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EXCLUSIVE

“We are Currently Pursuing the Decade of Transformation”

In an interview with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP’s Land Forces, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi explains how the Indian Army is aiming to transform into a modern, agile, adaptive, technology enabled and self-reliant future ready force

Issue 6 - 2024 Photo(s): By Indian Army
Indian Army’s modernisation and capability development endeavours are advancing steadily, under the leadership and guidance of General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff

SP’s Land Forces (SP’s): As COAS of one of the most engaged, busiest and the most professional armies in the world, what are the ‘Thrust Areas’ of Indian Army that you are focusing upon?

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS): The vision of the Indian Army is a contribution of my predecessors and, as a concept I wish to carry forward, 50 per cent of what I have received, lay down 30 per cent new ideas for execution/ implementation and sow 20 per cent new ideas for Gen next.

As the Chief of the Army Staff, the mission statement that I have defined for myself is to ensure full spectrum operational preparedness while concurrently transforming the Indian Army into a modern, agile, adaptive, tech enabled and an Atmanirbhar future-ready force which is capable to deter and win wars in a multidomain environment. It will always remain a relevant and key pillar of National Security Apparatus, aligned towards protecting National Interests and effectively contribute towards Nation Building in synergy with all agencies of the Government and sister services.

My 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 nationbuilding 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.

And last but not the least, I shall address comprehensively, the welfare quotient of serving and retired personnel and Veer Naris, with ownership at all levels, wherein ‘Right to Responsibility’ of all ranks become equally important.

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.

SP’s: To foster jointness, what efforts are being made by the Indian Army to strengthen tri-service integration with other armed forces?

COAS: The unique threat spectrum of the nation requires interoperability in a multi domain operational environment, which necessitates an integrated response from the armed forces. Towards that end, Integrated Theatre Commands are taking shape in a pragmatic timeframe. All Services stand fully committed towards this imperative. The progressive roadmap for the same entails the waypoints of ‘Augmenting Jointness’ - ‘Advancing Integration’ – and finally giving effect to ‘Theaterisation’. COSC meetings are underway and we are making progress in an iterative and consultative manner.

In Jointness 1.0, we addressed the existing structures and processes, for example, Integrated Acquisition Planning, Courses of Instructions, Joint Logistic Nodes, common utilisation of Bases and Station amenities etc.

In Jointness 2.0, we stand to address Services Culture, Thinking and Symbology. Here, we have made good progress in Doctrines and SOPs. Joint Medium Repair Organisation is planned for tri-Services common platform or equipment sustenance, for example Helicopters and missiles. In totality, 180 fields have been identified where we can augment jointness and nearly 30 per cent of that, we have already achieved.

“We are prepared to face any challenge, including a potential two-front war, with a robust strategy addressing the dual threats from China and Pakistan”

In Jointness 3.0, we shall be able augment our synergy through pursuits in COPP (Common Operational Planning Process), Communication, technology development, common digital Maps and geo-referencing system, aggregating RPA / UAV assets, harmonising ISR resources and integrated Outsourcing.

Eventually for Theaterisation, we shall be giving shape to Tailor Made Structures, unique to our requirements. Let me underscore here that Indian Army’s endeavours to enhance Jointness are not restricted to the three Services only. Our intent and efforts in outreach and augmenting synergy with other Ministries, Government Agencies, CAPFs and all concerned stakeholders in the security domain, continue.

In a ‘Whole of Nation Approach’, we shall continue to seek avenues to bring together capacities, to support and augment Lines of Effort of the Nation, towards the goal of Viksit Bharat@2047.

SP’s: For Atmanirbharta in defence, how is the modernisation programme of the Indian Army progressing, and what role does self-reliance play in it?

COAS: Our motto is ‘Swadeshikaran se Sashaktikaran’. Our force modernisation and capability development endeavours are advancing steadily, focusing on integrating cutting-edge technologies and enhancing operational effectiveness. Indian Army is a key stakeholder in conceptualisation, fructification, absorption, exploitation, sustenance and disposal of technologies. It is a strategic imperative for us to support indigenous Research and Development and spiral production of modern warfighting systems. We cannot afford to be import dependent.

Our focus on indigenous procurement is unwavering. Two defence corridors, one each in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, have been earmarked. Indian Army is supporting more than 13,000 MSMEs and more than 1,000 startups. We as a country have already achieved defence exports worth ₹21,000 crores. We have also been able to produce domestically defence equipment worth ₹1.27 crores. 35 per cent Positive Indianisation List items published by MoD is of Indian Army, 85 per cent of our capital expenditure has gone to indigenous industry. We have engaged the domestic industry in more than 439 projects spanning across 551 industries.

