At Army Day, Army Chief Signals Shift to Speed, Precision and Future Warfare
At the Army Day parade in Jaipur, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi stated that the Indian Army has entered a new phase of readiness, marked by speed, precision and a calibrated response, as demonstrated during Operation Sindoor. Addressing soldiers, veterans and civilians, he said the operation had “established a new normal” by showcasing the Army’s ability to act decisively while safeguarding national interests through measured and responsible action.
Operation Sindoor: a new benchmark
In his remarks to the media, General Dwivedi stated that Operation Sindoor demonstrated the Indian Army’s ability to respond with speed, coordination and precision and that the operation reflected a mature and confident force, capable of safeguarding national interests through measured, firm and responsible action.
He added, “Over the past few years, the Indian Army has undergone a clear shift in thinking. We are not only responding to current challenges, but are also preparing deliberately for future forms of warfare.”
According to General Dwivedi, to meet these requirements, new structures are being created, equipped and trained to operate effectively in evolving and complex operational environments. As part of this shift, formations such as Bhairav Battalions, Ashni Platoons, Shaktiban Regiments and Divyastra Batteries have been raised to build agile, mission-oriented forces aligned with emerging operational requirements, he said. At the heart of this evolution, General Dwivedi emphasised, is Atmanirbharta.
The Army Day parade prominently displayed Made-in-India equipment, signalling that indigenisation is no longer an aspiration but a strategic necessity. Indigenous weapon systems, he said, provide operational flexibility, long-term reliability and confidence in preparedness, while reducing dependence on external supply chains in times of crisis.
The Army is also prioritising dual-use resources—capabilities that serve both military and civilian purposes. Infrastructure, technology and innovation developed for national security, the COAS said, must also contribute to national development. This approach strengthens resilience, sustainability and overall national capacity, especially in areas such as logistics, communications and disaster response.
Networking and data-centric operations
Looking ahead, General Dwivedi announced that the next two years will be observed as the Years of Networking and Data Centricity. This focus aims to enhance connectivity, information flow and coordination across the force, enabling timely and informed decision-making while keeping the soldier at the centre of operations. Technology, he stressed, is being leveraged to improve situational awareness and command effectiveness without diluting human judgment.
The Army Day parade in Jaipur reflected a balance between tradition and change. The Nepal Army Band symbolised enduring ties, while the participation of newly raised formations highlighted the Army’s evolving capability.
