Lt Gen Devendra Sharma Discusses 21st-Century Military Leadership at Indian Naval War College
Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, decorated with PVSM, AVSM, and SM, and serving as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), addressed the Indian Naval War College on January 7, 2026. His lecture focused on "Military Leadership in the 21st Century."
Lt Gen Sharma spoke to officers involved in NHCC-38, highlighting the increasing importance of jointness and cross-service education within India's military training and development programs.
He underscored the need for military leaders to be visionary, adaptable, resilient, and technologically adept to succeed in modern and future conflicts. The evolving nature of warfare, driven by technological advancements and the need for information supremacy across multiple domains, was a key point of his address.
The Army Commander stressed the significance of integrating emerging technologies and doctrinal innovations with timeless leadership qualities such as character, courage, and empathy. These enduring values, according to Sharma, must be combined with anticipatory leadership, technological expertise, and cognitive superiority to develop innovative and decisive warfighting capabilities.
He also emphasized the responsibility senior military leaders have in maintaining the trust placed in them by the nation, their troops, and civilian leaders. He urged officers to stay intellectually curious, adapt to changes, and nurture a culture of innovation, all while practicing ethical leadership and human-focused command.
This interaction highlighted the critical role of joint professional military education in enabling officers from various Services to exchange views, draw from diverse operational experiences, and collaboratively prepare for integrated operations in complex security situations.
Lt Gen Sharma's lecture underscored ARTRAC’s commitment to developing future-ready military leaders skilled in operating across various domains, Services, and partnerships while remaining grounded in the core values of the Indian Armed Forces.
