India intensifies war preparations under “smart war” doctrine
Srinagar: India’s top military leadership has underscored an aggressive shift towards modern warfare strategies, stressing the need to prepare for so-called “smart wars” while maintaining readiness for conventional conflict, raising concerns about further militarization in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, India’s Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan stated that, given the country’s disputed borders, New Delhi must be equipped to fight technologically advanced wars alongside traditional battles fought on land, air and sea. He described modern warfare domains such as cyber, electromagnetic spectrum and space as unpredictable and capable of creating strategic asymmetry.
The remarks came during a two-day military brainstorming session titled ‘Ran Samwad’, organized by India’s Ministry of Defence in Bengaluru, where senior commanders deliberated on future war strategies.
Meanwhile, Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi revealed that the army is undergoing a major transformation driven by the induction of advanced technologies. He outlined a three-phase process involving conceptual planning, structural changes and visible operational outcomes, adding that specialized units for drones, signals and cyber operations have already been established.
Defence experts view these developments as part of India’s broader push towards Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), integrating capabilities across land, air, sea, cyber and space. The Indian military has been conducting war-gaming exercises since 2024, while a joint doctrine introduced in August 2025 provides a unified operational framework for all three services.
Analysts warn that such statements and military advancements reflect India’s increasing focus on expanding its war capabilities, particularly in regions with longstanding disputes, including Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. They say the emphasis on “smart wars” and technological dominance could further escalate tensions and instability in South Asia.
The ‘Ran Samwad’ discussions focused on preparing Indian forces for complex, multi-domain conflicts, signaling a continued shift towards high-tech warfare doctrines alongside conventional military strategies.
