Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth Calls for Agile, Technology-Driven Mechanised Forces at 2026 Symposium
New Delhi, November 11, 2026: Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth has called for the Indian Army’s transformation to extend beyond upgrading weapons and equipment, saying innovation, technological adaptability and operational agility must shape its future fighting force.
Delivering the keynote address, “Vision for Future Warfighting in the Indian Subcontinent”, at the Mechanised Forces Symposium 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, General Seth said the soldier, or Yoddha, must remain at the centre of that transformation.
The symposium brought together senior military commanders, veterans, defence scientists, industry representatives and strategic thinkers to examine how warfare is changing, the technologies emerging on the battlefield and the challenges that may shape future conflicts.
General Seth identified jointness, integration and Atmanirbharta as important enablers of future military capabilities. He also stressed the need to develop indigenous defence technologies and strengthen cooperation among the Armed Forces, defence industries, research institutions and academia.
The Army Chief also addressed the changing requirements facing India’s Mechanised Forces. As battlefields become more technology-driven, he said, mechanised formations will need to adapt while retaining their traditional strengths of mobility, firepower and battlefield dominance.
Commending the Mechanised Forces’ legacy and contribution to India’s military capabilities, General Seth reaffirmed their role in future warfighting. He said the Army remains committed to building a technologically advanced, agile and future-ready force under the vision of VIJAY.
The symposium also featured the unveiling of “Armour 2040: Steel, Silicon & The Future Battlespace”, authored by Lieutenant General AB Shivane (Retd). The book examines the future of armoured warfare and how traditional mechanised combat capabilities are evolving alongside emerging military technologies.
The event provided military leaders, defence experts and industry stakeholders a platform to exchange views on future warfare and the transformation of India’s mechanised capabilities. Discussions focused on indigenous innovation, technological advancement and integrated warfighting as part of efforts to address emerging security challenges and strengthen preparedness for future conflicts.
