Army deliberates optimum force readiness during Commanders' conference

As part of the Army Commanders Conference being held in Delhi, the top Army commanders deliberated upon several challenges facing the country, including the borders with China and Pakistan and resolved to enhance the operational capability of the force to effectively deal with potential adversaries.

New Delhi:As part of a throrough review of India's security, top Army commanders deliberated upon several challenges facing the country, including the borders with China and Pakistan and resolved to enhance the operational capability of the force to effectively deal with potential adversaries.

The discussion was part of the Army Commanders Conference, an apex level biannual event, headed by the heads of the three services of Indian Armed Forces, which formulates important policy decisions, being held in New Delhi from April 8-13, 2019.

A plethora of pressing issues including ways to ensure jointness among the Army, Navy and the Indian Air Force were discussed by the commanders at the five day conference.

Sources said the commanders also deliberated on emerging security scenario along the border with Pakistan in the wake of Balakot air strike and subsequent Pakistani retaliation.

"The Army Commanders' Conference has comprehensively deliberated all aspects of extant security dynamics, emerging security scenarios, enhancing operational capability in near and long term and enhancement of combat edge over potential adversaries," Army said.

"The deliberations at the conference validated the current course set by the military hierarchy, as merited by the dynamics of emerging security and operational events," it said.

There was reportedly a review about the state of existing infrastructure along Northern borders and it has been decided to pursue key projects on higher priority, adding all weather connectivity to border areas.

Sources said the commanders also delved into implementation of ambitious reform initiatives in the Army.

"Avenues for making the lady officers experts in foreign languages, artificial intelligence, data management, cyber and space domains are being examined," Army added.

The commanders also decided to re-prioritise the existing requirements to ensure that the resources allocated for force modernisation and capacity building be utilised by optimising allotted budget.

A total of 53 domestic companies participated in the event.