Life of Soldiers, had the privilege of conducting an exclusive interview with the Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, during the 77th Army Day celebrations. In this insightful discussion, General Dwivedi shared his perspectives on the evolving security landscape, the Indian Army’s strategic vision, and the unwavering commitment of our soldiers in safeguarding the nation. Below are key excerpts from this exclusive interaction.
- Viksit Bharat 2047 is a national ambition, and the Indian Army’s contributions are significant. How is this vision reflected in the Indian Army’s plans to support the ambition of achieving the status of Viksit Bharat?
India’s Hon’ble Prime Minister has articulated a clear and inspiring vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047, an ambitious roadmap that calls upon every Indian to contribute towards transforming the nation into a developed country. The Indian Army wholeheartedly supports this vision and remains committed to playing a pivotal role in driving the nation’s progress and development in the decades ahead.
While we contribute significantly in our own way, across all national Lines of Effort towards progression to Viksit Bharat @2047, I shall underscore some key issues across four imp Lines of Effort, that is towards Sashakt and Surakshit Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Defence Diplomacy and Nation Building.
For instance, when we discuss ‘Nation First’ foreign policy and national security for Viksit Bharat, the Indian Army’s role in defence diplomacy, safeguarding national interests against external aggression and internal subversion, and maintaining deterrence becomes crucial. As I often say, ‘deterrence is costly, but war is costlier.’
With respect to Atmanirbhar Bharat – Indian Army’s indigenous capability development stands firmly on the edifice of ‘Atmanirbharta’. Given the scope and scale of our warfighting inventory, we are the largest stakeholders in the pursuit of Atmanirbharta. The Indian defence industry has the potential to become an engine for economic growth and a leading exporter of arms to the world aligning with the goal of making India – a global economic powerhouse.
In Defence Diplomacy, the traditional endeavours of training exchanges with friendly foreign countries, contribution in UN peacekeeping operations continue while new endeavours towards promotion of Made in India hardware, foreign officers reviewing our parades, visits to conflict zones and engaging Def Attaches have been added.
Infrastructure development is being planned in synergy with PM Gatishakti to ensure dual purpose utility. Our efforts in the Border Area Development initiative, which integrates the Vibrant Village Programme with Border Area Tourism, is a step in this direction. Similarly, we are aligned on various other efforts of the Government of India, such as India’s ‘Techade’, through modernisation, tech infusion and support for national tech missions including encouragement start-ups, MSMEs and iDEX platforms.
We are also collaborating closely with various ministries on several fronts. For example, our partnership with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) focuses on information security, with encrypted mobile phones being a prime example of this collaboration.
In terms of energy security, we’re transitioning to sustainable alternatives, including solar panels, electric vehicles, and hydrogen-powered buses. On the scientific and technological front, we’ve set up Regional Technical Nodes to encourage innovation and collaboration with defence startups. We are also promoting food security by incorporating millets into our troops’ diets.
The Army’s contributions extend to the health and well-being of our soldiers and the nation. We provide medical support in some of the most remote areas of India. Our Mission Olympic Wing is preparing athletes who represent the country on the global stage, ensuring they have all the resources and facilities they need. Additionally, our environmental task forces are also working diligently towards making military stations landfill-free and contributing to campaigns such as Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.
Underpinned by the principles of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Indian Army is resolutely working towards becoming a self-reliant and future-ready force. Our goal is to remain a cornerstone of India’s national security and contribute significantly to nation-building. We are dedicated to ensuring that all the national missions aimed at achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047 are fully realised.
- The leadership of the Indian Army plays a crucial role in its operational success. Could you outline the primary focus areas under your guidance?
The vision of the Indian Army is a legacy shaped by my predecessors, and I aim to build upon this foundation by carrying forward 50% of what I have inherited, introducing 30% new ideas for execution and implementation, and sowing 20% innovative concepts for the next generation.
My mission is to ensure full-spectrum operational preparedness while simultaneously transforming the Indian Army into a modern, agile, adaptive, tech-enabled, and Atmanirbhar future-ready force. This force will be capable of deterring and winning wars in a multidomain environment. The Indian Army will continue to be a vital pillar of the National Security Apparatus, dedicated to protecting national interests and contributing significantly to nation-building in coordination with all government agencies and sister services.
