China’s attempts at claiming hegemony in sea and use of emerging unmanned technologies in modern warfare were discussed by top Indian and foreign military commanders during separate sessions at the Raisina Dialogue here today. The key takeaway was the need for cooperation among like-minded countries.

Senior-most Navy commanders of India, US, UK, Australia and France, while speaking at session “Aegean Sea to the South China Sea: Responding to maritime sieges”, discussed how the rule of law at sea was under threat and how Beijing’s making of man-made islands in the South China Sea could impact the global maritime trade.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said “we are seeing the changing character of war in ongoing conflicts”.

Admiral John C Aquilino, Commander, US Indo-Pacific Command, said, “Our nations are coming together to articulate a position that says we are unwilling to accept a forceful imposition of rules. All things need to protect the free flow of commerce and will have to be done together.”

On China’s self-assumed claims in the South China Sea, he said, “It will impact all of us.”

Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of the Naval Staff, France, said sovereignty of states was contested and there was a “need to rethink our security for the future”.

Admiral Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, United Kingdom, said, “Now, what is happening in the South China Sea and the Red Sea are attempts to impose a will on the Global Commons. If these routes are impeded, then ripples will be felt far and wide. We all have to cooperate. No single navy can prevent this.”

In another session, “The new wars: Policies, practices and preparation”, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan suggested the needed for a deterrence. “What is happening in the South China Sea and the Line of Actual Control is a grey-zone action meaning to provoke a response.”

Vivek Lall, chief executive, General Atomics Global Corporation, US — the company that produces the MQ9B armed drones — made a point on changes in technology saying, "Ability to correlate available data into a real-time operational picture will be critical followed by the ability to deliver a massive number of weapons, especially loitering munitions."

Courtesy: The Tribune India: 24th Feb , 2024