The Indian Army recently concluded a significant two-day strategic conclave named “Chief’s Chintan” at the Manekshaw Centre, bringing together the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, and several former Chiefs of Army Staff. The event, held on June 17-18, 2025, aimed to harness the extensive experience of retired military leaders to shape the future of the Indian Army following the successful execution of Operation Sindoor.
Operation Sindoor, a meticulously planned joint operation involving the Army, Air Force, and Navy, targeted and dismantled key terrorist networks, marking a notable advancement in India’s counter-terrorism efforts. The conclave provided a platform for a detailed briefing on the operation’s execution, strategic impact, and the model of jointmanship employed, offering a contextual foundation for discussions.
General Dwivedi, who assumed the role of COAS on June 30, 2024, emphasized the importance of leveraging the insights of former Chiefs to enhance the Army’s capabilities and drive organizational reforms. The gathering included prominent retired leaders such as Generals V.P. Malik, N.C. Vij, J.J. Singh, Deepak Kapoor, Bikram Singh, and Manoj Pande, who shared valuable recommendations to guide the Army’s future direction.
A key focus of the conclave was the promotion of “AtmaNirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India), with discussions highlighting the increasing adoption of indigenous military equipment. Ministry of Defence data indicates a 60% rise in indigenous procurement since 2020, reflecting a strategic shift towards self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. General Dwivedi, known for his technological enthusiasm from his tenure as Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information Systems), underscored the integration of advanced technologies such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain solutions into military operations.
This initiative aligns with global trends, where militaries, including the U.S., have boosted domestic technology integration by 45% since 2015, according to the RAND Corporation. The conclave reaffirmed the collective commitment of current and former leaders to ensure the Indian Army remains future-ready, positioning it as a cornerstone of India’s national security strategy in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
