NEW DELHI: Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday stated that future conflicts will extend beyond conventional battlefields, encompassing multiple domains such as cyber, space, and cognitive warfare. He also affirmed that the armed forces are fully prepared for 'Operation Sindoor 2.0' if the situation demands.
Operation Sindoor 2.0 Preparedness
Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the NDA passing-out parade in Pune, General Dwivedi remarked, "As far as Operation Sindoor is concerned, firstly, it is still continuing. There is a temporary cessation of hostilities. So the Indian Army and all the three services are preparing well for Operation Sindoor 2.0 if it takes place."
Future Warfare Across Multiple Domains
General Dwivedi emphasized that modern warfare will not be confined to land, maritime, and air alone. Emerging domains such as space, cyber, and cognitive warfare will increasingly influence battlefields. He noted that modern battlefields have become highly transparent, urging military planners to remain cautious about deployments and force protection measures.
Role of Artificial Intelligence
Explaining the need for AI-driven systems, the Army chief highlighted that technologies help optimize resource use and improve operational efficiency. He elaborated, "In today's environment, we also have numerous drones coming. Now, you need counter-drone equipment, and you need to apply your own drones. Therefore, the resources present on the battlefield are enormous. To handle such resources, you need some kind of automation, and artificial intelligence plays a very pivotal role."
Information Warfare and National Unity
On information warfare, General Dwivedi stated, "Victory is always in the mind. It's not on the ground. Therefore, information warfare is only successful if the whole of the nation gets together and trusts the people who are giving the information. If that happens, I can assure you that the nation which trusts each other and all these stakeholders will always win the war."
Modernization and Transformation
The General confirmed that the Indian Army is fully conscious of modernization and transformation. "We are transforming ourselves into a future-ready force under the 'Decade of Transformation', wherein the role of the younger generation would be pivotal," he concluded.
