New Delhi: General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), delivered a powerful keynote address on “Cross-Domain Hybrid Leadership: Essential for National Growth and Security” during the 52nd National Management Convention organized by the All-India Management Association (AIMA). The convention was themed “Global Trends & Future Strategies: Resilience and Adaptability in a Changing World.”
Indian Army’s Commitment to Nation Building
General Dwivedi underscored the Indian Army’s pivotal role in national development, aligning its strategies with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India). He emphasized how the Army is contributing to domestic economic growth by channeling a substantial portion of its budget into indigenous defence production.
Call for Vigilance and Indigenization
Referring to the Indian Army’s operational readiness and recent success in Operation Sindoor, the COAS stressed the need for constant vigilance in a rapidly evolving threat environment. He stated that India must aim to outpace adversaries through cost-effective, high-tech, indigenously developed defence solutions.
“Being prepared for the unseen is the hallmark of effective leadership,” General Dwivedi remarked, highlighting the Army’s approach to hybrid and cross-domain warfare.
Reforms in Defence Procurement
The Army Chief also elaborated on ongoing reforms in the defence procurement ecosystem, outlining efforts to simplify procedures, accelerate timelines, and enhance transparency. These reforms, he noted, are intended to make India a hub of innovation in defence technology and promote a competitive, self-sustaining industry.
Industry-Academia Synergy for Defence Innovation
In a forward-looking move, General Dwivedi urged stronger collaboration between industry and academia. He proposed:
- Establishing IIT/IISc tech cells to work directly on defence projects
- Encouraging consortia models for joint research and development
- Investing in niche and emerging technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and robotics
This, he said, will create a “robust, self-sufficient defence ecosystem” that not only caters to India’s military needs but also contributes to economic and strategic autonomy.
The Strategic Significance of Hybrid Leadership
The COAS’s keynote revolved around the concept of Hybrid Leadership—a leadership model that blends military strategy, corporate agility, and technological foresight. He stressed that such a model is essential to navigate global volatility and support India’s aspirations on the world stage.
“Leadership must now operate across domains—military, economic, digital, and geopolitical—to drive comprehensive national progress,” he noted.
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