Indian Army’s Vision for Future Warfare Unveiled
General Dhiraj Seth, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), addressed the Mechanised Forces Symposium 2026 on 11 November 2026, held at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. This two-day event, organized by the Cavalry Officers’ Association in collaboration with the Directorate General of Mechanised Forces, gathered military leaders, veterans, defense scientists, industry members, and strategic thinkers to discuss the evolving nature of warfare.
In his keynote speech, General Seth emphasized the Indian Army’s commitment to transformation in response to emerging operational challenges. He made it clear that this transformation extends beyond acquiring modern equipment and restructuring organizations. It requires cultivating a culture of innovation, technological adaptation, and agility while maintaining a focus on the soldier, referred to as the Yoddha.
Emphasizing Jointness and Indigenous Capabilities
The COAS highlighted the significance of jointness and integration as essential components of future warfighting. He called for seamless coordination across different services and operational domains. Furthermore, General Seth reaffirmed the Indian Army’s dedication to self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, by fostering indigenous capability development and building stronger partnerships with both industry and academic sectors.
Reflecting on the evolution of the Mechanised Forces, he characterized their development as a demonstration of the Army’s ability to adapt. This adaptability, he believes, will ensure their crucial role in the wars of the future.
Inaugural Session Highlights
The inaugural session of the symposium featured a welcome address by Lieutenant General Ashok Mehta (Retd), President of the Cavalry Officers’ Association. The session also showcased the launch of the book “Armour 2040: Steel, Silicon & The Future Battlespace,” authored by Lieutenant General AB Shivane (Retd).
Lieutenant General Prit Pal Singh, Director General of Mechanised Forces, delivered a keynote address focusing on “Contemporary Mechanised Warfare in the Indian Context.” He discussed the shift from platform-centric capabilities to a more integrated, network-enabled, and autonomous combat ecosystem.
Future Topics at the Symposium
The symposium also planned to delve into various key topics, including the role of Artificial Intelligence, autonomous kill chains, manned-unmanned teaming, integrated drone warfare, next-generation combat systems, and multi-domain mechanised operations. The event will conclude on 12 November 2026 with a fireside discussion centered on “Indian Mechanised Forces 2035: Transforming for the Future Operational Environment.”
