Operation Sindoor underlines Indian Army’s shift from reactive to proactive deterrence, says General Upendra Dwivedi

Chief of Army Staff stresses need for shift to proactive deterrence and tech-driven, multi-domain capabilities in modern warfare.

The need for the Indian Army to move from a reactive approach to a proactive deterrence posture, while adapting to emerging forms of warfare through technology, innovation and multi-domain capabilities, was emphasised by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, drawing on key lessons from Operation Sindoor.

He was addressing officers during a visit to the College of Defence Management (CDM) in Secunderabad on March 10, where he spoke about the evolving security environment and the transformation underway within the force. The interaction was with participants of the 21st Higher Defence Management Course, along with faculty members and permanent staff of the institution.

General Dwivedi said the Indian Army was entering a new era shaped by technological capability, organisational agility and self-reliance. This transformation would remain anchored in the core values of truth, trust and transparency. Referring to operational insights drawn from Operation Sindoor, he said the Army must effectively integrate multi-domain operations, data-driven warfare and unmanned systems to maintain an advantage in future conflicts. He also spoke about the need to develop what he described as ‘battlefield equalisers’ alongside traditional battlefield winners.

Highlighting the importance of maintaining balance between planning and execution, he said conceptual clarity must be accompanied by measurable operational outcomes. General Dwivedi observed that the evolving nature of warfare demands that all five generations of warfare be addressed simultaneously through an integrated, multi-domain approach.

He also underlined the growing importance of understanding grey-zone warfare and said such awareness must exist across all levels of command, from commanding officers in the field to the highest levels of military leadership.

The Army Chief also referred to the raising of new organisations such as Bhairav Battalion and a Special Operations Forces Brigade as examples of how the Army is adapting proactively to contemporary security challenges.