Border Security, Theaterisation, Agniveers And Israel-Hamas Conflict On The Agenda As Army Commanders' Conference Begins

Top commanders of the Indian Army commenced discussions on national security challenges along the borders with China and Pakistan as they kicked off the five-day Army Commanders' Conference yesterday (on 16 October).

Led by Army Chief General Manoj Pande, the commanders are engaging in in-depth deliberations on a spectrum of issues, including the ongoing reform process in the formidable 1.3 million-strong force, matters pertaining to jointness and theaterisation among the three services, and key geopolitical developments.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to address the conference on 18 October.

High-ranking officials, including Chief of Defence Staff Lt Gen Anil Chauhan and Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, will also participate in the discussions.

The conference will feature a talk by Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, who will discuss the topic of "Leveraging Technology for National Security".

The army stated, "The apex leadership will brainstorm current or emerging security scenarios besides reviewing the operational preparedness of the Indian Army."

The discussions will also include subjects, such as the ongoing transformation process, training matters, HR management aspects, and issues impacting serving personnel and veterans.

Recent geopolitical developments, including the Hamas-Israel conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war, may also find a place on the conference's agenda.

Officials confirmed that the overall situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, as well as along the frontier with Pakistan, will be thoroughly examined.

The Army Commanders' Conference, is a biannual event held in April and October each year, serves as an institutional platform for high-level conceptual deliberations, ultimately leading to the formulation of crucial policy decisions for the Indian Army.

Additionally, the conference will delve into anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the overall situation in the Union territory, according to officials.