SP Guide Publications puts forth a well compiled articulation of issues, pursuits and accomplishments of the Indian Army, over the years
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My compliments to SP Guide Publications for informative and credible reportage on contemporary aerospace issues over the past six decades.
The Army Commanders' Conference concluded in New Delhi on April 2, 2024. The biannual event, held in a hybrid format, commenced with a virtual session chaired by General Manoj Pande, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), on March 28, 2024, and was followed by in-person discussions on April 1 and 2, 2024. The senior leadership of the Army brainstormed a wide array of security-related aspects, including ongoing transformation initiatives, leveraging technology and innovation for capability development, enhancing operational preparedness, addressing emerging security and HR-related issues.
Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister, in his keynote address on April 2, 2024, reaffirmed the nation’s trust in the Indian Army, acknowledging its indispensable role in national security. He applauded the stellar role of the Army in guarding the borders, fighting terrorism and providing aid to the civil administration during crises. The RM exhorted the Army leadership to constantly review doctrinal, structural, & organisational reforms to meet future challenges in view of the evolving security dynamics.
The Defence Minister also appreciated the efforts of Indian Army in developing niche technologies in collaboration with indigenous industries and premier educational institutions. Further underscoring the importance of investing in modernisation and technological advancements, he acknowledged appreciable progress made towards the aim of achieving ‘Modernisation through Indigenisation’ under the abiding mantra of ‘Atmanirbharta’.
The Defence Minister also reaffirmed the commitment of the Government to the welfare of soldiers, veterans and their families. He emphasised the importance of developing a trained and motivated workforce that can handle the challenges of contemporary combat while being adept at futuristic evolution in warfighting. He called on the leadership to invest in human capital by adhering to the traditions and principles of mutual respect, loyalty, and discipline. Rajnath Singh also released Indian Army UN Journal -2024 encapsulating the theme of ‘Resilience and Adaptability’ on the occasion.
The senior leadership of the Army was also addressed by General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Manoj Pande, COAS, Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) and Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS).
The CDS complimented formations and the soldiers for their commitment towards security of the borders with a professional approach while at the same time dealing with challenges and embracing the transformational changes enthusiastically. He also exhorted the senior leadership to embrace the aspects of jointness, integration, and technological absorption in sync with the call of the ‘Third Revolution in Military Affairs’.
The COAS during his address complimented the Army fraternity for successfully wading through myriad challenges and embracing the transformational changes with enthusiasm. He called upon the senior leadership to continue pursuing the process of transformation and technology absorption besides adopting the best practices of sister services and modern armies. He also emphasised the need to ensure seamless situational awareness between commanders at all levels and troops on the ground. The COAS also highlighted that there is a constant need to undertake doctrinal and structural reforms by embracing change and being open to new ideas to meet future operational challenges.
The CNS and CAS emphasised the importance of enhanced jointness given the lessons emerging from contemporary conflicts. They underscored the importance of synergy at the grass-roots level between the services for optimum operational outcomes. Sharing the highlights of ongoing initiatives in their respective services, the Chiefs emphasised the necessity to ensure seamless coordination during joint operations and exercises.
The senior hierarchy of the Army was also addressed by Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa & former CEO of Niti Aayog and Pankaj Saran, former diplomat and Deputy National Security Advisor. The distinguished speakers alluded to the changing geopolitics, impact of developments in the neighbourhood and the global arena on India, and underscored the ever-growing role and importance of armed forces in India’s rise and future trajectory. They emphasised upon the importance of strategic planning and readiness in order to effectively navigate these complex dynamics in future.
Over the two days, senior Army leadership delved deep into current and emerging security landscapes, contemporary subjects affecting the Indian Army and HR aspects affecting serving personnel, their families and the veteran community. The necessity to align the training with technological advancements to harness the innovation potential of the Indian defence industry was also emphasised. The senior leadership reviewed the progress made on the ongoing transformative initiatives and future thrust areas were identified. The Commanders expressed their satisfaction with the steady pace of achieving ‘Atmanirbharta’ in line with the national resolve.
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