Is India making strategic shift — from Pakistan to China?

NEW DELHI: Removal of a painting depicting the 1971 war from the office of Indian Army Chief has been termed as India’s strategic shift from Pakistan to China, reports Indian media.

A press communique released by Indian Army — showing Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, greeting his visiting Nepal counterpart against the backdrop of the new painting — was the first indication old photograph had been removed. The new painting, however, tells a different story. It highlights Indian Army’s modern warfare capabilities and its evolving focus on countering China’s growing influence. Defence experts, including Major General Ashok Kumar, suggest this change underscores Army’s transition from conventional warfare with Pakistan to addressing the complex challenges posed by China.

The removal of the image was first reported by The Telegraph, which observed the iconic photo has been replaced with a new painting, purportedly inspired by the Mahabharata.

The painting, which depicts tanks and helicopters on the banks of Pangong Lake in Ladakh, is overseen by a charioted warrior, a saffron-clad sage and a bird.

Several critics have speculated that the shift is politically-motivated, with some suggesting the government may be trying to distance itself from the legacy of the 1971 victory, which occurred under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Defence experts, including retired Major General Ashok Kumar, suggest this change underscores the Army’s transition from conventional warfare with Pakistan to addressing the complex challenges posed by China.

Retired Vice-Admiral Jaggi Bedi quipped on X: “Times surely changing. Bend like the reed is the new normal”.

Retired Lieutenant General H.S. Panag posted on ‘X’ the paining has been removed by a hierarchy that “believes mythology, religion, and a fragmented feudal past will inspire future victories”.