India's military strategy is in a state of continuous evolution, a dynamic process shaped by a blend of long-standing doctrines and the pressing realities of modern, high-tech combat.

It is not a simple case of one versus the other, but rather a complex interplay of adapting old principles to new challenges.

The Legacy of Outdated Doctrines-

Historically, India's military doctrines, particularly for its land forces, have been criticized for being overly reliant on a conventional, attrition-based approach. The "Cold Start Doctrine," for instance, while never officially acknowledged, was a strategy designed for swift, limited conventional attacks against Pakistan. However, critics have argued that this doctrine was developed with a focus on large, traditional military formations and may have underestimated the impact of a nuclear threshold and the complexities of modern, asymmetric warfare.

This emphasis on a continental, ground-centric mindset has also been a point of contention. For decades, the Indian Army, being the largest service, has often dictated the overall military strategy, with the Air Force and Navy playing a supporting role. This approach is increasingly seen as outdated in an era where conflicts are multi-domain, involving air, sea, land, cyber, and space assets.

Adapting to Modern Combat Realities-

However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift in India's military thinking to address modern combat realities. This transformation is driven by several key factors:

• The Rise of Hybrid Warfare: India's military is now actively preparing for "grey zone" and "hybrid warfare" threats. This includes cyberattacks, information warfare, and the use of drones and other unmanned systems. Recent statements from the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) have emphasized the need for a "proactive, indigenous, and adaptive vision" to counter these evolving threats.

• Technological Integration: The armed forces are increasingly focused on integrating disruptive technologies into their operational frameworks. This includes a push for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and advanced analytics for surveillance, decision-making, and cyber defense. The Indian Army, for example, is incorporating AI-powered surveillance drones and advanced sensors for real-time situational awareness, particularly along its borders.

• Jointness and Integration: The creation of the CDS and the move towards Integrated Theatre Commands are perhaps the most significant steps in this direction. This restructuring aims to break down the silos between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, fostering greater synergy and a unified approach to a multi-front conflict.

• Shifting from Attrition to Decapitation: There is a growing recognition that full-scale invasions and territorial occupations are no longer viable in a nuclearized environment. Modern military thinking is shifting towards swift, decisive, and calibrated strikes to disrupt the enemy's "Centre of Gravity"—its command and control centers, communication hubs, and other critical infrastructure. This "decapitation strategy" aims to achieve military objectives with speed and precision, before international pressure can mount.

• Self-Reliance and Modernization: The "Make in India" initiative for defense is a clear reflection of the desire to reduce technological dependency and build a robust domestic defense industrial base. The Indian Army is charting an ambitious roadmap for modernization, seeking industry partnerships for developing hypersonic weapons, loitering munitions, and directed energy weapons.

In summary, India's military strategy is not entirely shackled by outdated doctrines. It is a work in progress, with a concerted effort to move away from a traditional, attrition-based approach towards a more agile, technology-driven, and integrated framework. While the legacy of past doctrines still influences some aspects of planning and force structure, the new emphasis on multi-domain operations, hybrid warfare, and indigenous technology demonstrates a clear and conscious effort to adapt to the realities of 21st-century warfare.