In this interview in New Delhi ahead of Army Day 2026, India’s Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi tells Defence Capital editor N. C. Bipindra about the lessons learnt from global conflicts in Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas, the continuing preparations to meet the growing challenges from China and Pakistan, the adoption of advanced technologies to increase firepower and combat potency, apart from his vision for a future-ready soldier and the army. Here are the excerpts:

Q. What are the most significant lessons the Indian Army is drawing from the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza conflicts, particularly regarding drones, artillery, logistics, and civilian protection?

A. Both the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the ongoing war in the Middle East have been studied closely. They have not altered our fundamentals but have sharpened our focus and accelerated doctrinal and operational refinements in key areas.

A first lesson is the decisive impact of drones and electronic warfare. The density of drones on the modern battlefield has reinforced the need for persistent surveillance, rapid target acquisition, and counter-drone measures alongside stronger signature management, dispersion, camouflage, and redundancy. Survivability today depends as much on resilient communications and hardened command and control as it does on firepower.

Second, these conflicts reaffirm the centrality of artillery and precision effects at scale. Long-range fires, loitering munitions, and integrated air defence have shown that sensors, shooters, and shields must function as one system. Our emphasis is therefore on integrated targeting, layered protection, and faster decision cycles rather than standalone platforms.

Third, logistics has emerged as a decisive factor. High-intensity operations place relentless demands on ammunition, repair, sustainment, and redundancy. The ability to maintain tempo over time, protect supply chains, and rapidly restore combat power is as critical as frontline action.

Finally, civilian protection and the information environment have become inseparable from operations. Modern conflicts demonstrate that perceptions travel faster than firepower. We therefore place strong emphasis on disciplined conduct, calibrated application of force, minimising collateral damage, and coordinating communication to protect public trust while preserving operational security.

Q. With the LoC ceasefire largely holding but terror infiltration attempts continuing, what is the Army’s assessment of Pakistan’s evolving proxy tactics, and how is the counter-infiltration grid being upgraded?

A. The ceasefire understanding along the Line of Control has largely held since Operation Sindoor, and the DGMO-level understanding post May 10, 2025, continues to keep the situation stable, though sensitive. However, this stability should not be mistaken for a change in Pakistan’s intent.

Operation Sindoor forced a visible recalibration in Pakistan’s threat calculus, but the ideological support system and foundational infrastructure for terrorism and proxy warfare remain active and intact.

Pakistan continues to rely on calibrated proxy actions aimed at sustaining instability in Jammu and Kashmir while attempting to remain below the threshold of escalation. This is reflected in repeated ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts even after Operation Sindoor.

Since then, there have been ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts in which Pakistan-sponsored terrorists have been eliminated. These actions underscore a recurring pattern of cross-border aggression and reaffirm Pakistan’s continued inclination to foment terrorism in the region.

Pakistan’s evolving proxy tactics are characterised by smaller, better-trained groups, flexible launch timings, exploitation of weather and terrain windows, and increased use of technology.

There is greater reliance on covert communication means, narco-terror linkages, drone-assisted logistics, and attempts to blend into civilian environments. The objective remains unchanged: destabilise the region, stretch security forces, and create conditions of uncertainty while maintaining plausible deniability.

In response, the Indian Army has recalibrated its operational and tactical posture along the Western Front with a sustained high state of readiness. The counter-infiltration grid along the Line of Control has been significantly strengthened through the induction of niche surveillance technologies.

These include enhanced electro-optical systems, ground sensors, battlefield surveillance radars, UAVs, and improved night-fighting capabilities, all integrated through better command and control and data fusion systems. This has enabled faster detection, quicker decision-making, and more precise responses, thereby closing traditional infiltration routes.

In the hinterland, a robust and dynamic counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism grid continues to be maintained. Relentless kinetic operations, supported by accurate intelligence and close coordination with other security forces and agencies, have yielded tangible results.

Q. How has the Army recalibrated its posture along the LAC after five years of the standoff with China, and what further capability enhancements do you foresee for sustained high-altitude operations?

A. The situation along the Line of Actual Control remains stable, but needs constant vigil, and the Indian Army has recalibrated its posture over the past five years to preserve peace while maintaining credible deterrence. The period 2024-25 saw a measured improvement in the overall environment, reflected in more responsive ground-commander interactions and sustained engagement through established diplomatic and military mechanisms.

The process of disengagement at friction points has enhanced stability and confidence on the ground. This has been reinforced by regular interactions at multiple levels, including Working Mechanism and Special Representative talks, Defence Minister-level engagements, and Corps Commander-level meetings, which have helped address routine border management issues and reduce the risk of miscalculation.

