The Indian Army is preparing to unveil a new land warfare doctrine, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh scheduled to release it on Friday, marking the final day of the biannual Army Commanders’ Conference. This conference is particularly significant as it is the first under General Dhiraj Seth’s leadership as Army Chief. The three-day event gathers the commanders-in-chief from the army’s six operational commands and one training command, alongside principal staff officers from Army Headquarters.

The defence ministry has indicated that the forthcoming doctrine will provide a comprehensive framework to adapt to the evolving nature of warfare. This is crucial in an era where advancements such as drones, precision strikes, and networked operations increasingly influence the outcomes of military engagements.

The previous land warfare doctrine was released in December 2018, following the joint doctrine of the armed forces established in April 2017. Earlier versions were published in 1998 and 2004, with the 2018 document addressing various aspects including the geostrategic environment, hybrid warfare, and special forces operations.

Key Changes Expected in the New Doctrine

The new doctrine is anticipated to encompass the integration of operations across traditional military domains and emerging areas such as cyber warfare, space operations, and electronic warfare. It will also consider the increasing reliance on unmanned platforms and artificial intelligence in surveillance and targeting processes.

Since the last update in 2018, the Indian Army has encountered significant challenges, including a prolonged stand-off with China along the Line of Actual Control. Notably, Operation Sindoor in May 2025 demonstrated the effectiveness of long-range precision fire against targets across the border. Additionally, on May 7, India executed strikes on nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, employing artillery and precision-guided munitions.

The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia have highlighted the importance of modern warfare technologies, including drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, and integrated air defence systems. Concurrently, counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the north-eastern regions have persisted.

Strategic Considerations for Future Operations

The doctrine will address two primary fronts: the northern stand-off with China and the western challenges posed by conventional formations, drones, and cross-border attacks. The lessons learned from recent conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia are expected to inform the new strategies. Drones and loitering munitions are increasingly employed for reconnaissance and target acquisition, while electronic warfare capabilities can disrupt enemy communications and navigation systems.

With the prevalence of constant aerial surveillance, ground troops and vehicles face increased difficulty in moving undetected. This necessitates a greater emphasis on tactics such as camouflage, deception, and mobility. The capability of ballistic and cruise missiles to strike critical infrastructure far behind enemy lines also compels the Army to devise strategies for protecting these assets and maintaining communication during potential disruptions.

Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence and digital command systems is expected to enhance the speed of information processing and sharing. However, this relies on the availability of reliable data, secure networks, and adequately trained personnel. The Integrated Defence Services’ Joint Doctrine for Multi-Domain Operations, issued in August 2025, aims to unify land, air, maritime, space, cyber, and information capabilities, which may influence the Army’s operational strategies.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of the new doctrine will hinge on the timely dissemination of critical information to commanders and the ability of the three armed services to collaborate effectively, particularly when faced with adversarial attempts to disrupt communications and surveillance systems.

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