Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has released the Land Warfare Doctrine during the biannual Army Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on October 23, 2026. 

Drawing lessons from ‘Operation Sindoor’, the updated doctrine provides an overarching framework to prepare the Indian Army to meet the challenges posed by the evolving character of warfare and future conflicts. 

The Defence Minister, while addressing the event, exhorted the Army Commanders to closely monitor geopolitical as well as regional developments and remain prepared for future challenges. 

He emphasised the need for a long-term strategic vision spanning the next 20-30 years, and called upon the senior leadership of the Indian Army to remain equally prepared to respond to immediate and emerging challenges. 

He stressed that strategies must remain “dynamic and flexible, enabling timely adjustments to changing circumstances.”

Commending the Defence Forces for adapting to evolving operational circumstances, Singh highlighted that innovative thinking, enhanced synergy and superior coordination, complemented by advanced weaponry, contributed to the success of ‘Operation Sindoor’. 

“The operation sent a clear message that India would not hesitate to take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests,” he said.

The Defence Minister appreciated the military’s restructuring efforts, with a special focus on the use of drones and modern technology. He stressed the need to strengthen capabilities, continuously assess performance, and implement necessary improvements in line with evolving circumstances. 

He further underscored the importance of accelerating efforts in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, data analytics, cybersecurity, and secure communication networks.

Singh emphasised that despite the growing significance of challenges across air, maritime, space and cyber domains, “land warfare and ground forces would remain indispensable.” 

He called for an integrated approach to modern warfare, stressing that success would depend on multi-domain capabilities and seamless coordination in joint operations.

Referring to the ‘Year of Reforms - 2025’, Singh said that reform is a continuous process, the success of which depends on effective implementation. He urged the Army Commanders to drive these reforms forward within their respective commands and echelons, while ensuring that they translate into tangible benefits for operational capabilities. 

He also exhorted the Defence Forces to maintain their focus on self-reliance, effective implementation of reforms, improved manpower management, greater participation of women and an integrated approach to national security.

On the occasion, Singh also unveiled the annual United Nations Journal and felicitated Indian Army personnel who have made notable contributions while serving as United Nations peacekeepers, recognising their exemplary service, professionalism and contribution to international peace and security.

Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials were present on the occasion.  

The three-day Army Commanders’ Conference took place from 21 to 23 October 2026.

Chaired by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Dhiraj Seth, the conference provided an important forum for the senior leadership of the Indian Army to review ongoing initiatives, identify future thrust areas and formulate appropriate policy directions towards building a progressive, adaptive, technologically enabled and future-ready Indian Army, the Defence Ministry said.