The Enduring Significance of Land Victory in Modern Warfare

The Enduring Significance of Land Victory in Modern Warfare

The Indian Army chief, General Dhiraj Seth, recently emphasized the importance of land victory in modern warfare. In his address at the NDTV Defence Summit 2016, he highlighted the significance of territorial control in determining the outcome of a conflict.

Despite the increasing role of technology in warfare, General Seth asserted that victory is still measured in territorial terms. He noted that the occupation, security, and defense of territory can only be achieved through the use of force. The Army chief stressed that every capability must be evaluated in terms of its ability to support the soldier on the ground.

General Seth recalled a photograph taken on December 16, 1971, which depicted Pakistan surrendering at the end of the Bangladesh Liberation War. He noted that this photograph marked a defining moment in the war, but also highlighted the indefinite nature of modern conflicts. Conflict timelines are becoming increasingly indefinite, with intermittent spikes of intense fighting.

The Army chief noted that technology is shortening battles, but not necessarily shortening wars. He described modern conflicts as 'wars with pause,' where the intensity and manifestation of conflict can change, but the war itself continues. General Seth emphasized the importance of self-reliance in sustaining military presence and strategy.

He cautioned against 'indigenous obsolescence,' where indigenous capabilities become outdated before they are even deployed. The Army chief advised that self-reliance must be about ensuring that India has the capability to endure without being constrained by external factors.

The Indian government has made significant strides in increasing the value of indigenous defense production. From Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15 to a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, the country has made significant progress in developing its indigenous capabilities.

However, the Army chief's emphasis on land victory and self-reliance serves as a reminder that the development of indigenous capabilities must be accompanied by a deep understanding of the complexities of modern warfare. The Indian Army must continue to prioritize the needs of the soldier on the ground, while also ensuring that its capabilities are not hindered by indigenous obsolescence.

In conclusion, General Dhiraj Seth's emphasis on land victory and self-reliance serves as a reminder of the enduring significance of territorial control in modern warfare. As the Indian Army continues to develop its indigenous capabilities, it must prioritize the needs of the soldier on the ground and ensure that its capabilities are not hindered by indigenous obsolescence.