Indian Army to Release New Land Warfare Doctrine

The Indian Army’s new Land Warfare Doctrine is scheduled for release by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 22, 2026. It is the Army’s first land warfare doctrine since 2018 and is intended to provide a strategic and operational framework for preparing the force for future conflicts.

Doctrine and Operational Planning

A military doctrine sets out guiding principles for the planning and conduct of military operations. The new doctrine is designed to address changes in the character of modern combat and to guide the Indian Army’s combat readiness. Its development takes account of the increased use of drones, precision strikes and networked operations in contemporary conflicts. The doctrine’s operational context includes Operation Sindoor, conducted in May 2025, the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in West Asia. Networked operations involve connected systems for sharing information and coordinating military activity. Precision strikes use weapons intended to engage specific targets.

Changing Character of Warfare

Drones have expanded the use of remotely operated and uncrewed systems for surveillance and attack. Precision-strike capabilities can engage targets at a distance, while networked operations connect sensors, command systems and operational units. These developments form part of the changing combat environment addressed by the new framework.

Army Commanders’ Conference

The Army Commanders’ Conference is a biannual meeting of senior Indian Army leadership. The October 2026 conference is scheduled for October 21–23 in New Delhi and is chaired by Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth. Its agenda includes cross-domain security, inter-service synergy, defence infrastructure digital transformation, operational readiness, force modernisation and long-term transformation.

Important Facts for Exams

:

• The Indian Army’s previous Land Warfare Doctrine was issued in 2018.
• Operation Sindoor took place in May 2025.
• The Army Commanders’ Conference is held twice a year.
• General Dhiraj Seth is the Chief of the Army Staff in the provided 2026 facts.

SAMARTH and Defence Coordination

In September 2026, General Dhiraj Seth unveiled SAMARTH, a seven-point framework for the Indian Army’s future military preparedness. The framework focuses on a technologically advanced, adaptable and resilient force. Conference addresses are also scheduled from Chief of Defence Staff General N S Raja Subramani, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

United Nations Peacekeeping

Rajnath Singh is also scheduled to unveil the annual United Nations Journal and felicitate Indian Army personnel for service in United Nations peacekeeping missions. India has contributed military personnel to United Nations peacekeeping operations.