From “Reactive” to “Proactive”—How General Upendra Dwivedi is Rewriting the Indian Army’s Playbook
Hyderabad, March 2026 – The historic halls of the College of Defence Management (CDM) in Secunderabad recently buzzed with strategic energy as General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), delivered a masterclass on the future of Indian sovereignty. Addressing the 21st Higher Defence Management Course (HDMC-21), the General didn’t just talk about defense—he talked about a total technological transformation.
A New Era: The “3 Ts”
General Dwivedi made one thing clear: the Indian Army is no longer just standing guard; it is standing at the cusp of a digital revolution. This new era is anchored by three non-negotiable core values:
- Truth: Precision in intelligence and honest capability assessments.
- Trust: Deepening the bond between services and indigenous tech partners.
- Transparency: Streamlining the path from “idea” to “deployment.”
The “Operation Sindoor” Lesson
The highlight of the address was the General’s deep dive into Operation Sindoor (the May 2025 response to the Pahalgam attack). He cited the operation as the definitive proof of India’s shift from reactive defense to proactive deterrence. By dismantling terror infrastructure with surgical precision in just 88 hours, the Army proved that “strategic restraint” has been replaced by “strategic clarity.” The lesson for the officers at CDM was simple: Anticipate change before it compels you to change.
Winning the Multi-Domain War
Future conflicts won’t just be fought in the trenches. The COAS emphasized that the next generation of leaders must be masters of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). This means a seamless “orchestra” of:
- Data-Centric Warfare: Turning massive data into battlefield wins using AI.
- Unmanned Systems: Leveraging drone swarms and robotics to keep soldiers out of harm’s way.
- Space & Cyber Integration: Ensuring the “silent” domains are as secure as the physical ones.
“Change management is not an option; it is a strategic necessity.” — General Upendra Dwivedi
The Road to 2047
The visit wasn’t just about strategy—it was about people. From reviewing cutting-edge VR training at the Simulator Development Division (SDD) to interacting with international participants from friendly foreign countries, the General’s message was global. He called for “Civilisational Atmanirbharta”—a self-reliance not just in weapons, but in thought and innovation.
As Hyderabad continues to grow as a tech hub, CDM Secunderabad remains the intellectual heartbeat of this military evolution, ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow are ready for the wars of the future.
