Amid geopolitical upheaval, IAF chief's stark warning with a Venezuela, Iran example

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh

Amid rising geopolitical and trade tensions worldwide, the Indian Air Force Chief has issued a stark warning highlighting the centrality of military power-particularly the will to use it. Addressing the 22nd Subroto Mukherjee Seminar in New Delhi, Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh said, "We must understand that military power stands as the ultimate arbiter of national power."

Referring to recent developments in Venezuela and Iran, the IAF chief underlined the risks of military weakness. "…What is ultimately required is a robust military, because if you don't have it, you can be subjugated by anybody. Venezuela and Iraq are the most recent examples. Military power is important, but what is even more critical is the will to use that military power. Unless you have that will, restraint will be seen as weakness. It is only when you are strong enough, and then show restraint, that it is perceived as capability," he said.

#WATCH | Delhi | At the 22nd Subroto Mukherjee Seminar, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh says, "... We must understand that military power stands as the ultimate arbiter of national power... Any one of these powers is very important but finally, what is required is… pic.twitter.com/Nv6euh7RmL

— ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2026

While events in Caracas and Tehran have largely been discussed in political and diplomatic terms so far, this marks one of the first instances where a senior military leader has articulated the defence implications so bluntly.

Emphasising the pivotal role of air power in national security, Air Chief Marshal Singh said this component of military strength has repeatedly delivered decisive outcomes.

"The part of military power that has proved most effective is air power. If we want to be a force to reckon with, it is imperative that we focus on this domain. Whether it is evacuating citizens from conflict zones, striking terrorist infrastructure and its perpetrators, or hitting bases in Pakistan within hours to send a clear message that enough is enough-it was air power that made the difference," he said.

Urging preparedness for the future, the IAF chief cautioned against complacency. "Let us not rest on past glory. Let us brace ourselves for the challenges ahead," he added.