COAS Gen Upendra Dwivedi Charts Five-Pillar Transformation Plan for a Future-Ready Army

Secunderabad, India - Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi has laid out a definitive roadmap for the Indian Army’s transformation, emphasizing five key pillars—technology absorption, structural changes, human resource development, and increased cohesion between the three services. Addressing the valedictory ceremony of the Higher Defence Management Course (HDMC-20) at the College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad, Gen Dwivedi underscored the Army’s commitment to evolving into a technologically advanced, adaptive, and self-reliant force capable of countering complex future challenges.

In his address, the COAS outlined the necessity of shifting the Army’s operational philosophy from a process-driven approach to an outcome-driven one. This shift, he noted, would redefine how success is measured—not by the mere execution of processes but by tangible, strategic effectiveness. Highlighting the three phases of transformation—Era of Transition, Era of Consolidation, and Era of Control—he provided a structured vision to ensure that modernization efforts translate into battlefield superiority.

The Indian Army’s transformation strategy is aligned with broader national objectives, including Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) and Vision Viksit Bharat 2047, ensuring that the armed forces remain a crucial pillar of national security and a preferred security partner in the region.

Five Pillars of Transformation: A Blueprint for the Future

Gen Dwivedi’s vision revolves around five interconnected pillars aimed at making the Indian Army future-ready:

• Technology Absorption: Leveraging cutting-edge innovations in artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, electronic warfare, and automation to enhance combat readiness.
• Structural Changes: Reorganizing military formations and command structures to improve agility, mobility, and rapid force projection.
• Human Resource Development (HRD): Investing in training, leadership development, and personnel adaptability to meet emerging security challenges.
• Jointness Among the Three Services: Strengthening coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force to foster a truly integrated and network-centric warfare capability.
• Strategic Resilience: Ensuring that the armed forces can operate effectively across multiple domains, including space, cyber, and information warfare.

Higher Defence Management Course: Shaping India’s Future Military Leaders

The event also marked the successful completion of the prestigious Higher Defence Management Course (HDMC-20) by 167 officers from the Indian Armed Forces, including 14 officers from friendly foreign nations. The course, a flagship program at CDM, equips senior military officers with strategic foresight, management expertise, and decision-making acumen—critical skills for leadership roles in higher defence management and policymaking.

Gen Dwivedi, addressing the Future Strategic Leaders, stressed the importance of imagination, adaptability, and the ability to navigate uncertainty. He encouraged officers to imbibe the principles of Truth, Trust, and Transparency, which he identified as the cornerstone of military leadership in an evolving security landscape.

Recognizing Excellence: Felicitations and Awards

As a testament to academic excellence and professional dedication, the COAS felicitated meritorious officers for their outstanding performance. Their achievements, he remarked, reflected the intellectual rigour and operational expertise required for modern warfare and defence strategy.

The ceremony was attended by senior military officials, faculty members, and distinguished guests, marking a significant milestone in the professional development of the graduating officers. These officers are now set to take on critical command and staff roles, applying their newly acquired strategic insights to reinforce national security and higher defence management.

The Road Ahead: Indian Army’s Commitment to Transformation

Gen Dwivedi’s address at CDM was more than just a ceremonial speech—it was a strategic call to action. As the Indian Army prepares to embrace next-generation warfare, the five pillars of transformation will serve as guiding principles to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical and technological landscape.

With a focus on technology, structural efficiency, human capital, joint operations, and strategic resilience, the Indian Army is poised to emerge as a highly adaptive and mission-oriented force—one that not only defends India’s sovereignty but also positions itself as a regional security leader.