Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has outlined the Indian Army’s transformative roadmap, emphasizing the Five Pillars of Transformation—technology absorption, structural changes, human resource development, and enhanced jointness among the three services. Addressing the valedictory session of the Higher Defence Management Course (HDMC-20) at the College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad, he underscored the imperative for a future-ready combat force.
In his address, General Dwivedi reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to evolving into a technologically advanced, adaptive, and self-reliant force capable of tackling emerging security challenges. He stressed the need to transition from a process-driven approach to an outcome-driven framework, shifting focus from performance metrics to operational effectiveness. He further detailed the transformation roadmap across three critical phases – the Era of Transition, the Era of Consolidation, and the Era of Control.
Highlighting the broader vision of national security, the Army Chief emphasized the need for the armed forces to be mobile, agile, and technologically proficient. He linked military preparedness to the national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, reinforcing the role of self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in strengthening India’s defence ecosystem. He also reiterated the Army’s role as a key pillar of national power and a preferred security partner in the region.
The event marked the successful completion of the Higher Defence Management Course, a premier program aimed at equipping senior military officers with strategic foresight, management expertise, and decision-making skills crucial for higher defence leadership. A total of 167 officers, including 14 from friendly foreign nations, graduated from the program.
General Dwivedi urged future strategic leaders to cultivate imagination, adaptability, and a commitment to core values such as Truth, Trust, and Transparency. He stressed their responsibility to drive transformation within the armed forces and contribute to national security. As a recognition of excellence, he felicitated outstanding officers for their exceptional performance in the course.
#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, presided over the valedictory function of #HDMC_20 course at #CDM _IDS and addressed #FutureStrategicLeaders on transformation of #IndianArmedForces and role & responsibilities towards nation building.
Underscoring the objectives of… pic.twitter.com/qpeCe1GRhs
— HQ IDS (@HQ_IDS_India) March 27, 2025
The graduating officers are now set to assume key command and staff roles, bringing critical strategic insights gained at CDM. Their contributions are expected to further reinforce India’s defence preparedness and policymaking, ensuring a resilient and forward-looking military force.
Team BharatShakti