Positive steps such as the formulation of the Experts Group for boundary delimitation, the Working Group for Border Management, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, discussions on border trade, and structured mechanisms indicate gradual normalisation.

Going forward, the focus remains on maintaining peace and tranquillity, resolving local issues through military-to-military engagement, and supporting progress through agreed diplomatic mechanisms. In parallel, the Army continues to strengthen infrastructure, surveillance, logistics, and high-altitude specific capabilities to ensure long-term operational readiness and deterrence along the Northern Borders.

Q. What are the Indian Army’s top modernisation priorities for the next five years, particularly in infantry weapons, artillery, mobility, and ISR, and how is the Indian Army overcoming budget constraints and import dependencies?

A. The Indian Army’s modernisation priorities are being pursued through a capability development approach that is firmly aligned with its long-term vision, the evolving operational environment, and a highly dynamic battlespace.

The emphasis is on Jointness, ‘Atmanirbharta’ (Self-Reliance), and Innovation, translating into credible warfighting capability in a multi-domain environment, moving from credible deterrence to punitive deterrence, and shifting from a network-centric to a fusion-centric force. This transformation is not limited to hardware alone, but also encompasses doctrinal evolution and structural adaptation.

The Army is undertaking full-spectrum preparedness by concurrently transforming itself into a technologically advanced, networked, and agile future-ready force. Modernisation efforts focus on tech leapfrogging and battlefield equalisers that cut across domains.

Capability development is being guided through a methodical process, ensuring alignment with evolving threats, emerging technologies, indigenous design and development capabilities, and the available resource envelope.

In terms of domain-specific priorities, infantry modernisation focuses on a new-generation family of small arms, improved protection, special forces capability, universal night enablement, enhanced surveillance, and widespread use of drones and RPAS.

Mechanised forces are seeing upgrades of legacy fleets, improved night-fighting capability, enhanced ISR, and lethality through new-generation missiles and ammunition.

Artillery modernisation is centred on mediumisation, long-range missiles and rockets, smart munitions and robust recce, intelligence, surveillance and target acquisition capabilities.

Air Defence is transitioning towards modern missile-based systems with improved counter-drone capability and modern fire control radars. Engineers, signals, and aviation are similarly being upgraded with indigenous solutions, modern equipment, and advanced communication and ISR platforms.

Budgetary constraints and import dependencies are being addressed through prioritisation of critical operational requirements, phased inductions, upgrades of existing platforms, and a strong focus on indigenous development under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, with selective global procurement only where necessary. This balanced approach ensures sustained modernisation, enhanced self-reliance, and credible deterrence while optimally utilising available resources.

Q. How is the Indian Army adapting to emerging battlefield technologies — AI-enabled ISR, drones, counter-drone systems, EW, cyber, and robotics — and what is the Indian Army’s vision of the “future soldier” in 2030?

A. The Indian Army is adapting to emerging battlefield technologies through a deliberate shift towards a technology-enabled, data-driven, and multi-domain force, aligned with the realities of future warfare.

Modern battlefields are increasingly shaped by speed, precision, information dominance, and autonomy, and the Army’s transformation is centred on integrating these capabilities seamlessly into existing combat structures rather than treating them as stand-alone add-ons.

AI-enabled ISR is being leveraged to enhance situational awareness, compress decision cycles, and enable commanders to see first, decide first, and act first. Data from multiple sensors across land, air, space, and cyber domains is being fused to generate a common operational picture, allowing timely and precise application of force.

Drones and unmanned systems have been institutionalised across formations for surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, logistics, and precision strikes with dedicated counter-drone systems to neutralise hostile UAV threats.

Electronic warfare and cyber capabilities are being strengthened to protect their own networks, disrupt adversary command and control, and deny the enemy freedom of action in the electromagnetic and information domains. Robotics and automation are being progressively introduced to reduce risk to soldiers in high-threat environments, enhance endurance, and improve operational effectiveness in areas such as surveillance, logistics support, and hazardous tasks.

The Army’s vision of the “future soldier” in 2030 is that of a highly skilled, adaptable, and technologically empowered warrior. The future soldier will be equipped with advanced personal weapons, protective gear, and integrated sensors, fully night-enabled and networked into the wider battlefield system.

He or she will be proficient in operating alongside unmanned systems, capable of exploiting AI-enabled decision support tools, and trained to operate effectively in a multi-domain environment. Emphasis is also being placed on cognitive skills, adaptability, and information awareness, recognising that modern warfare demands not only physical courage but also mental agility and technological fluency.

