CDS Stresses Jointness, Self-Reliance and Technology Integration at RAN SAMWAD

Madhya Pradesh – Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan today emphasised that future wars will demand swift, joint and multi-domain responses rather than service-specific approaches. Delivering the keynote address at RAN SAMWAD, a first-of-its-kind Tri-Service seminar on “Impact of Technology on Warfare” at the Army War College, he underlined that self-reliance in defence and integrated logistics will be the decisive factors in securing victory.

Highlighting the importance of “jointness” as the foundation of India’s transformation, General Chauhan stressed the need to institutionalise joint training and adopt emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber capabilities, and Quantum technologies to enhance operational readiness. He also pointed to the development of the indigenous Sudarshan Chakra system (India’s own Iron Dome) as a symbol of civil-military integration, calling it both “a shield and a sword” for the nation.

Quoting Kautilya, the CDS said India has historically been a source of knowledge and strategy, yet there is a lack of in-depth scholarly research on Indian wars and military leadership. He called for serious academic studies on leadership, motivation, morale and technological applications in warfare, stressing that a truly “Sashakt, Surakshit, Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat” will emerge only when all stakeholders contribute to building future-ready armed forces.

Explaining the idea behind RAN SAMWAD, General Chauhan said the platform is meant to give practitioners, especially young and mid-level officers, an opportunity to share perspectives shaped by modern technological advancements. This, he said, would help create a balanced ecosystem where new ideas harmonise with the wisdom of experience.

The two-day seminar is bringing together serving military professionals to engage in high-level strategic dialogue. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will deliver the plenary address on the closing day. The event will also see the release of a few Joint Doctrines along with the Technology Perspective & Capability Roadmap.