The thrust areas include maintaining full-spectrum operational preparedness by ensuring complete vigilance on the LAC and Line of Control as well hinterland in Jammu & Kashmir and North East. We are also focussing on leveraging digitised tools through our initiative of technology absorption for decision-making, and securing dominance in emerging grey zone and cognitive domains. We are currently pursuing the Decade of Transformation besides converging multi-domain capacities in synergy with all government agencies.
Indian Army will seek avenues and bring together our capacities to support nation-building initiatives. Our endeavour will be to forge Military Leaders of character & outcome-oriented professionals. We will foster an organisational climate underpinned by ‘ethical values’, ‘professional focus’, ‘teamwork’, ‘positivity’ and ‘ably led’, at all echelons.
Strengthening morale and motivation at all levels remains a priority, alongside cultivating a positive organisational climate rooted in professionalism, teamwork, and the core values of independent India.
Lastly, I am deeply committed to addressing the welfare of serving and retired personnel, as well as Veer Naris, through a comprehensive approach with ownership at all levels. The principle of ‘Right to Responsibility’ will be upheld, ensuring that every rank takes an active role in this endeavour.
These thrust areas will ensure Indian Army’s operational readiness, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to national security and development while preserving its proud legacy and ethos.
- Infrastructure development in forward areas is essential for operational readiness. What specific projects are being implemented to enhance connectivity and development in border areas?
Infrastructure development has been prioritised as a critical enabler of operational preparedness, adopting a holistic and comprehensive approach. This development aligns with national logistics requirements and is designed to serve dual purposes, supporting both military and civilian needs. Essential infrastructure is being constructed using modern techniques to ensure superior quality and adherence to timelines, enhancing readiness and efficiency.
The Army, in collaboration with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and other construction agencies, has outlined a comprehensive perspective plan up to 2028. In the past five years, we have achieved the construction of 4,400 km of roads and 19 km of bridges. Moving forward, we aim to construct 13,000 km of roads in the next five years. Coordination across all involved agencies is being streamlined to ensure smooth execution and efficient integration of these vital infrastructure projects.
Aligned with the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PM GS NMP), dual-use infrastructure data such as border roads, hospitals, and railway lines has been uploaded to the GS NMP portal. 300 Dual Use projects are being looked at under PM Gati Shakti initiative. Our Operational Works efforts are being progressed in a holistic and comprehensive manner. Approximately, ₹2000 crores worth operational works have been completed in last one year. The impetus is on developing essential infrastructure from operational perspective, including force preservation assets, operational logistics facilities, billeting for troops, forward connectivity, and aviation-related infrastructure. Enhancements to anti-infiltration systems are also being incorporated to strengthen border security.
In Sikkim, where connectivity was severely affected by the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in October 2023 and subsequent flash floods in May 2024, restoration efforts are underway. New infrastructure is being constructed to build redundancy and ensure uninterrupted connectivity in this critical region.
In the Creek Sector, the Indian Army is undertaking specialised infrastructure projects, including berthing and docking facilities, marine equipment repair and maintenance facilities, and additional billeting to support troops during heightened security situations.
As far as communication is concerned, 4G connectivity is being provided to 355 Posts (99 villages) through a BSNL 4G saturation plan. Civil power is also being provided to 108 Army locations. We have also started several Green Energy projects through multiple Solar Power initiatives and Green Hydrogen projects.
The Indian Army is committed to ensuring the optimal utilisation of resources for both civilian and defence purposes. These resources will be employed to enable rapid and efficient mobilisation whenever required. The focus is on achieving maximum efficiency through optimum capacity utilisation, ensuring that forces are neither under-utilised nor over-extended, thereby effectively accomplishing mission objectives.
- How is the Army responding to the surge in violence post-government formation in Jammu and Kashmir?
Pakistan remains the epicentre of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. It is persistent in its attempts to destabilise the region, including recruitment, training, and funding for terrorism. These efforts have been thwarted. The Indian Army, in line with the Government’s policy of zero tolerance to terrorism, has adopted a synergised approach involving security forces and law enforcement agencies in counter-terrorism (CT) operations. Indian Army remains committed to neutralising threats posed by terrorist groups and infiltration from across the Line of Control (LC).
