Indian Army Chief Outlines Vision for Future Warfare at Defence Summit
In a world where the theatre of war is increasingly defined by bytes and bots, the NDTV Defence Summit 2026 served as a timely reminder of the evolving nature of warfare. General Dhiraj Seth, the Chief of the Army Staff, took centre stage to articulate a vision that is as much about technological innovation as it is about traditional military prowess.
General Seth's address was both a roadmap and a rallying cry. He stressed the necessity of transforming the Indian Army into a force that is not only technologically advanced but 'SAMARTH' — an acronym encapsulating seven core attributes he believes essential for future readiness. While the specifics of 'SAMARTH' were not divulged in detail, the emphasis was clear: the future soldier must be as adept in operating a drone as in manoeuvring a battle tank.
Technology: Modernising the Old
Eschewing the notion that new wars require entirely new weapons, General Seth advocated for a technological makeover for existing arsenals. 'The future of warfare,' he noted, 'will not be about replacing old weapons, but giving old weapons new technology makeovers.' This approach, he argued, is both pragmatic and cost-effective, allowing for a seamless transition into a new era of warfare without discarding the tried and tested.
His remarks come at a time when the Indian defence sector is increasingly looking inwards, championing 'Atmanirbharta' or self-reliance. The integration of AI, drones, and autonomous systems within the military framework was highlighted as a critical pathway to achieving a formidable defence posture.
Land Victory: The Indisputable Marker
Amidst the technological discourse, General Seth provided a sober reminder: 'Technology is certainly shortening battles but it is not necessarily shortening wars.' In an era of cyber-warfare and remote combat, the traditional concept of land victory remains paramount. 'Land victory is the only indisputable marker of war victory,' he asserted, underscoring the enduring importance of territorial control in military strategy.
The NDTV Defence Summit 2026, with its theme 'India's New Defence Edge,' provided a platform not only for the Army Chief but also for senior defence officials from the Navy and Air Force. Their collective insights painted a picture of a nation poised to redefine its military capabilities through innovation and collaboration.
General Seth's vision is ambitious yet grounded, blending futuristic aspirations with the ageless truths of warfare. As India stands on the brink of a technological transformation, his message serves as a clarion call for a military that is both prepared and proactive.
