Dr Ambedkar Nagar: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has stressed that future wars will demand swift and decisive joint responses across domains. Delivering the keynote address at the RAN SAMWAD seminar at the Army War College on August 26, he said tomorrow’s battlefields will not recognise service boundaries.
Aatmanirbharta and Integrated Logistics as Pillars of Victory
General Chauhan emphasised that self-reliance in defence and integrated logistics will be decisive for victory. He noted that ‘jointness’ forms the foundation of India’s transformation. Institutionalising joint training and absorbing technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Cyber and Quantum would enhance operational capability, he added.
He highlighted the need for strong civil-military integration and reaffirmed commitment to develop Sudarshan Chakra, India’s version of an Iron Dome. Calling it both ‘a shield and a sword’, he said capabilities across multiple domains are essential for ensuring success in future conflicts.
Building Knowledge and Strategy
Quoting Kautilya, the CDS underlined that India has long been a source of knowledge, but scholarly analysis of Indian wars remains limited. He urged serious research on war, leadership, morale, and technology.
“India must become Sashakt, Surakshit, Aatmanirbhar, and Viksit,” he said, stressing that this vision requires collective participation to build future-ready forces.
RAN SAMWAD: A Forum for Practitioners
General Chauhan noted that the seminar aims to provide space for practitioners, particularly young and mid-level officers. Their perspectives on emerging technologies must be heard to create an ecosystem where fresh ideas harmonise with experience, he explained.
Seminar Highlights
The two-day event brings serving military professionals into the centre of strategic dialogue. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will deliver the plenary address on the second day. The seminar will also see the release of new Joint Doctrines and the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap.
