THE Indian Armed Forces will have to operate in an environment that is rapidly reshaped by turn of geopolitical events and advancements in technologies that will require flexibility in organisational structures as well as in mindsets, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said on Saturday. Virtually delivering the keynote address on Global Future Security Challenges at the Synergia Conclave 2023, he said the path taken today will decide where India will

be in 2047. Chauhan said the Indian armed forces will have to operate in an environment that is rapidly reshaped by the turn of geopolitical events and advancements in technologies.

 

“This will require flexibility in our organisational structures as well as in our mindsets,” he said. Reflecting on the need for a comprehensive approach, Chauhan stated, “We should be able to usher a thorough Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) along with other nations to remain ahead or at par with this transformative curve.” “Our organisational structures must be capable of multi-domain operations... They must be structured for integrated rapid response through a correct balance between contact, non-contact, kinetic, as well as non-kinetic options. They must be flexible and adaptive enough to absorb and harness niche, emerging, and destructive technology,” he said. Chauhan also addressed the increasing proclivity among nations to enter into conflicts to protect perceived national interests. He pointed out the challenges associated with conflicts initiated by major powers, citing examples like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Ukraine, where clear end stages or exit strategies were often lacking.