The situation in J&K has improved gradually after Abrogation of Article 370, with the peaceful conduct of the recent Assembly elections and G-20 events reflect the growing involvement of the local population. The last Amarnath Yatra saw a record of more than 5 lakh pilgrim visiting Jammu and Kashmir. The dynamic counter-terrorism grid with accretion forces continues to function seamlessly, with relentless kinetic operations infusing latest technology are aimed at identifying, pre-empting, and neutralising terrorist threats. We have been able to neutralise 73 terrorists last year out of which 60% were Pakistan terrorists.
The IA’s efforts in engaging the population and promoting peace have significantly reduced local recruitment for terrorism, with a remarkable 83% decline in terrorism-related incidents over the past five years. The people of J&K have shown a clear rejection of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, with all time low recruitment of only two this year.
The tempo of operations in hinterland is Re-energised, Re-focused into new areas. The Police has also undergone in major revamp. The security forces remain committed and are proactive in addressing emerging threats and maintaining peace and stability in the region.
While minor security challenges remain, particularly in Jammu, the Indian Army’s commitment to peace and stability is unwavering. By continuously adapting its strategies, maintaining a robust force posture an engaging with local population, the Army is working to ensure the return of normalcy and support Government of India’s ongoing development initiatives in the region.
- The welfare of veterans and their families is an enduring priority. What recent initiatives have been launched to support this community?
The Indian Army regards its Veterans, Veer Naris and their Dependents, an integral part of its extended family. And this family of ours comprises of over 25 lakh Veterans, 7 lakh Veer Naris, 28 lakh registered dependents, 12 lakh serving soldiers, 24 lakhs dependents and approximately 30 lakh family members who are not dependent, but staying together. This totals up to almost 1.3 crores. Welfare of this population is our sacred responsibility, and we remain firmly committed towards it.
The two pillars that underscore veteran engagement and reciprocity are that the Veterans deserve ‘Recognition and Respect’ and they simultaneously have a ‘Right to Responsibility’. As part of this, the Shaurya Sampravah series of engagement with Veterans has been started towards gaining from their experience and informed feedback. The initiatives include forming Veteran Advisory Groups, participation in Brainstorming and strategic training discussions, Red Teaming and Veteran led Think Tanks, as also Honouring Veteran Achievers. We are also pursuing measures to augment inclusivity of Veterans in Nation Building efforts.
On the Welfare front, Project NAMAN has been launched, which is a Common Service Centre of MeitY in conjunction with CSR of HDFC Bank, as a one stop solution for all online documentation issues. We have started with 14 locations which shall expand to 200 locations pan India.
The SAMBANDH Chatbot, launched in 2024, leverages Whatsapp to provide real time assistance on pension, SPARSH, ECHS and other services. With over 3.9 lakh recipients reached and a grievance resolution of 96%, it ensures timely support and transparency.
The Veerangana and Veterans Sewa Kendra (VSK+), operational since November 2022, acts as a single window CRM-based platform for welfare services, handling 2,91,033 calls with a 76% resolution rate.
In healthcare our Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme has a total of 3,296 empanelled hospitals across the country. There has been zero pendency drive in place to clear the claims of the beneficiaries. In addition, dedicated programs provide counselling for stress, PTSD and guidance cum resources for career transition, including skill development training and job placement services.
We look forward towards the contribution of veterans as an important pillar in Nation Building.
- Gender inclusivity is a growing focus in defence. How is the Army ensuring equitable opportunities and participation for women across its ranks?
The Indian Army remains committed to promoting gender neutrality, inclusivity and extending opportunities for women, while maintaining operational efficiency. A regards Women Officers (WOs), they are being inducted into 12 Arms / Services presently and we have increased their commissioning vacancies from 80 to 144 in the last one year. The feeder institutions have witnessed opening up of vacancies to girls, where we presently have 1578 girls in 33 Sainik Schools, 87 girls in five Rashtriya Military Schools, 24 girls in RIMC and 60 Girl Cadets in NDA.
