The second Army Commanders’ Conference of 2024 began in Gangtok on October 10, aimed at reviewing national security and readiness for operations, especially on the Chinese border. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will address emerging security challenges to army chiefs. The conference’s focus on Gangtok underlines the Army’s commitment to border security, especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Phase 1: Focus on national security and strategic planning
The first round of the Conference is being held in Gangtok, near the Chinese border, on October 10-11. Discussions have focused on strengthening national security, especially border security in light of ongoing tensions with China.
Speech by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will deliver a keynote address in Gangtok on Friday, discussing emerging security challenges and outlining strategic responses. He will also celebrate Dussehra with troops during his visit to further boost morale.
Technological progress and modern warfare
A key agenda point will be the integration of low-cost systems and technologies and their adaptation to evolving warfighting tactics. Army commanders consider incorporating modern technology into military training and look for specialist recruits in specialized areas to increase operational efficiency.
Civil-military integration strategy
The military is also focused on multilateral security arrangements, with an emphasis on Civil-Military Fusion across Diplomatic, Information, Military, and Economic (DIME) pillars to address contemporary threats effectively.
A focus on border security near China
The venue in Gangtok, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), is particularly important. This comes as India and China approach the 22nd round of military-level talks, underscoring the importance of situational awareness and military preparedness in border areas.
Organizational health and firepower training
The meeting also covers internal policies, including training and briefings by firefighters, aimed at streamlining operations and improving the overall health of the Indian Army.
Part II in Delhi: Reviewing strategic posture
The second phase of the meeting, scheduled to be held in Delhi on October 28-29, will focus on discussions from Sikkim, to enable a thorough review of the strategic position of the Army. Insights gained from further location discussions will guide the Army’s future actions in responding to the changing security landscape.
