Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasized the need for India to prepare against potential nuclear and biological threats, underscoring that while the likelihood of nuclear weapon use remains low, proactive defense measures are essential. Speaking at the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Military Nursing Service (MNS) at the Manekshaw Centre, General Chauhan highlighted the critical role of medical data security and training for emerging warfare challenges in a data-driven era.
Importance of Medical Data Security
In his address, General Chauhan stressed the vital role of medical data amid modern, information-centric warfare, where access to such data could give adversaries a strategic edge. He noted, “The Indian DNA is unique. Our immune system responds differently to various environments or infections. Thus, securing individual medical data—including case histories, reports, and health records—is equally crucial. Operational data related to deployments, evacuation plans, and health patterns must also be protected from leaks.”
While data security and protection are not direct responsibilities of the MNS, General Chauhan urged personnel to stay aware of these challenges to safeguard sensitive information effectively.
Preparing for Nuclear and Biological Attacks
General Chauhan called for integrating future threats into military nursing training, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated, “The world faced tough times during COVID. In my view, biological threats—whether man-made, accidental, or natural—are likely to increase in the future. We need separate treatment protocols for protection and managing infected individuals. We must prepare for this.”
On nuclear risks, he referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s post-Operation Sindoor stance, recalling, “After Operation Sindoor, our Prime Minister said India will not bow to nuclear blackmail. We believe the possibility of nuclear weapons being used is very low, yet wisdom lies in preparing defenses against it.” He advocated for specialized radiological protection protocols in training, adding, “Preparation against nuclear threats contributes to overall deterrence. I think this is important.”
Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, 2025, was a swift military response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 civilians. The operation involved precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, targeting groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. It marked a shift in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine, establishing a firm precedent against cross-border threats.
General Chauhan’s remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and global shifts in warfare, reinforcing India’s focus on resilience against hybrid threats.
