Bharat Must Stand as One for the Next War Says Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi
From precision strikes in Operation Sindoor to a call for national unity, the Indian Army Chief warns that future wars will be fought not just by soldiers but by an entire nation prepared in mind, technology, and resilience.
Paromita Das
New Delhi, 12th August: Speaking to students and faculty at IIT Madras on August 4, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi offered a rare and urgent message: Bharat’s next war could come sooner than anyone expects — and it will not be won by soldiers alone. His remarks, delivered during the inauguration of the Indian Army Research Cell, underscored a shift in military thinking: modern warfare is no longer confined to the battlefield. It is a contest of technology, civil preparedness, public participation, and national willpower.
“The next war which we are looking at, it may happen soon. We have to prepare accordingly, and this time we will have to fight this battle together,” he declared, setting the tone for a conversation that was as much about society’s role in defense as it was about the Army’s capabilities.
Operation Sindoor: Striking Deep and Controlling the Narrative
General Dwivedi’s vision of modern conflict draws heavily from Operation Sindoor, a high-stakes retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. The mission saw coordinated strikes deep into Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, targeting key terror hubs and dismantling long-standing training networks.
But this was no ordinary military response. Operation Sindoor blended cutting-edge technological integration with a masterclass in strategic communication. The Army Chief acknowledged that while the strikes inflicted heavy losses, Pakistan’s domestic narrative often claimed victory regardless of battlefield realities.
“If you ask a Pakistani whether you lost or won, he’d say, ‘My chief has become field marshal, we must have won only,’” he said. To counter this, Bharat launched a high-impact global information campaign under the banner “Justice Done”, which quickly became one of the most viewed military narratives worldwide. Two women officers — one from the Army and one from the Air Force — fronted media briefings, lending credibility and visibility. The operation’s logo was crafted in-house, reflecting a blend of precision, creativity, and psychological advantage.
The ‘Grey Zone’ Battlefield
Dwivedi described modern warfare as a contest often waged in the “grey zone” — a space short of declared war but intense enough to deliver strategic shocks to the adversary. Operation Sindoor was a perfect example.
By April 25, Bharatiya forces had executed strikes on seven of nine identified terror hubs, some deep within Pakistan’s heartland. The Northern Command carried out ground operations while the Indian Air Force struck deeper targets requiring extended reach. On May 7, coordinated aerial strikes eliminated over 100 militants in both Pakistan and PoK. “Our target was the nursery and the masters,” Dwivedi noted, making it clear that the mission was designed to disrupt not just operations but leadership structures.
Lessons from Abroad: Shielding Civilians, Sustaining Morale
Interestingly, Dwivedi cited Moscow during the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict as an example of civilian resilience. Despite heavy fighting, life in the Russian capital continues with minimal disruption — a psychological shield that keeps public morale intact. In his view, Bharat must adopt similar strategies to prevent panic and maintain stability during crises.
Defence Beyond the Barracks
The Army Chief’s message was unambiguous: defence is no longer the military’s job alone. Scientists, industry leaders, technologists, and citizens all have roles to play. From building fortified community bunkers in border villages to developing advanced drones in collaboration with academic institutions, the line between civilian and military contribution is blurring.
This “whole-of-nation” approach means that the resilience of a country in conflict will be measured not just by the strength of its armed forces but by the readiness of its economy, infrastructure, and people to absorb shocks and keep functioning.
Why Dwivedi’s Message Matters Now
General Dwivedi’s words are not just a military assessment — they are a strategic wake-up call. In an era where cyber warfare, misinformation campaigns, and economic disruption can inflict as much damage as missiles, preparing for conflict means strengthening every layer of national life.
His emphasis on public participation also acknowledges a reality that many nations are already facing: wars today are hybrid by nature, fought as much in digital spaces and financial markets as on battlefields. Without a unified national front, even the most technologically advanced military can find itself constrained by civilian unpreparedness.
A United Front for an Uncertain Future
Operation Sindoor showcased Bharat’s ability to strike with precision, disrupt enemy networks, and dominate the information battlefield. Yet, as General Dwivedi made clear at IIT Madras, the future will demand more than elite military capability.
The next war — whenever and wherever it comes — will test Bharat’s unity, adaptability, and resilience as a whole. Soldiers may hold the line, but scientists will need to innovate, industries will have to adapt, media must resist manipulation, and citizens must remain informed and steadfast.
If Dwivedi’s prediction is right, the countdown to such a test may already have begun. And in that moment, victory will belong not just to the Army, but to the nation that stands with it — in mind, in spirit, and in action.