Over the last four financial years, 158 Capital Acquisition contracts worth ₹70,028 crore have been concluded, of which 144 contracts (97.3 per cent) worth ₹68,121 crore were signed with Indian vendors. In 2024, 16 contracts were finalised, 14 of which involve Indian industries, enhancing capabilities in areas like small arms, long-range vectors, communication systems, and remotely piloted aerial systems.

“Our force modernisation and capability development endeavours are advancing steadily, focusing on integrating cutting-edge technologies and enhancing operational effectiveness”

Additionally, 96 per cent of the total Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) accorded between FY 2022-24 has been granted to indigenous defence industry. In 2024 alone, 23 AoNs worth ₹1.22 lakh crore have been approved, with 21 AoNs (98 per cent) worth ₹1.19 lakh crore dedicated to Indian companies.

In ammunition procurement, we are committed to establishing at least one indigenous source for all types of ammunition under the ‘Manufacture of Ammunition for Indian Army by Indian Industry’ programme. Through this effort, 154 of 175 ammunition variants (88 per cent) have already been indigenised. This has seen a jump from 58 per cent to 88 per cent in last four years.

Since it is not feasible for us at this stage to expect 100 per cent indigenous defence procurement, we intend to import only niche technology equipment not available inhouse and progress slowly towards complete self-reliance.

SP’s: For those interested in Indian Army’s transformation, could you delve into the objectives of the ‘Decade of Transformation’?

COAS: The process of transformation of the Indian Army aims to build a modern, agile, adaptive, technology enabled and self-reliant future ready force.

Keeping with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, Department of Military Affairs has issued guidelines for the three services. According to these guidelines, the time period till 2047 will be divided into three phases.

Phase-I from 2024 to 2027 will be observed as era of transition, Phase-II from 2027 to 2037 will be observed as era of consolidation and Phase-III from 2037 to 2047 will be observed as era of control. Aligned with the DMA’s guidelines Indian Army’s roadmap will involve Phase-I from 2023 to 2032, which we are observing as Decade of Transformation. Phase-II will be from 2032 to 2037 and Phase-III will be from 2037 to 2047.

“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”

The drivers for the “Decade of Transformation” which began in 2023 are the changing character of war, cumulative presence of five generations of warfare, Two and half front security challenges and the predominant Grey zone warfare. The decade of transformation is progressed under five pillars.

  • Pillar 1: Jointness and Integration - The unique threat spectrum of the nation requires interoperability in a multidomain operational environment, which necessitates an integrated response from the armed forces. Integrated theatre Commands with separate Force Generation and Force Application components unique to our requirements will be created. Jointness & Integration initiatives are aligned in eight core domains.
    A few notable achievements include the establishment of Joint Logistic Nodes and shared operational bases while integration with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), especially in the Northeast, is being pursued to enhance coordination.
  • Pillar 2: Force Restructuring - A review of structures to facilitate unfolding of an ‘Era of Integrated Approach’ with integration at all levels for timely application of force is under progress. New tailor-made structures/ organisations are being formulated to improve agility and effectiveness, mitigate adhocism, offset infrastructure asymmetry and enhance role in the DIME paradigm.
  • Pillar 3: Modernisation & Technology Infusion - Capability development in terms of weapons, systems, equipment and logistics. Enhancing battlefield situational awareness with focused efforts for long range precision capabilities, secured communication, electronic warfare, air defence and cyber security are in progress. Development of incubation centres for various technologies at command level besides investments in R&D. Pillar focusses on shaping and enabling techno warriors and commanders.
  • Pillar 4: Systems, Processes, and Functions - Bringing change in organisational culture, by identifying the pressure points, prioritising, encouraging thought leaders with shared values and beliefs. The digitised, networked, automated and in-house solutions to meet functional, operational and Human Resource requirements are being progressed. In addition, to improve lateral communication and learning of Indian Army personnel, deputation exposures are also being planned under this pillar.
  • Pillar 5: Human Resource Management - Review of existing policies and reforms related to recruiting, manpower planning, career management, welfare of personnel including veterans and families, leadership development and training are focused under this pillar. HR reforms such as Agnipath Scheme have been adopted to provide cutting edge manpower. The effort to enhance role of women in officer and other ranks is also being undertaken progressively.
    The process of transformation is multifaceted and aims to prepare Indian Army to meet future security challenges while contributing to India’s goal of becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.

SP’s: Is our Army ready for two-front wars? As our country is surrounded by two major hostile neighbourhoods, what are the factors, basis which, our country may be well assured on this front?

COAS: India has unsettled borders with both Pakistan and China and hence possibility of a two front conflict cannot be negated. Both the countries may have also achieved 100 per cent collusivity in the virtual domain. The Indian Army is developing multi-domain responses to manage simultaneous threats effectively. We are prepared to face any challenge, including a potential two-front war, with a robust strategy addressing the dual threats from China and Pakistan. The Army’s modernisation efforts focus on improving surveillance, intelligence, advanced weaponry, and missile defence systems.

