NEW DELHI: Chief of defence staff (CDS) general Anil Chauhan on Tuesday shed light on the need for India to be prepared against bio-threats and radiological contamination from nuclear weapons in the future.Speaking at the Scientific Session on the 100th Raising Day of the Military Nursing Service (MNS) at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt., general Chauhan highlighted the growing risks in the post-Covid era.“The world has been through a period of intense travels and tribulations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Bio-threats, man-made, accidental or natural, are likely to increase in future,” he said. “Defence against such threats and treatment of infected persons require different treatment protocols. We must be prepared for this in future.”

The general also reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance on nuclear threats and the importance of radiological preparedness. “Post Operation Sindoor, our Prime Minister has said that India will not be deterred by nuclear blackmail. While the possibility of the use of nuclear weapons in our context is low, but it would be prudent to take this into our security calculus. Radiological contamination requires different protocols for treatment and must be part of our training,” he said. “Preparedness against nuclear threats contributes to a deterrence against its use. I think that’s important.”

Military Nursing Service: 100 glorious years of selfless service

The CDS praised the role of the Military Nursing Service, marking its 100 years of service. “Military Nursing Service has completed 100 glorious years of selfless service to the nation. Whether in the frontline of conflicts, makeshift hospitals, aboard ships on seas or humanitarian missions, your dedication has brought comfort to the wounded, solace to the distressed and hope to the hopeless,” he said. He added, “I firmly believe nurses are the heartbeat of healthcare, giving more than just care. They offer hope, comfort, and compassion when they are needed the most. We must also focus on those who heal, also need healing. Heartening to see that the scientific session is not only on critical expertise but also the emotional and psychological well-being of caregivers.”Chauhan further highlighted the importance of jointness among the armed forces and the role of data security. “Role-based access and encryption of medical data is very relevant in today’s era of data-centric warfare where access to information will allow enemy or give him a bit of an advantage over us,” he said.The Military Nursing Service was established in 1926 and remains a vital part of the Indian Armed Forces, contributing across conflicts, humanitarian missions, and medical operations.