Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has declared that the Indian armed forces are fully prepared to confront fifth-generation warfare, a domain characterised by non-contact combat, strategic tempo, and psychological dominance. Speaking at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, General Dwivedi underscored the necessity of integrating conventional military power with emerging technologies to navigate the complexities of modern warfare.
“The future battlefield is one where boots must share space with bots,” he asserted, emphasising the need for a seamless fusion of human and technological capabilities. His remarks came during a session on ‘Operation Sindoor – A New Chapter in India’s Fight Against Terrorism,’ where he highlighted India’s evolving military doctrine and operational readiness.
Operation Sindoor, described by General Dwivedi as a turning point in India’s counter-terrorism strategy, was an intelligence-driven response that redefined the nation’s approach to combating terrorism. The 88-hour tri-services operation, executed across the DIME spectrum—diplomatic, informational, military, and economic—was “unprecedented in scale, range, depth, and strategic impact,” compelling Pakistan to seek a ceasefire within that window.
During his two-day visit to Chennai, General Dwivedi inaugurated ‘Agnishodh,’ a dedicated Indian Army Research Cell at IIT-Madras. This initiative, part of the Army’s ‘Five Pillars of Transformation,’ aims to promote indigenous defence innovations and foster self-reliance through collaborations under national technology missions like ‘INDIAai,’ ‘Chip-to-Startup,’ and ‘Project QuILA.’ The Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), Mhow, serves as a strategic partner in these efforts.
General Dwivedi praised the innovation-led efforts of Indian Army cells at institutions such as IIT-Delhi, IIT-Kanpur, and IISc-Bengaluru. He noted that programmes like Project SAMBHAV and additive manufacturing partnerships with Army Base Workshops are “setting new benchmarks” in applied defence technology.
Calling the IIT-Madras collaboration a landmark step, he said ‘Agnishodh’ would convert academic excellence into battlefield innovation and bolster the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047.’ During the event, the Army Chief also honoured four decorated ex-servicemen with Veteran Achievers Awards, recognising their service and continued contributions to nation-building.
This strategic focus on integrating advanced technology with traditional military capabilities reflects a broader global trend in defence modernisation. As nations increasingly invest in artificial intelligence, robotics, and cyber warfare, the Indian Army’s proactive stance positions it as a key player in shaping the future of military engagement. The emphasis on indigenous innovation and collaboration with academic institutions not only strengthens national security but also fosters a culture of technological self-sufficiency, setting a precedent for other nations to follow.
