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Strategic self-reliance – atmanirbharta – in critical technologies and long-pending military reforms, including theatre commands, took centre stage at the ongoing Army Commanders’ Conference, as India’s top military leadership reviewed preparedness in an increasingly complex security environment.
Addressing senior Army commanders on Tuesday, Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan underlined the urgency of developing sovereign artificial intelligence capabilities and building resilient supply chains to reduce external dependencies. He said both would be crucial to safeguarding decision-making systems and ensuring continuity of military and industrial operations during crises.
Somanathan stressed that technological self-reliance, particularly in areas such as AI, semiconductors and unmanned systems, had become a strategic necessity amid intensifying geopolitical competition. He also called for deeper civil-military integration, arguing that national security outcomes would depend on a “whole-of-nation” approach involving coordinated efforts by government, industry and society.
Describing “Atmanirbharta” as more than a policy objective, he framed it as a national mindset essential for long-term resilience.
His remarks come alongside a renewed push within the armed forces to enhance jointness among the three services. A day earlier, Navy Chief Dinesh K. Tripathi highlighted the operational need for integrated responses to emerging, multi-domain threats, pointing to the growing importance of theatre commands in future warfare.
Tripathi emphasised the Navy’s role in securing Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), which are critical to energy and trade flows, while maintaining a forward presence in key maritime regions. He said ongoing efforts towards theatreisation would enable more cohesive planning and execution across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Running parallel to the Navy Commanders’ Conference, the Army’s apex forum is also examining the rapid evolution of drone warfare. Senior commanders are reviewing lessons from recent conflicts in which unmanned systems have been used extensively for surveillance, targeting, and precision strikes.
Discussions are focused on integrating unmanned aerial systems into frontline operations, enhancing battlefield awareness and strengthening counter-drone capabilities, seen as vital in a technology-driven, multi-domain battlespace. The deliberations are expected to shape future doctrine, training and capability development.
Alongside operational priorities, the conference is also reviewing human resource issues, including promotion structures for Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks, as well as measures to improve troop welfare and resilience.
The conference, which began on Monday and concludes on April 16, will also be addressed by senior government officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Defence Secretary and the Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), as the military leadership works to align reforms with emerging security challenges.
Team BharatShakti
