Warning of a dangerous global slide, CDS General Anil Chauhan has said the world today mirrors the uncertain and volatile conditions seen before the Second World War. He noted that warfare is no longer confined to battlefields, with technology, data, narratives and economic pressure shaping modern conflicts. According to the CDS, future wars will be decided by technological superiority and adaptability rather than sheer numbers. He flagged cognitive colonialism as a growing threat, where societies are manipulated through digital platforms, artificial intelligence and information control. General Chauhan cautioned India against blindly following Western doctrines and weapon systems, arguing that predictability kills strategic surprise. Referring to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, he said true freedom also means freeing the national mindset from dependency and intellectual subservience. As global tensions rise, India’s ability to think independently, innovate strategically and resist psychological manipulation will be as critical as military strength.