Indian Army Concludes "Chief's Chintan" Conclave to Shape Future Strategies
The Indian Army recently wrapped up a notable two-day strategic conclave known as "Chief's Chintan" at the Manekshaw Centre. The event, held on June 17-18, 2025, featured the participation of the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, along with several former Chiefs of Army Staff. The primary objective was to tap into the vast experience of retired military leaders to guide the Indian Army's future strategies following the successful conclusion of Operation Sindoor.
Operation Sindoor was a carefully coordinated joint operation involving the Army, Air Force, and Navy, designed to dismantle key terrorist networks. This marked a significant advancement in India's counter-terrorism initiatives. The conclave served as a venue for an in-depth briefing on the operation's execution, its strategic implications, and the jointmanship model employed, providing a strong foundation for subsequent discussions.
General Dwivedi, who took over as COAS on June 30, 2024, highlighted the importance of drawing on the insights of past Chiefs to advance the Army's capabilities and initiate organizational reforms. The meeting saw participation from esteemed retired leaders, including Generals V.P. Malik, N.C. Vij, J.J. Singh, Deepak Kapoor, Bikram Singh, and Manoj Pande, who contributed valuable recommendations for the Army's strategic direction.
A significant topic of the conclave was the promotion of "AtmaNirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India), focusing on the growing use of indigenous military equipment. According to Ministry of Defence data, there has been a 60% increase in indigenous procurement since 2020, indicating a strategic move towards self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. General Dwivedi, known for his interest in technology from his time as Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information Systems), emphasized the integration of advanced technologies such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain into military operations.
This initiative is in line with global trends, where militaries, including that of the U.S., have increased domestic technology integration by 45% since 2015, as reported by the RAND Corporation. The conclave reaffirmed the shared commitment of both current and former leaders to ensure that the Indian Army remains prepared for future challenges, solidifying its role as a pillar of India's national security strategy amidst a changing geopolitical landscape.
