General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, delivered a keynote lecture at the National Defence College (NDC) in New Delhi on Thursday, highlighting the Indian Army’s rapid strides in technological transformation and future readiness.
Addressing the 65th NDC course, which includes 124 officers—44 of them from 32 friendly foreign nations—General Dwivedi underscored the decisive role of advanced technologies, non-kinetic strategies, and soldier capability in shaping modern warfare.
He stressed the Army’s focus on Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) as part of the national vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. The roadmap, spearheaded by Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla in 2025, prioritises artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), cyber warfare resilience, and preparedness against emerging threats such as hypersonic weapons.
“Technology integration is no longer optional—it is central to retaining a strategic edge in today’s evolving security environment,” the Army Chief noted.
Founded in 1960, the NDC has been at the forefront of building strategic thought leadership in Asia. Its 47-week flagship programme provides a platform for senior officers to deliberate on security challenges and foster international cooperation.
General Dwivedi’s lecture comes as the Army marks its “Decade of Transformation” and the “Year of Tech Absorption,” signalling a strong commitment to future-ready defence capabilities.