Overall, the Indian Army’s approach is to fuse human intellect with advanced technology, ensuring that the soldier remains at the centre of combat power while being empowered by cutting-edge systems. This balanced integration of man and machine is central to building a future-ready force capable of prevailing across the full spectrum of conflict.
 
Q. How will the upcoming theatre command structure help the Army, Navy, and Air Force work together more effectively in real operations?

A. The Indian Army is fully committed to this transformation as an active partner in its design and implementation. Theatre commands will bring unity of command and unity of effort by placing responsibility for an entire operational theatre under a single commander.

Instead of multiple Service commanders operating in the same geographic space with overlapping mandates, a unified command will plan and execute operations across land, air, maritime, cyber, and space domains in a coordinated manner. This will ensure faster decision-making, clearer accountability, and more effective employment of combat power.

By pooling sensors, shooters, and logistics across the three Services, theatreisation will reduce duplication and optimise the use of national resources. It will enhance flexibility, enable rapid concentration of force, and improve responsiveness to dynamic situations across fronts.

Most importantly, theatre commands are designed for the realities of modern, technology-intensive warfare, where conflicts are multi-domain from the outset. Integrated networks and joint targeting processes will allow the Services to see together, decide together, and act together, significantly enhancing operational effectiveness in real combat situations.

Q. What are the Indian Army’s priorities for improving soldier welfare, veterans’ issues, and mental health standards?

A. The welfare of serving soldiers, veterans, Veer Naris, and their families remains central to the Indian Army’s ethos. A soldier must remain free from domestic concerns to give his best in the service of the nation, and the Army therefore maintains a broad, structured, and continuously evolving welfare ecosystem.

Institutions such as the Army Education Society, Army Welfare Housing Organisation, and Army Group Insurance Fund, along with multiple welfare bodies, ensure comprehensive support across education, housing, healthcare, financial security, skilling, and family wellbeing for both serving personnel and the veteran fraternity.

Healthcare is a core pillar of this framework. Serving personnel are supported through 113 Military Hospitals, while veterans and their dependents have access to 448 polyclinics and nearly 2,800 empanelled hospitals. Specialised care has expanded with 19 Early Intervention Centres to address developmental concerns in young children and five Palliative Care Centres providing compassionate end-of-life support to veterans and dependents.

Education continues to receive sustained emphasis. The Army runs 140 schools catering to nearly three lakh students and 12 professional colleges for the wards of serving personnel and veterans. Thirty-two Asha Schools support differently-abled children. The Prabal Army Super-50 initiative at Pune, Sukhna, and Beas provides free residential coaching for JEE and NEET aspirants with consistently strong outcomes. In addition, fee concessions and reserved seats have been secured through MoUs with leading universities, and sports scholarships have been expanded to include children of veterans.

Improving living conditions for serving soldiers remains a priority. AWHO has delivered over 33,500 dwelling units across the country and continues to take up new projects based on demand.

For veterans, the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans functions as a single-window facilitation mechanism, supported by a pan-India outreach network. Digital platforms have significantly enhanced access, with the DIAV portal providing pension, entitlement, and welfare information. VSK+ has enabled large-scale outreach through call-based support for widows, NoKs, and veterans, while the SAMBANDH WhatsApp chatbot has strengthened real-time engagement and information dissemination. Publications such as Sammaan and special editions of Baatcheet further sustain awareness and connection. Grievance redressal mechanisms remain robust, maintaining high resolution efficiency and ensuring timely correction of pension anomalies.

Alongside physical welfare, the Indian Army accords high priority to mental health and psychological resilience. Mental well-being is recognised as a decisive component of combat effectiveness, particularly in an era marked by high operational tempo, digital connectivity, and cognitive warfare. Multiple initiatives have been instituted, including early resilience building from the cadet and Agniveer stage, continued reinforcement during service, and widespread access to professional counselling. Over 200 psychological counsellors support personnel and families, complemented by psychiatry centres at service hospitals. The AFMS Tele-MANAS node at AFMC Pune provides accessible mental health helpline support, while initiatives such as the Mansik Swasthya Abhiyaan reinforce awareness and early intervention.

Across all these efforts, the Indian Army’s commitment remains unwavering: to care for its people during service and to uphold a lifelong responsibility towards those who have worn the uniform and their families. This integrated welfare and mental health ecosystem strengthens morale, resilience, and cohesion, ensuring that the Army remains a confident, compassionate, and combat-ready force.

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