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Army Chief General cautioned against Chinese “grey zone” warfare tactics

Posted 03 Oct 2024

2 min read

The observation was made during assessment of the ongoing situation along the line of actual control (LAC) with China in eastern Ladakh.

 

About Grey Zone warfare

  • It involves use of unconventional tactics and strategies that fall below the threshold of traditional warfare.
    • It is the area between peace and war.
  • It aims to harm an adversary without them feeling threatened or realizing they are under attack.
  • Key activities include cyber attack operations, support to non-state actors, economic coercion,information warfare, etc
  • E.g. Salami slicing practice of China. It is a strategy that involves taking over territory in a very gradual manner.
    • It has been allegedly used by China for territorial expansion in the South China Sea.

 

Why Grey Zone warfare is preferred?

  • It is difficult to counter or garner international support to take action against.
    • It exploits weaknesses in the rules-based order.
  • The cost of conventional conflict in the nuclear era has grown too steep, and the risk of escalation too profound. E.g., Russia’s takeover of Crimea.
  • Nations which do not have access to massive resources or power, prefer it.

India’s measures to Tackle GZW

  • Chief of Defence Staff: Improved coordination, tri-service effectiveness, combat capabilities integration. 
  • Modernization: Infusion of technology in war-fighting systems, leveraging iDEX initiative. 
  • Self-reliance in Defence Manufacturing:  Initiatives like Defence Procurement Procedure (DAP) 2020. 
  • Cooperation with like-minded countries: Agreements like General Security of Military Information Agreement with the US.
  • Other: Establishment of CERT-In for cyber security, FCRA regulation for foreign NGOs funding, etc.
  • Tags :
  • India-China
  • Grey Zone warfare
  • Salami slicing practice
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