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Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi says LAC remains stable but sensitive, outlines army changes, drone strategy and work on Agneepath in progress.
File photo of Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi (PTI)
As he prepares to step down after completing his tenure as Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s “resolve, capability and restraint” and underlined the importance of intelligence-based, technology-driven warfare.
In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, the outgoing Army chief said India achieved its desired military objectives in “just 88 hours”, and added that future conflicts will be intense, technology-driven and fought under constant information scrutiny.
General Dwivedi also said that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains “stable, but sensitive”, while emphasizing that the Indian Army’s priorities are to maintain peace and stability, resolve local issues through established mechanisms and maintain a strong and credible deployment posture.
He underlined the ongoing changes in the Army, expansion of drone and counter-drone capabilities and shared his assessment about the Agneepath plan.
Following are excerpts from the interview:
Q. Operation Sindoor has generated a lot of discussion on India’s military preparedness. In your opinion, what was the most important achievement of the Indian Army?
General Upendra Dwivedi: Operation Sindoor was a clear demonstration of India’s resolve, capability and restraint. It was a deliberate military response to terrorism, executed with precision, clear objectives and disciplined planning.
The most important conclusion was that modern operations require effective integration of intelligence, surveillance, precision capabilities, secure communications, information management, and joint planning.
The operation demonstrated that when reliable information, national will and coordinated military action come together, decisive results can be achieved.
While some global conflicts have lasted longer, we have been able to achieve the desired results in just 88 hours. Future conflicts will be intense and technology-driven, conducted under constant information scrutiny.
For the Indian Army, the key lesson is that accuracy must be supported by reliable intelligence, flexible networks, integrated command systems and clear direction.
Q. The army has been talking about change for some time. How is this change visible on the ground?
General Upendra Dwivedi: Transformation of the Indian Army is a continuous institutional process. Modernization is no longer limited to the addition of new platforms or equipment. It involves changes in structures, training, technology, theory, systems and human resource management.
Recent operational experiences have shown that future effectiveness will depend on how quickly intelligence, surveillance systems, weapons, communications networks, and commanders can work together.
The Indian Army is therefore moving towards more agile, networked and technology-enabled units and formations.
New formations like Rudra Brigade, Bhairav ​​Battalion, Ashni Drone Platoon, Shaktiban Regiment and Divyastra Battery are part of this major transformation.
It aims to better prepare the Indian Army for a more sensitive, precise and technology-intensive battlefield.
Q. Drones are becoming central to military operations around the world. How is the Indian Army building its drone ecosystem?
General Upendra Dwivedi: Drones are no longer limited to surveillance or special missions. They are now a vital part of modern military operations and are used for intelligence gathering, surveillance, target identification, precision engagement, logistics, battle damage assessment and force protection.
The Indian Army’s approach is capability-based rather than numbers-based. Different categories of drones are required for different roles ranging from small tactical operations to long range surveillance, logistics and precision missions.
The focus is on building a complete drone ecosystem. This includes integration with indigenous manufacturing, trained manpower, maintenance support, training infrastructure, doctrine, counter-drone capability and operational planning.
Its purpose is to ensure that formations and troops have the technological advantages they need for future operations.
Q. What is the purpose of the Falcon battalions, and how will they enhance the Army’s capabilities?
General Upendra Dwivedi: Falcon battalions are being promoted to strengthen the remotely piloted aircraft capability of the Indian Army. These will be built on existing RPA flights and will include a specialist pool of personnel trained to operate and manage these systems.
They are intended to enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities through integrated air surveillance, persistent battlefield awareness and rapid response. They will help improve situational awareness and support commanders with timely information.
The Falcon Battalion aims to create a complete system consisting of trained personnel, maintenance support, regular training, clear operating procedures and better integration with military planning.
Q. With drone threats on the rise, what measures is the Army taking to strengthen anti-drone preparedness?
General Upendra Dwivedi: Drone threat has become an important part of contemporary warfare. Drones are now used not only for surveillance but also for weapons delivery, intelligence gathering, logistics support, information-related activities and efforts to disrupt security at the borders.
The Indian Army is strengthening its anti-drone preparedness through a layered and integrated approach.
It includes sensors, radar, cameras, jammers, electronic systems to detect drones and various means to intercept or neutralize hostile drones. Secure communications and instant exchange of information are also being strengthened.
Dedicated drone and counter-drone hubs have also been set up at various military stations. They aim to improve training, capacity development and operational integration.
The focus is on the ability to detect, track, disable and dominate the drone battlefield.
Q. How does the Army view the Agneepath plan after the initial period of implementation?
General Upendra Dwivedi: Agneepath Scheme is a major human resource reform aimed at making the Army younger, fitter, more energetic and future ready. The nature of warfare is rapidly changing, and the modern soldier must be physically strong, mentally agile, and comfortable with technology.
The initial response from the units has been encouraging. The firefighters are adapting well to the unit’s routine, training standards and field requirements. Their ability to understand drones, surveillance systems, communication equipment and other technology-enabled devices is a positive contribution.
Also, the plan is still developing. The first batch has not yet completed its full service cycle, so any final assessment will be premature. Any future changes should be based on the Army’s requirements and field experience.
Q. How does the Indian Army assess the current situation along the Line of Actual Control and what are its key priorities there?
General Upendra Dwivedi: The situation on the northern border is stable, but sensitive. Recent agreements have contributed to improving stability on the ground and both sides are becoming more responsive to each other’s concerns.
Whenever local issues arise due to differing perceptions of the Line of Actual Control, they are addressed through established mechanisms such as military-level talks, hotlines, flag meetings and commander-level engagements.
More than a thousand ground-level interactions take place every year between the two sides, helping in regular border management and preventing misunderstandings.
Our priorities are clear. First, to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control. Second, to resolve local issues through dialogue and established mechanisms. Third, to maintain a strong and reliable deployment position to deal with any contingency.
General Dwivedi’s comments while concluding his tenure as Chief of Army Staff provide a comprehensive overview of the Indian Army’s operational priorities, force transitions and evolving approach to modern warfare.
The interview highlights the Army’s focus on technology integration, indigenous capacity development, human resource improvement and continuous preparedness along the country’s borders in line with emerging security challenges.
About the author
Akash Sharma, Defense Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Railways. Apart from this, he also keeps an eye on the developments in the national capital. With extensive experience…read more
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