Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to unveil the Indian Army’s new land warfare doctrine on Friday, October 23. The release marks the conclusion of the three-day Army Commanders’ Conference, which is the first iteration of the event held under the leadership of Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth.
The conference, attended by the commanders-in-chief of the Army’s six operational commands and its training command, alongside principal staff officers, serves as the platform for the launch of this critical strategic document. The updated doctrine is designed to provide an overarching framework for the force as its operations increasingly shift toward reliance on networked systems, surveillance, and advanced precision weaponry.
The need for an updated approach stems from significant shifts in the global and regional security environment. The new version follows the previous doctrine released in 2018 and aims to integrate conventional military operations with emerging warfare domains, including cyber, electronic, and space operations. Officials noted that the framework will emphasize the role of artificial intelligence in surveillance, target identification, and military decision-making, while also addressing the growing importance of unmanned platforms.
A primary driver for these changes includes the lessons learned from prolonged military stand-offs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, as well as the operational experience gained during Operation Sindoor. In May 2025, Operation Sindoor demonstrated the efficacy of long-range precision strikes against identified terrorist infrastructure sites, utilizing both artillery and precision-guided munitions such as loitering munitions.
Beyond regional concerns, the Army is drawing insights from ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Observations from these theatres have highlighted how drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, and electronic warfare systems can fundamentally influence the battlefield. The doctrine accounts for the challenge of continuous aerial surveillance, which complicates the movement of troops and vehicles, making mobility, dispersal, and effective camouflage essential for contemporary battlefield planning.
The document also acknowledges that military networks themselves have become primary targets. Adversaries now frequently attempt to disrupt communications, navigation, and command networks before engaging in physical combat. Consequently, the new doctrine addresses the necessity of maintaining operational coordination even when digital systems are compromised. It underscores the importance of AI and digital command systems in processing information rapidly, provided that forces have access to secure networks and trained personnel.
The Army is further aligning its strategy with the Joint Doctrine for Multi-Domain Operations, which was issued by the Integrated Defence Services in August 2025. This coordinated approach seeks to harmonize capabilities across land, air, maritime, space, and cyber domains. By integrating satellite imagery, drone feeds, and electronic intelligence, the Army aims to enhance its ability to identify and engage targets efficiently.
As the force continues its responsibilities in counter-insurgency operations across Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East, the new doctrine provides specific guidance for the disparate requirements of the northern and western fronts. While the northern front necessitates capabilities for high-altitude logistics and rapid mobilization, the western front requires readiness against conventional formations supported by drone and missile threats. Through this comprehensive framework, the Indian Army intends to adapt its formations and capabilities to better navigate the complexities of modern, technology-driven warfare.
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