📍New Delhi | 13 Jan, 2026, 7:05 PM
At a time when India’s security environment is shaped by a volatile neighbourhood, rapidly evolving warfare technologies, and intense scrutiny over military preparedness, the annual press conference of the Army Chief assumes special significance. This year’s interaction, led by General Upendra Dwivedi, offered a rare, comprehensive insight into how the Indian Army views present threats, ongoing reforms, and its roadmap for the future.
Far from being a routine end-of-year briefing, the press conference reflected an institution in transition, one grappling with legacy challenges while simultaneously preparing for next-generation conflicts.
A Strategic Overview: Security Environment and Threat Perception
Setting the tone, General Dwivedi underlined that India continues to face a complex and multi-layered security environment, with threats that are no longer limited to conventional battlefield engagements.
The Army Chief spoke candidly about the two-front challenge, acknowledging that India must remain prepared for simultaneous contingencies along both the northern and western borders. While he avoided inflammatory rhetoric, the message was clear: deterrence and readiness remain non-negotiable.
General #UpendraDwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, will brief the media on the Indian Army’s key achievements in 2025 and outline priorities for 2026.
Stay tuned for all the latest updates. @adgpi pic.twitter.com/viZlDfBMtR— Raksha Samachar | रक्षा समाचार 🇮🇳 (@RakshaSamachar) January 13, 2026
He emphasized that modern threats now operate across domains—land, cyber, space, information, and psychological warfare requiring a shift from traditional, linear military thinking to integrated and adaptive strategies.
Northern Borders: LAC Remains Sensitive but Stable
On the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), General Dwivedi described the ground reality as “stable but sensitive.”
He noted that while there has been no major escalation, the Army continues to maintain robust forward deployments and high levels of operational readiness.
Confidence-building measures, commander-level talks, and diplomatic engagement were acknowledged, but the Army Chief made it clear that operational preparedness is not being diluted in anticipation of political outcomes.
Infrastructure development in border areas—roads, bridges, habitat facilities, and logistics nodes was highlighted as a force multiplier, significantly reducing reaction time and improving troop sustainability in high-altitude areas.
Western Front and Counter-Terror Grid
Turning to the western front, the Army Chief pointed to effective counter-terror operations and improved coordination between security forces. He noted that infiltration attempts have been largely thwarted, attributing this to a strengthened counter-infiltration grid, better surveillance, and intelligence-led operations.
However, he cautioned against complacency, stressing that proxy warfare and radicalisation remain active tools used by adversarial forces. The Army, he said, remains prepared to respond decisively to any escalation, while continuing to support civil administration in maintaining internal security.
Modernisation Push: From Legacy Systems to Future Warfare
One of the most substantive segments of the press conference focused on modernization, a long-standing concern for the Indian Army.
General Dwivedi acknowledged delays and gaps but asserted that the Army is now moving decisively towards capability-based acquisitions rather than platform-centric procurement. Emphasis is being laid on mobility, firepower, precision, and survivability.
Artillery and Armour
The Army Chief spoke about progress in artillery modernization, including enhanced firepower, improved range, and better integration of sensors and shooters.
Questions on ramjet-assisted artillery shells and advanced propulsion technologies were addressed cautiously, with General Dwivedi indicating that such systems are under evaluation as part of long-term capability development.
On armour, he referred to the induction and trials of lightweight tanks Zorawar designed for high-altitude warfare, describing them as a response to terrain-specific operational requirements rather than a shift away from traditional main battle tanks.
Indigenous Defence Production and Atmanirbharta
A recurring theme throughout the briefing was indigenisation. The Army Chief reiterated the force’s commitment to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening India’s domestic defence ecosystem.
He highlighted the growing role of Indian industry, start-ups, and DRDO-led collaborations in supplying everything from weapons and ammunition to drones, surveillance equipment, and communication systems.
According to General Dwivedi, indigenization is no longer a “policy aspiration” but an operational necessity, particularly in prolonged or high-intensity conflicts where supply chain resilience becomes critical.
Drones, AI and the Changing Character of War
Perhaps the most forward-looking aspect of the press conference was the discussion on emerging technologies.
The Army Chief acknowledged that conflicts in recent years particularly globally have demonstrated how drones, loitering munitions, artificial intelligence, and data fusion are redefining battlefield dynamics. He confirmed that the Indian Army is rapidly expanding its drone inventory for surveillance, logistics, and tactical roles.
Importantly, he stressed that technology will augment, not replace, the soldier, with emphasis on man-machine teaming and decision-support systems rather than autonomous warfare.
Jointness and Theatre Commands: Work in Progress
On higher defence reforms, the Army Chief described jointness among the services as both inevitable and essential. He confirmed that progress is being made towards integrated planning, logistics sharing, and common operational doctrines.
While specifics on theatre commands were not elaborated in detail, General Dwivedi indicated that the Army is fully aligned with the broader vision of integrated military structures, even as implementation continues to evolve.
Welfare, Veterans and the Human Dimension
Beyond strategy and hardware, the press conference also addressed the human element of soldiering. The Army Chief spoke about initiatives related to troop welfare, mental health, family support systems, and care for veterans.
He emphasised that operational effectiveness is inseparable from morale, trust, and institutional credibility, and that leadership remains focused on ensuring dignity and support for serving personnel and veterans alike.
Preparedness Without Provocation
As India navigates an uncertain regional and global security landscape, the Army Chief’s annual press conference served as a window into how the country’s largest fighting force is adapting to new realities.
The message was one of quiet preparedness, strengthening deterrence without provocation, modernizing without abandoning lessons of the past, and embracing technology without losing sight of the soldier at the core of military power.