Presently we have 1732 WOs serving and we have approved a Study for enhancing this number to 2037 WOs, over the next few years. Today, 124 WOs are Colonels of which 115 are tenanting command billets, and 18 more stand approved for promotion to the rank of Colonel. In August last year, Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair took over as the DGMS (Army), which is historic for Indian Army for she is the first Woman Officer to hold that position.
The WOs are doing a remarkable job in the field, be it the UNPKO, Siachen Glacier or HADR. During the Vijay Diwas At Home event last month, young WOs proudly briefed the Hon’ble President of India on Indian Army’s HADR participation, Swachh pursuits and Green initiatives. Almost 32% of Military Observers / Staff Officers in UN are WOs.
As regards Women in Other Ranks, they were first inducted in Corps of Military Police (CMP) in 2020 and thereafter under the Agnipath Scheme, we have 100 vacancies open for them every year. Presently we have 210 women soldiers serving and 100 under training. We intend to increase annual induction of women in other ranks up to 1200 per year by 2032 and gradually up to 1700 thereafter.
To facilitate the recruitment of Women in Other Ranks, we would be taking up the Amendment to Army Act Section 12, that presently legislates eligibility of only Males for recruitment in the Army (Three amendments have been done earlier – WOs in AMC, WOs in Supporting Arms & Services and Women soldiers in CMP).
The Indian Army stands firm in its commitment on advancing Nari Shakti while capitalising on the immense potential of women in strengthening out Human Capital competency metric.
- Technological advancements, including drones, are reshaping modern warfare. How is the Army adapting technology and incorporating innovations?
The Indian Army has envisioned for itself, a transition into a modern, agile and tech enabled future ready force. Modernisation and tech infusion into our warfighting system remains a continuous process. We have planned technology infusion through capital procurement augmented by emergency procurements. Towards optimising payoffs accrued from each new tech, an institutionalised methodology stands mandated, with a focus on years 2024 and 2025, being observed as years of technology absorption. Our aim is to develop techno commanders and techno warriors.
The identification of our technology requirements and its acquisition is planned through 16 Technology Clusters, namely Loiter Munition, Infrastructure, Cyber, AI, Robotics, drone and counter drone technology etc. The capability accrual up to 2024 and beyond will continue in areas of new generation small arms, protected mobility, night fighting, ISR, firepower and precision munitions, EW systems and weapon platforms. These will then be assimilated through operation discussions, operation validation exercises, through Centres of Excellence, AI Incubation Centre and Indian Army Research Centre at IIT Madras. We have plans to adopt these technologies through doctrines, TTPs, philosophies, skilling personnels and making new force structures. This will then be integrated into formation SOPs and joint exercises.
In this direction we have inducted encrypted mobile sets. 35 out of 52 Make Projects have progressed beyond the prototype stage, demonstrating tangible advancements. Projects under the Army Technology Board (ATB) have seen remarkable growth, rising from 17 to 62 in just one year. The Innovation in Defence Excellence (iDEX) platform currently engages startups and innovators, with 85 Army-specific challenges worth ₹500 crore. These initiatives are unlocking the potential of India’s innovation ecosystem and aligning with our vision of self-reliance.
The Indian Army has also filed 10 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) this year, of which three have been granted. Notable innovations include the Portable Multi-Target Detonation Device by Major Rajprasad RS, the Hexacopter Tactical Remotely Piloted Aircraft by Major Rengarajan, and the Full Body Armour Suit by Lieutenant Colonel Anoop Mishra, which addresses the limitations of existing bulletproof jackets while offering superior protection. These innovations are now being inducted into operational use.
We have also signed significant agreements to further our technological goals. In March 2024, an MoU with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) was signed to access domain expertise for evaluating proposals from the defence ecosystem. Another MoU with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), signed in May 2024, enables focused R&D and innovative solutions tailored to Army-specific challenges. Indian Army is a strategic partner in INDIai mission, Chip to Start Up (C2S) and QuILA project.
Our regional technology nodes established at the level of command headquarters will further bridge the gaps. The Army Design Bureau has engaged with 1,700 industries, over 200 academic institutions, and 50 R&D organisations, fostering collaboration across sectors. Outreach initiatives such as Forward Area Tours, Internal Development Trials, and Capability Demonstrations ensure that the latest technologies are tested and refined for military use. The establishment of Regional Technology Nodes further bridges the gap between innovators and operational requirements.
