New Delhi: India’s Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, has called for expanding India’s “Smart Power” strategy to protect national security and ensure long-term prosperity in an increasingly unstable global environment.
Speaking at the seminar “Security to Prosperity: Smart Power for Sustained National Growth” in New Delhi, the Army Chief said India must combine military, diplomatic, economic, technological and informational strengths to face modern global challenges.
Army Chief Highlights Need for India Smart Power Strategy
During the seminar organized by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), General Dwivedi explained that traditional military strength alone is no longer enough in modern warfare and geopolitics.
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He stressed that:
- Global politics is becoming more unpredictable.
- Supply chains, technology and semiconductors are now strategic tools.
- Economic security and national security are deeply connected.
- Nations must use a “whole-of-nation” approach for future conflicts.
According to the Army Chief, India should intelligently combine:
- Military power
- Diplomatic influence
- Economic capability
- Technological innovation
- Information warfare tools
to protect national interests and maintain strategic resilience.
What Does “Smart Power” Mean?
The concept of “Smart Power” combines both hard power and soft power.
Hard power includes:
- Military strength
- Defence capabilities
- Strategic deterrence
Soft power includes:
- Diplomacy
- Economic partnerships
- Technology leadership
- Cultural influence
General Dwivedi referred to the idea originally developed by political scientist Joseph Nye. He said modern nations cannot depend only on military force. Countries must also build influence through technology, economy and strategic partnerships.
Semiconductor and Technology Security Become Key Focus
One of the biggest highlights of the Army Chief’s speech was the importance of semiconductors and critical technologies.
He warned that:
- Semiconductor availability is becoming a strategic issue.
- Technology control can influence global power balance.
- Digital connectivity and supply chains can be used as geopolitical tools.
This reflects India’s increasing focus on:
- Indigenous defence production
- Semiconductor manufacturing
- Technology self-reliance
- Cyber and information security
“Security Is the Foundation of Prosperity”
General Dwivedi strongly stated that prosperity cannot grow without security.
Key points from his speech included:
- Security is no longer separate from economic growth.
- Stable nations attract investment and innovation.
- Modern conflicts impact industries, governance and research systems.
- National resilience is now as important as military preparedness.
He also said future conflicts will not be limited to battlefields. Economic pressure, technology restrictions and information warfare are becoming major tools in global competition.
India Smart Power Strategy: India Moving Towards Integrated National Power
Experts at the seminar discussed how India can build integrated national power using:
- Defence modernization
- Artificial intelligence
- Domestic manufacturing
- Supply chain resilience
- Strategic diplomacy
- Industrial growth
The Army Chief emphasized that India must act quickly in a rapidly changing world order. He said the country should use strategic wisdom along with national strength to secure peace and economic progress.
Why This Matters for India
The speech comes at a time when:
- Global conflicts are increasing.
- Indo-Pacific security tensions are rising.
- Technology wars are growing worldwide.
- Nations are focusing on defence self-reliance.
India is also expanding defence partnerships with global allies while increasing indigenous production under initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat.
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