In an interview with the local media 'Republic World' on August 8, retired Indian Army Major General Gagan Deep Bakshi expressed his views on India's current security situation and its strategic choices regarding foreign affairs.
He pointed out that it would not be wise for India to go to war with China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh at the same time.
Bakshi emphasized that China's current strategic focus is on the Taiwan Strait and relations with the United States and Japan. There is no intention to initiate new conflicts along the western borders, and this logic also applies to India. Therefore, India “has no reason to oppose China.”
He stated: “There are no permanent friends, nor permanent enemies; only eternal national interest.”
When talking about the United States, Buckish became even more direct. "From the way they behave, they seem more like enemies, and it might be better for us to fight against China."
He pointed out that the United States has shown clear acts of breach of trust in its military sales to India. In 2021, India paid $1 billion to General Electric (GE) to purchase 99 units of F404 engines needed for the procurement of 'Glory' fighter jets. However, four years have passed, and the US has only delivered a 'pittance of 2 units'.
It is noteworthy that in November 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a new contract with GE worth approximately $1 billion. This contract included an additional order for 113 engines of the same model, with delivery scheduled between 2027 and 2032.
Bakshi was indignant: “We are not American colonies. Why should we help them fight wars? We aren’t idiots! And we’re not your 51st state.”