- Global conflicts offer lessons for future preparedness. What insights from the Russia-Ukraine conflict are being integrated into India’s defence planning?
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict offers significant lessons for future warfare, particularly for the Indian Army. First, the importance of “hard power” in warfare has been reaffirmed, with land continuing to be the decisive domain. The conflict also highlights the need for preparedness for extended wars, with large-scale combat operations remaining relevant across various types of warfare, including conventional, irregular, and terrorism-related. This necessitates the development of warfighting stamina, indigenous production capabilities, and robust supply chains to sustain prolonged conflicts.
Additionally, the emergence of Multi-Domain Operations, incorporating cyber, space, and the electromagnetic spectrum, has added new dimensions to warfare, emphasising the need for advanced capabilities in these areas to gain an advantage.
The use of disruptive technologies like AI, drones, hypersonic weapons, and quantum computing is transforming the battlefield, enhancing targeting precision and enabling autonomous systems. In this context, air superiority has become less relevant, with air denial tactics gaining prominence, necessitating a renewed focus on air defence.
The concept of long-range precision fires – mass v/s precision – and their ability to overcome distance-related safety concerns has also been highlighted.
The war has also highlighted the importance of operations in cognitive space wherein both sides have tried to paint their own narrative of the war and its outcome which has kept the world guessing of the real results accruing from the war. This kind of campaigning greatly affects the morale of the fighting forces on the ground and ultimately the outcome of the war.
The war has comprehensively proved that strategic partnerships play a great role when it comes to long duration wars. The support mechanism through these partnerships assures the forces of all help and assistance needed to achieve victory in the war, and ultimately boosting their morale to carry on with the vigour required to undertake such operations.
The lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war further stress the necessity of a “Whole of Nation” approach, where civil-military integration, self-sufficiency in critical technologies, and investment in R&D are vital for ensuring national security and military readiness in high-intensity operations.
- The youth of India look up to the Army for inspiration. What message would you share with aspiring candidates aiming to join the forces?
My message to the budding youth of the nation would be “Join The Indian Army” to serve the nation with pride. Build your skills and values based on the highest standards of discipline and selfless service. The Nation requires motivated, dynamic individuals to contribute to our goal of Viksit Bharat.
“Sena mein Vatan ke liye aaye hain! Vetan ke liye nahi!!”. The Indian Army is based on the core values of Naam-Namak-Nishaan and not the salary given to us. Join us to make your own identity, be a team player and lead an adventurous and thrilling life full of josh and vigour.
The basic and most important qualities an officer must have are the simple 2Cs and 3As, Commitment-Communication and Attitude-Adaptability-Ability along with the 3Ts ie; Truth-Trust-Transparency.
If you are committed towards your task and cause, it will boost the mutual trust and confidence amongst your teammates. A leader must possess the ability to communicate effectively. Communication empowers yout to express yourself, share ideas and connect with your subordinates and seniors. Open and clear communication builds strong teams and ensures success.
Your Attitude reflects your thought process. Whether you focus positivity or negativity determines your approach to challenges. Seeking positivity enhances your ability to progress and achieve greater standards.
Adaptability allows you learn, unlearn and relearn as circumstances change. There will be times when you must divert from the well-trodden path to adapt to new tech, environments or strategies. The youth must develop the ability to embrace change and excel in evolving scenarios.
“Khud ko kar Buland itna ki har taqdeer se pehle, Khuda bande se khud poochche; bata teri raza kya hain?” Develop your capabilities so your subordinates draw inspiration from you. Strive to become a role model for others through your skills, determination and leadership.
Dwelling upon the Truth, Trust & Transparency. Always speak the truth irrespective of circumstances. Truth builds credibility and ensures that people trust you in all situations. Mutual trust within a team is vital for success. Trust creates strong bonds and fosters cooperation among team members. Transparency in your actions and decisions is key. As Mahatma Gandhiji said “My life is my message”. Maintain transparency in all your daily dealings whether at workplace or home, and inspire others by treating everyone with equal importance.