“The process of transformation is multifaceted and aims to prepare Indian Army to meet future security challenges while contributing to India’s goal of becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047”

Following the events of 2020, India has rebalanced its forces to ensure effective response capabilities. Infrastructure development, including critical roads, bridges, railways, tunnels, airfields, and helipads, is progressing under the Empowered Committee on Border Infrastructure (ECBI). Notable projects include the Atal Tunnel, Se La & Nechiphu Tunnels and four strategic railway lines. Additional, 365 roads measuring a length of 18,000 km have been finalised to be constructed with in the timeframe of five years from 2023 to 2028. Emergency procurement powers have enabled the induction of new-generation equipment under 141 schemes. Equipment worth ₹22,000 crores is currently being delivered.

Along the Western Borders, the focus is on enhancing terrain friction. The Creek Sector has gained prominence due to unresolved boundary issues, and infrastructure development, including billeting and berthing facilities, is underway. Equipment modernisation and multi-agency coordination is also being enhanced in this sector.

General Upendra Dwivedi receiving a copy of the magazine from Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP’s Land Forces, during their personal interaction

Coordination among the three Services, government agencies and CAPFs involving Whole of Nation Approach is key to operational success. Significant progress has been made through synchronisation of airground plans, joint coordination and joint training activities, including Tri-Service wargames and exercises like Ex Trishakti Prahar and Ex Bharat Shakti.

We have increased our focus on Front Level operational discussions, operational logistics and multi-domain operations. Technological modernisation focuses on advanced ISR systems, unmanned aerial systems and logistics enhancements to support troops in harsh border conditions.

I want to assure you that the Indian Army is fully prepared to address any challenge including a two front scenario which may come its way. Borders of our country will always remain secure in the safe hands of the Indian Army.

SP’s: We have seen that Pre-April 2020 situation has been restored along LAC in Eastern Ladakh, could you share the future roadmap for ensuring enduring border security along the Northern Fronts post recent talks between India and China?

COAS: As far as northern borders and progress in India-China border talks are concerned, our aim to maintain Peace and tranquillity in the border areas, and seek to resolve differences with an aim to facilitate border resolution process. Notwithstanding, Indian Army is maintaining highest state of operational preparedness to meet any contingency. There is a need to engage the Chinese side, and keep diplomatic and military channels of communication open.

The situation on the LAC has been constantly improving and the friction areas of 2020 have been resolved. The agreement reached on October 21, 2024 has led to a significant development in the region, with the disengagement of forces previously deployed in close proximity. Following this, patrolling has resumed at traditional points, and grazing rights have been restored in Demchok, which is a positive step for border management in Ladakh.

“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”

Additionally, the recent meetings between the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on December 5, 2024, followed by the Strategic Relations (SR) talks in Beijing on December 18, 2024 after a gap of five years, have further strengthened the dialogue process. These engagements have fostered greater flexibility and confidence between the two sides, enabling the identification and resolution of other friction points in an effort to enhance peace and stability, and work towards the resolution of border issues.

We are continuously evaluating the situation, with infrastructure and strategic capabilities playing a key role in shaping our deployment strategy. Any adjustments will be considered based on thorough assessments, indications, and assurances.

SP’s: Level of violence caused by terrorists appear to have increased in J&K recently. How is Indian Army addressing this issue?

COAS: 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 per cent 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 per cent 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.

SP’s: On lessons from global conflicts, how can insights from the Russia-Ukraine conflict shape India’s defence posture?

COAS: 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 clearly demonstrated the critical role that strategic partnerships play in long-duration conflicts. The support provided through these partnerships ensures that forces receive the necessary assistance to achieve victory, while significantly boosting their morale and enabling them to sustain the vigour required for such demanding operations.

The lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war further emphasise the need for a “Whole of Nation” approach, where civil-military integration, self-sufficiency in critical technologies, and robust investment in R&D are essential to ensuring national security and maintaining military readiness during high-intensity operations.

SP’s: Since taking charge, your focus has been the Welfare of Veterans and Veer Naris? If you can talk about recent steps taken to empower them further?

COAS: 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 per cent, it ensures timely support and transparency.

The Veerangana and Veterans Sewa Kendra (VSK+), operational since November 2022, acts as a single window CRMbased platform for welfare services, handling 2,91,033 calls with a 76 per cent resolution rate.

In healthcare our Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme has a total of 3,296 empaneled hospitals across the country. There has been zero pendency drive in place to clear the claims of the beneficiaries. In addition, dedicated programmes 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!