Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has declared that the Indian armed forces are prepared for fifth-generation conflicts, characterised by non-contact warfare, strategic tempo, and psychological dominance. Speaking at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-Madras), he emphasised that future warfare demands a blend of conventional strength and modern capabilities, where “boots must share space with bots.”
Gen Dwivedi highlighted Operation Sindoor as a landmark intelligence-driven response that redefined India’s counter-terrorism doctrine. He described the tri-services action as a demonstration of India’s ability to deliver “precise, punitive, and coordinated action,” compelling Pakistan to seek a ceasefire within 88 hours. The operation, he said, was “unprecedented in scale, range, depth, and strategic impact,” executed across the ‘DIME’ spectrum—diplomatic, informational, military, and economic domains.
The army chief underscored the transformative journey of the Indian Army, marked by grey-zone conflicts, technological democratisation, and the need for integrated responses. He inaugurated ‘Agnishodh,’ a research cell at IIT-Madras, aimed at boosting self-reliance in defence technology. This initiative is part of the army’s broader transformation framework, guided by the ‘Five Pillars of Transformation.’
“Agnishodh” advances the pillar of modernisation and technology infusion, integrating academic research with real-time applications. The collaboration extends into the IIT-Madras Research Park, working with entities like the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre (AMTDC) and Pravartak Technologies Foundation.
Gen Dwivedi reiterated the Indian Army’s commitment to its ‘Decade of Transformation’ vision through various reforms. He appreciated projects undertaken by Indian Army Cells at IIT-Delhi, IIT-Kanpur, and IISc, Bengaluru, and initiatives like ‘Project SAMBHAV’ and additive manufacturing partnerships with Army Base Workshops. He also felicitated four distinguished ex-servicemen with Veteran Achievers Awards, honouring their service and commitment to nation-building.
The army chief’s address underscores India’s strategic shift towards self-reliance in defence technology and its preparedness for evolving warfare. As the Indian Army continues to modernise, collaborations like ‘Agnishodh’ will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of military innovation and capability.