Army Chief Says Gen Z At Centre Of New Battle Space, Even As Traditional Rivalries, Proxy Wars Remain
Gen Dwivedi underlined that future conflicts will test not only military strength but also “intellectual prowess and moral preparedness.” Image courtesy: X.com
Even as the world continues to grapple with traditional rivalries, proxy wars, disinformation campaigns, among other things, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Friday (October 31, 2025), highlighted that the warfare is increasingly becoming non-kinetic and non-contact, where battles are also fought through technology, strategy and information.
Future wars won’t just be fought with weapons but with minds and morals, suggesting so, the Army chief has explained how Gen Z stands at the centre of the new battle space. “The globally connected and socially aware Gen Z stands at the centre of this new battle space,” he stated.
Speaking at an event at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Gen Dwivedi underlined that future conflicts will test not only military strength but also “intellectual prowess and moral preparedness.”
Why youth must be part of India’s defence thinking
Addressing young students and defence experts at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue: Young Leaders Forum, the Army Chief urged India’s youth to contribute to national security in multiple ways — from think tanks and innovation labs to the frontlines. “The youth must play an active role — whether in laboratories, research centres, or the battlefield,” he said.
With this, the Army chief highlighted the growing importance of indigenous innovation and strategic awareness in national defence. “I would like to give a call to action to our youth and will leave a few thoughts with you, gained from my own experience.”
“Firstly, your duty calling is what you define it to be… You have to start today and by yourself… Secondly, inventions and innovations spring out of adversity. Don’t get too comfortable and look for many resources… Thirdly, national security is not just about soldiers at the border,” Gen Dwivedi noted.
The Army chief went on to explain that it is also about citizens and youths who refuse to be indifferent. “I urge every young Indian to join the national security mission with or without a uniform, build technology, shape policy, and spread awareness.”
Chanakya Defence Dialogue: Young Leaders Forum
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also addressed the gathering, encouraging young minds to engage deeply with issues of security and policy. The event, organised jointly by the Indian Army and the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), brought together officers, scholars and defence analysts to discuss how India can prepare for emerging challenges in the era of information warfare and artificial intelligence.
Col Sofiya Qureshi, who was one of the key Army officers during Operation Sindoor, was among the prominent attendees at the forum.
Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 dates announced
The Army also announced that the next Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 will be held on November 27–28, with the theme “Reform to Transform: Sashakt and Aur Surakshit Bharat.” The upcoming event will continue the conversation on how India can build a stronger, smarter, and more secure defence ecosystem amid changing global threats.
