Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, delivered an insightful lecture to participants of Higher Defence Management Course (HDMC-21) at the College of Defence Management (CDM), Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) on the topic “Operational Perspective – Challenges & Mitigation Strategies.”
Insights from the Frontlines of Northern Command
Drawing from his extensive operational experience, Lt Gen Sharma provided the officers with a comprehensive overview of the Northern Command’s varied terrain, extreme climatic conditions, and complex operating environment. He elaborated on the logistical, technological, and strategic challenges faced in sustaining operations across high-altitude sectors, counter-insurgency zones, and sensitive borders.
Evolving Nature of Warfare
The Army Commander discussed the contemporary dimensions of conventional and multi-domain warfare, including cyber, space, and information domains, underscoring the need for jointness and interoperability among the Indian Armed Forces. He highlighted ongoing capability development initiatives aimed at enhancing surveillance, mobility, and precision engagement in dynamic battlefield environments.
Encouraging Strategic Thought and Collaboration
The session concluded with a lively interactive discussion, during which Lt Gen Sharma addressed participants’ questions, providing first-hand operational perspectives based on real-world challenges and solutions implemented in the Northern Command.
He also interacted with officers from Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) attending the course, exchanging ideas on strategic cooperation, operational doctrines, and multinational engagement. The dialogue fostered a spirit of camaraderie, professional exchange, and mutual learning — reflecting the CDM’s role as a hub for joint professional military education.
Strengthening Professional Military Education
The address by Lt Gen Pratik Sharma reaffirmed the importance of strategic foresight, adaptability, and inter-service cooperation in modern defence leadership. His visit served as an inspiration for the HDMC-21 participants, reinforcing the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to excellence, innovation, and preparedness in safeguarding the nation’s frontiers.
