'Operation Sindoor Showed India's Resolve': Army Chief Says Future Wars Will Be Technology-Driven

Last Updated:June 30, 2026, 09:39 IST

Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi says the LAC remains stable but sensitive, outlines Army transformation, drone strategy, and calls Agnipath a work in progress.

As he prepares to demit office after completing his tenure as Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s “resolve, capability and restraint" and underscored the importance of intelligence-led, 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," adding that future conflicts would be intense, technology-driven and fought under constant information scrutiny.

General Dwivedi also said the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains “stable, but sensitive," while emphasising that the Indian Army’s priorities continue to be maintaining peace and stability, resolving local issues through established mechanisms, and retaining a strong and credible deployment posture.

He further outlined the Army’s ongoing transformation, expansion of drone and counter-drone capabilities, and shared his assessment of the Agnipath scheme.

Following are the excerpts from the interview:

Q. Operation Sindoor has generated considerable discussion on India’s military preparedness. What, in your view, was the most important takeaway for the Indian Army?

Gen Upendra Dwivedi: Operation Sindoor was a clear demonstration of India’s resolve, capability and restraint. It was a calibrated military response to terrorism, executed with precision, clear purpose and disciplined planning.

The most important takeaway was that modern operations require the effective integration of intelligence, surveillance, precision capability, secure communications, information management and joint planning.

The operation showed that when credible information, national will and coordinated military action come together, decisive results can be achieved.

While some global conflicts have been prolonged, we have been able to achieve desired outcomes in just 88 hours. Future conflicts would be intense and technology-driven, while being conducted under constant information scrutiny.

For the Indian Army, the key lesson is that precision must be backed by reliable intelligence, resilient networks, integrated command systems and clear direction.

Q. The Army has been speaking of transformation for some time. How is this change being reflected on the ground?

Gen Upendra Dwivedi: The transformation of the Indian Army is a continuous institutional process. Modernisation is no longer limited to inducting new platforms or equipment. It includes changes in structures, training, technology, doctrine, systems and human resource management.

Recent operational experiences have shown that future effectiveness will depend on how quickly intelligence, surveillance systems, weapons, communication networks and commanders can work together.

The Indian Army is therefore moving towards more agile, networked and technology-enabled units and formations.

New structures such as Rudra Brigades, Bhairav Battalions, Ashni Drone Platoons, Shaktibaan Regiments and Divyastra Batteries are part of this larger transformation.

The aim is to make the Indian Army more responsive, precise and better prepared for a technology-intensive battlefield.

Q. Drones are becoming central to military operations worldwide. How is the Indian Army building its drone ecosystem?

Gen Upendra Dwivedi: Drones are no longer limited to surveillance or specialised missions. They are now an important part of modern military operations and are used for intelligence, surveillance, target identification, precision engagement, logistics, battle damage assessment and force protection.

The Indian Army’s approach is capability-driven rather than number-driven. Different categories of drones are required for different roles, ranging from small tactical tasks to long-range surveillance, logistics and precision missions.

The focus is on building a complete drone ecosystem. This includes indigenous manufacturing, trained manpower, maintenance support, training infrastructure, doctrine, counter-drone capability and integration with operational planning.

The aim is to ensure that formations and soldiers have the technological advantage required for future operations.

Q. What is the purpose of Baaz Battalions, and how will they add to the Army’s capabilities?

Gen Upendra Dwivedi: Baaz Battalions are being progressed to strengthen the Indian Army’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft capability. They will be built upon existing RPA Flights and will include a specialist pool of personnel trained to operate and manage these systems.

Their purpose is to enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities through integrated aerial surveillance, persistent battlefield awareness and faster response. They will help improve situational awareness and support commanders with timely information.

Baaz Battalions are intended to create a full system comprising trained personnel, maintenance support, regular training, clear operating procedures and better integration with military planning.

Q. With drone threats increasing, what measures is the Army taking to strengthen counter-drone preparedness?

Gen Upendra Dwivedi: The drone threat has become an important part of contemporary warfare. Drones are now used not only for surveillance, but also for weapon delivery, intelligence gathering, logistics support, information-related activities and attempts to disrupt security along borders.

The Indian Army is strengthening its counter-drone preparedness through a layered and integrated approach.

This includes sensors to detect drones, radars, cameras, jammers, electronic systems and different means to stop or neutralise hostile drones. Secure communications and quick sharing of information are also being strengthened.

Dedicated drone and counter-drone hubs have also been established at various military stations. Their purpose is to improve training, capability development and operational integration.

The focus is on the ability to detect, track, neutralise and dominate the drone battlespace.

Q. How does the Army view the Agnipath scheme after its initial period of implementation?

Gen Upendra Dwivedi: The Agnipath scheme is a major human resource reform aimed at making the Army younger, fitter, more energetic and future-ready. The nature of warfare is changing rapidly, and the modern soldier must be physically strong, mentally agile and comfortable with technology.

Initial feedback from units has been encouraging. Agniveers are adapting well to unit routine, training standards and field requirements. Their ability to understand drones, surveillance systems, communication tools and other technology-enabled equipment is a positive contribution.

At the same time, the scheme is still evolving. The first batch has not yet completed its full service cycle, so any final assessment would be premature. Any future change should be based on the Army’s requirements and field experience.

Q. How does the Indian Army assess the present situation along the Line of Actual Control, and what are its key priorities there?

Gen Upendra Dwivedi: The situation along the Northern Borders is stable, but sensitive. Recent agreements have contributed to improving stability on the ground, and both sides are showing greater responsiveness towards 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 annually between the two sides, which helps in routine border management and in 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 credible deployment posture to meet any contingency.

General Dwivedi’s remarks provide a broad overview of the Indian Army’s operational priorities, force transformation and evolving approach to modern warfare as he concludes his tenure as Chief of the Army Staff.

The interview highlights the Army’s focus on technology integration, indigenous capability development, human resource reforms and sustained preparedness across the country’s borders while adapting to emerging security challenges.

About the Author

Akash Sharma

Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experien...Read More

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