. The country’s defense forces, led by leaders like General Dwivedi, are working tirelessly to ensure that India remains secure and prepared for any eventuality, while also striving for peace and stability in the region.