Foot To Futuristic Soldier: KM Cariappa Memorial Seminar Charts Roadmap for Future-Ready Infantry

With a strong focus on “Modernising the Infantry Soldier to Fight Contemporary and Future Wars”, the Field Marshal KM Cariappa Memorial Seminar was held on Monday (September 29, 2025) at Headquarters Central Command in Lucknow. Cariappa was India’s first Commander-in-Chief.

Organised by the Directorate General of Infantry in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), the event honoured the late Field Marshal while addressing the transformation of the Infantry for emerging hybrid battlespaces.

Why is army prioritising infantry modernisation?

Amid fast-evolving threats such as drone warfare, cyber intrusions, hybrid conflict and multi-domain operations, senior military leaders, veterans, academics and industry experts convened to discuss reforms across technology, doctrine and training. India’s Infantry, its most battle-hardened arm, was identified as central to future combat readiness.

Lt Gen Ajay Kumar, Director General of Infantry, inaugurated the seminar by stressing institutional reforms, doctrinal evolution and tech integration. He highlighted the need to enhance combat preparedness at tactical, operational and strategic levels through capability acceleration.

In the Keynote Address, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, GOC-in-C Central Command, declared Infantry modernisation a “warfighting imperative” rather than an aspiration. He called for agility, adaptability and joint efforts between the military, academia and industry to prepare for fast-changing conflict dynamics.

KM Cariappa Seminar: What were the key themes discussed?

The seminar hosted four sessions led by senior veterans, each addressing critical components of transformation:

• How Is the Battlefield Evolving? Maj Gen Vivek Sehgal (Retd) assessed shifting operational paradigms and adversary capabilities under the theme “Contemporary Battlefield Environment and Future Warfare.”
• What Role Are Drones Playing in Combat? Maj Gen Pankaj Saxena (Retd) spoke on “UAS & C-UAS: Changing the Battlefield Paradigm,” analysing unmanned systems and counter-drone responses.
• How Will the Foot Soldier Evolve? Lt Gen DP Pandey (Retd) outlined a transition roadmap in “Modernising Infantry: From Foot Soldier to Futuristic Soldier,” advocating integrated tech and realistic training.
• Can India Absorb and Scale Niche Technologies? Maj Gen Sanjeev Kumar Senger (Retd) focused on indigenous innovation in “Indian Defence Ecosystem and Absorption of Niche Technologies,” urging greater self-reliance.

Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva, Chief of Staff, Central Command, emphasised doctrinal refinement, data-driven decision-making and collaboration with academia and industry to accelerate modernisation. He called for agile Infantry units capable of multi-domain operations.

Maj Gen Rajiv Chhibber, Additional Director General Infantry, credited the discussions for laying a strong foundation for future transformation.

What was the strategic takeaway of the sessions?

Participants reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to building a lethal, agile and intelligent Infantry. They agreed that transformation must go beyond equipment, focusing on mindset, realistic training, system integration and institutional foresight.

As a tribute to Field Marshal KM Cariappa’s vision, the seminar not only honoured his legacy but also shaped the trajectory of India’s future frontline warriors.