“Land Will Remain the Currency of Victory,” Says Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi

In a major address at the 52nd National Management Convention in New Delhi, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the enduring importance of land forces in India’s defense strategy. He stated, “In India, since we have two-and-half-front threats, land will remain the currency of victory.” This underscores the critical role of territorial control in determining military success, reflecting the strategic realities faced by the Indian Army.

Dwivedi made the comments at a function organised by All India Management Association. (PTI photo) | Hindustan Times

Strategic Challenges: The Two-and-a-Half-Front Threat

General Dwivedi highlighted India’s unique security situation, which involves potential threats along the western and northern borders, in addition to internal security challenges. He referred to this as the “two-and-half-front threat,” emphasizing that India’s military preparedness must account for multiple simultaneous contingencies. According to him, land forces are central to this strategy, as operational success in any conflict is heavily dependent on securing and controlling territory.

Operation Sindoor: An Example of Coordinated Military Action

The Army Chief cited the recent Operation Sindoor as an example of modern, integrated military action. Conducted over four days in May 2025, the operation targeted terrorist infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It involved seamless coordination between the Indian Army, Air Force, Border Security Force, and civil authorities. Gen Dwivedi described this operation as a “model” for joint warfare, demonstrating how synchronization among multiple agencies is essential for achieving strategic objectives.

The Evolving Nature of Warfare

General Dwivedi also spoke about the changing dynamics of modern conflict. He noted that contemporary warfare is no longer limited to traditional battles but extends into cyber, space, and cognitive domains. To address these evolving threats, he advocated for the adoption of new technologies and transformative reforms within the Army. He emphasized the importance of theaterisation—a system that integrates various military and civilian agencies under a unified command—to enhance coordination, efficiency, and rapid response capabilities.

The MGMM Outlook

In a significant address at the 52nd National Management Convention, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi underscored the enduring importance of land in India’s defense strategy, highlighting that land will continue to be the “currency of victory.” He stressed that India faces a unique “two-and-a-half-front threat,” with potential challenges along its western and northern borders, as well as internal security concerns. According to Gen Dwivedi, securing and controlling territory remains central to military success, making robust land forces indispensable for the nation’s strategic preparedness.

The Army Chief also highlighted the evolving nature of modern warfare, pointing out that conflicts today extend beyond traditional battles into cyber, space, and cognitive domains. Using Operation Sindoor as a case in point, he illustrated how coordinated action among the Army, Air Force, Border Security Force, and civil authorities can serve as a model for future joint operations. Emphasizing the need for new technologies, reforms, and theaterisation—a system integrating multiple agencies under a unified command—Gen Dwivedi conveyed the Army’s focus on adapting to modern threats while maintaining territorial superiority as the foundation of India’s defense strategy.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, NDTV, BusinessLine)