COAS Interview...
Logistic entities like 3rd line MT Battalions and Pioneer Companies are being considered for conversion to Territorial Army units/subunits thus retaining the operational capabilities while accruing savings.
In addition, a comprehensive exercise to streamline inventory management by reducing the dead inventory and capitalising on availability of items ex-trade on Government-e-Market (GeM) is being undertaken to reduce the centralisation of procurement and provisioning.
SP’s: In light of Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, changing geopolitical situations and emerging technologies, is the Indian Army considering revising its warfighting doctrines while modernising its military hardware?
COAS: Doctrinal precepts are dynamic and evolve with the changing character of war, technological development and threat paradigm. We are certainly monitoring the events unfolding in the Russia-Ukraine, as well as Hamas-Israel conflict, as it will churn out important Geopolitical, technological, economic and military lessons. Not only India, but all countries of the world would be analysing these.
The continued relevance of hard power as the ultimate instrument to preserve national interests, when red lines are breached, and all other instruments of the state appear ineffective, has been adequately reinforced.
Land has yet again featured as the decisive domain of warfare. It is clear that conventional wars are still a reality and India must remain adequately prepared.
Capability development for a full spectrum of conflict must remain an ongoing endeavour. Self-reliance or Atmanirbharta is a major lesson that we have drawn from the conflict. We cannot let our national security be dependent upon global disruptions.
Hence, the approach towards self-reliance is an extremely pragmatic and relevant one.
Indian Army is closely following the ongoing conflicts, undertaking various studies to derive lessons on relevant aspects and these are being assimilated into our training. These include aspects related to the tactics and technology being employed, leadership qualities on display, the effect of morale on fighting and force structuring and combined operations.
Concomitant to these developments and the infusion of technology into our warfighting systems, issues of operational philosophy, concepts of employment, tactics and commensurate force restructuring, are being addressed.
SP’s: How do you intend to push the pace to achieve better jointness and tri-service integration?
COAS: Tri-Services integration offers significant opportunities, and we are making substantial strides in fostering cross-linkages to pool our capacities and capabilities. Indian Army is committed to advancing jointness and integration initiatives. We fully support the progress made so far and recognise the importance of consolidating the capabilities of three Services. Ongoing efforts have resulted in a deeper understanding of each other’s strengths and areas for further focus.
Theaterisation is one of the many jointness and integration initiatives that have gained momentum. Its primary objective is to enhance interoperability, synergistic operational planning and execution, reduce asymmetry through combined effects, optimise efforts, and exercise financial prudence.
The establishment of an Integrated Capability Development System (ICADS) has been realised. This will not only result in more cost-effective outcomes but will also ensure the commonality of equipment and increase interoperability. Furthermore, three Joint Logistics Nodes are fully operational, with plans for four more locations to be merged. Five Joint Training Institutions have been established to align our institutional training capacities for maintaining technical competencies. Throughout these changes, we strive to absorb and preserve best practices without compromising their efficacy.
While we prioritise significant projects, we equally value the cumulative impact of smaller initiatives. Among the ongoing endeavours are Cross Postings, Joint Exercises, Common Operational & Intelligence Picture, Common Service Alertness Levels, Joint Doctrine Development, Common Confidential Reports for Majors General and above, Common Aviation Safety Standards, Common Aviation Basing and Engineering Support, establishment of the Defence Communication Network under HQ IDS, Joint Procurement and Joint Repair & Maintenance. For us, jointness and integration is an inescapable ‘way of life’ and we are well on our way to accomplish it.
Concomitantly, we are reaching out and synergising with other Government agencies and departments towards augmenting our collective metric as instruments of the nation’s Comprehensive National Power. These inter alia include various Ministries of Government of India, State Governments, other uniformed services, etc.
“Integrating technologycentric capabilities enhances effectiveness and provides a competitive edge in the evolving threat landscape.”