We are preparing for future wars; indigenisation key for self-reliance: Army Chief
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday, January 15, 2026, said the institution is advancing as a future-ready force and underlined the need for indigenous equipment, terming it a “strategic necessity”.
“The Indian Army is advancing as a future-ready force with well-trained soldiers, modern equipment and multi-domain operational capabilities. Technology is being used to make soldiers even more capable,” he told reporters in Jaipur after the Army Day parade.
He said there has been a clear shift in the thinking of the Indian Army in the last few years.
According to the Chief of Defense Staff, Operation Sindoor has created a “new normal”. “This demonstrated the Indian Army’s ability to respond with speed, coordination and precision. The operation reflected a mature and confident force capable of protecting national interests through measured, determined and responsible action,” he said.
“We are not only addressing current challenges, but also preparing for future wars. In this direction, new structures are being created that are equipped and trained according to future needs.” he said.
He said new units like Bhairav Battalion and Shakti Baan Regiment have been formed.
“This reflects the creation of an agile, responsive and mission-focused Army that is aligned with future challenges,” he said.
He said today’s parade showcased a beautiful blend of tradition and transformation.
“While the Nepal Army Band reflects our strong ties, the new contingents also demonstrated the emerging strength of the Army,” he said.
“The Indian Army is always fully prepared against any attack. We are fully prepared for future wars as well. We showed this in the parade. Such preparations will continue to increase in the coming days,” he said, adding that the Indian Army will continue to adapt itself over time and bring about the necessary changes.
He said that the display of ‘Made in India’ equipment in the parade reflects that the basis of transformation is self-reliance.
“The Indian Army needs equipment designed and developed in India in the future. Indigenization is not just a goal, it has become a strategic imperative today,” he said.
General Dwivedi said that special emphasis is given to resources that are useful for both military and civilian purposes and contribute to the overall development of the country.
While organizing the parade in Jaipur, he said that Rajasthan is a country where many heroes have made history and that is why the place was chosen for the Army Day parade.
He said the Russia-Ukraine conflict underlined that the duration of any war could not be predicted, and future conflicts could last a few days or span years.
General Dwivedi said that technology increases efficiency, but this does not mean that it replaces manpower, and added that smaller units are more successful because new units have more speed and agility.
“Bhairav Battalion was created to bridge the gap between Ghatak and Special Forces. New organizations have been formed. More changes will also come. The battlefield is changing rapidly and we need to move quickly to keep up with it,” he said.
“We cannot predict the future, so it is very important to adapt to changing conditions. Whether today’s war will last four days or four years will only be known on the battlefield,” he said.
The Chief of General Staff gave importance to research and development in the country.
Equipment and supplies for a long war must be produced and repaired within the country, he said.
“Research and development is very important. Until India focuses on research and development, we will not be able to wage a long war and will not be able to become fully self-sufficient,” he said.
“So research is very important. Keeping this in mind, the Indian Army is discussing how to proceed in collaboration with the Defense Research and Development Organization and academia,” he said.
The Chief of General Staff also said that reliability is essential in information warfare.
It was published – 15 January 2026 16:29 IST
