India, Feb. 14 -- Declaring that India cannot rely on fixed alliances in an increasingly transactional global landscape, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Friday asserted that the country "must be prepared mentally, structurally and materially to act independently when required".

Addressing a seminar on "Jai Se Vijay", organised by the Southern Command at Rajendra Sinhji Mess and Institute (RSAMI), Pune, General Chauhan said, "Assumptions about permanent friends or adversaries are increasingly unreliable. Partnerships are valuable only when aligned with national interest and cannot substitute for indigenous capability or freedom of choice.

Jai is meaningful only when it culminates in Vijay."

Gen Chauhan said that dec...