In a significant intervention, a former senior Indian Army commander has called for a strategic shift in the country's defence planning, moving beyond the long-debated concept of theatre commands to a more holistic integration of civilian and military resources. The remarks were made during a high-level discussion in Chandigarh.
Veteran Commander Calls for Strategic Shift
The event, held on Saturday at the Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID) in Sector 19, Chandigarh, featured a book discussion on Civil-Military Fusion as a Metric of National Power and Comprehensive Security. The talk was jointly organised by the Chandigarh Citizens' Foundation and the Gyan Setu Think Tank.
The keynote speaker was Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd), PVSM, YSM, SM, a highly decorated officer who previously commanded the strategically vital X Corps and served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) before retiring in 2022. He did not mince words, stating that "India is stuck in the concept of theatre commands; what we need now is civil-military fusion."
The Core Argument for Civil-Military Fusion
Lt Gen Shukla positioned Civil-Military Fusion (CMF) as a central pillar in China's ascent and argued it must become a top strategic priority for India. He explained that CMF effectively combines military and civilian resources, technology, and industrial capacities. This synergy aims to:
- Strengthen national security comprehensively.
- Accelerate the pace of innovation and indigenisation.
- Ensure mutual benefit between the defence establishment and the nation's economic and scientific base.
The discussion centred on his book, which was released in October 2025 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The book advocates for deeply integrating the armed forces with industry, academia, startups, and diplomatic channels. This, Shukla emphasised, is crucial for driving self-reliance, retaining top talent, and building technological resilience in an era defined by hybrid warfare threats.
"India's rise as a global power will depend not only on military strength but on how seamlessly civil, industrial, scientific, and strategic ecosystems work together," Shukla stressed during the session.
High-Profile Endorsement and Future Implications
The gravity of the discussion was underscored by its distinguished audience and panel. The conversation was moderated by Lt Gen (Retd) KJ Singh. Attendees included former Chiefs of Staff General VP Malik and Admiral Sunil Lanba, alongside several other senior veterans.
The consensus among speakers highlighted CMF's potential to elevate India's strategic posture on the world stage. A key focus was on leveraging cutting-edge innovation through collaboration with startups and the adoption of AI-driven technologies. The event served as a powerful reminder that in the 21st century, national security is inextricably linked to a nation's ability to fuse its defensive capabilities with its civilian technological and industrial might.
