The Second edition of Army Commanders Conference for 2023 was conducted from 16th to 20th October 2023 in hybrid mode. The senior hierarchy discussed a wide array of security related aspects in the context of current developments.

Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri (RM) addressed the senior leadership of Indian Army on 18th October 2023. General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and Air Chief Marshall VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) also addressed the forum.

The Hon’ble RM emphasised the need to draw lessons from the ongoing geopolitical crisis and conflict in the Middle East highlighting the need for readiness while expecting the unexpected. He remarked that the tendency of misinterpretation of force asymmetry and underestimating the adversary shall be the defining line between victory or defeat in any conflict.

The CDS articulated the National Security Architecture and the need for Revolution in Military Affairs to adapt to the changing paradigm. The COAS complimented the Army fraternity for embracing and enthusiastic participation in the ongoing change. He also called upon the senior leadership to continue pursuing the process of transformation. The CAS covered the operational aspects and underscored the importance of synergy between the services for optimum operational outcomes.

The apex leadership brainstormed current/ emerging security scenarios and reviewed the operational preparedness of the Indian Army. They also delved into foundational aspects of organisational structures and evolving training regimes.

Geo-strategic issues including Russia-Ukraine War and Israel-Hamas Conflict were discussed by the military leadership with the aim of drawing out relevant lessons for the Indian Army.

Recent Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) in Sikkim and the resultant losses and state of preparedness were also deliberated upon. Synergy between all agencies of government towards rescue, relief and speedy restoration of communication infrastructure were discussed. The deliberations were also carried out to institute mechanisms for better response in similar contingency.

During his talk on ‘Leveraging Technology for National Security’, Shri Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India spoke about the impact of technology infusion on future warfare. He accentuated the strides in Quantum Computing, mitigation of cyber threats & growing advancements in Artificial Intelligence.

The apex-level event also provided an opportunity for MoD officials and senior military leadership to brainstorm and carry forward range of initiatives. The interactions led to key takeaways in the areas of making Short Service Commission more attractive, conducting all internal examinations in ‘Online’ mode and mechanisms for addressing the concerns of the veterans.

In addition, the military leadership deliberated upon the training philosophy and architecture for the Indian Army in the new era including digitisation & automation initiatives so as to make the Force, “Future Ready” in consonance with emerging contours of threats and conflicts.

Views of the senior commanders were taken to formulate a cogent policy in operations, training, logistics and other domains in line with ongoing process of transformation of the Indian Army. The discussions were carried out at the conceptual level which will pave the way for formulation of important policies for the future.

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SC/RSR/VKT

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