Army Chief Dwivedi Stresses Global Cooperation and Innovation for Future Security

Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has called for stronger international collaboration and innovation to strengthen global defence preparedness, emphasising that “no nation can remain secure in isolation.” Speaking at the India Defence Conclave 2025, the Army Chief said the world’s changing security dynamics demand a united approach to technology development, strategic partnerships, and self-reliant defence manufacturing.

General Dwivedi highlighted that modern warfare has moved beyond physical battlefields to domains such as space, cyber, and information warfare. To stay ahead, he said, countries must jointly invest in research, design, and technology-sharing platforms that drive innovation and reduce dependency on foreign systems.

He also underlined the importance of India’s defence transformation under initiatives like ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, which encourage domestic design and production of high-end military platforms. Citing examples such as the Akash missile system and the indigenous light tank Zorawar, Dwivedi noted that these efforts showcase India’s growing ability to innovate, produce, and eventually export advanced systems.

“The journey from dependence to dominance begins with innovation,” he remarked, calling on academia, industry, and the armed forces to collaborate more closely. According to him, such partnerships will help accelerate development in critical areas including AI, automation, and unmanned systems-essential for future-ready forces.

General Dwivedi also stressed the need for efficiency enhancement, noting that technology must act as a “force multiplier” rather than merely an addition to manpower. He urged all stakeholders to adopt a “whole-of-nation approach” where knowledge, capability, and resources converge to ensure collective security.

Concluding his address, the Army Chief reaffirmed India’s commitment to building a resilient and forward-looking defence ecosystem. “Security in today’s world is shared, not isolated. Our future strength depends on how well we innovate together,” he said.