According To Defence Analysts, Armed Forces Must Be Prepared For “Long Forms” Of Conflict

To address upcoming security and strategic problems, defence experts stated on Monday that the Indian Armed Forces should concentrate on “long-term” wars rather than training for “short-term” conflicts.

The continuing crisis in Russia and Ukraine is evidence that the forces must get ready for a protracted conflict. The world’s leaders had anticipated that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine would end quickly. But it persisted for weeks. And they claimed that it is still ongoing.

At a symposium titled “The Ukraine crisis: Challenges to India’s Foreign Policy,” the experts were speaking. A one-day event was planned by the Takshashula Institution and the Pune International Center (PIC).

Former vice head of the air staff Air Marshal Bhushan Gokhale remarked, “Multiple facets of contemporary warfare and military strategy have been demonstrated by the current Russia and Ukraine situation. In order to address upcoming security issues, the Indian Armed Forces must learn from this experience.”

Former Assistant Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral SY Shrikhande observed, “The most crucial aspect of contemporary warfare today is the greatest level of strategic planning. A prime example of a strategic failure was the US armed forces’ performance in Afghanistan.

The US has been able to demonstrate its superiority in Afghanistan for years. They eventually, though, lost the conflict and abandoned the nation. Therefore, this front needs to be the military’s main priority. And it can be accomplished by honing their military theories at illustrious military institutions.”

He claimed that the 2014 confrontation with Russia had taught the Ukrainian armed forces some difficult lessons. “Compared to the last occasion, they had displayed greater tenacity this time. On the other side, it was not anticipated by the Russian military command.

“As a result, they (the Russians) were unable to accomplish the goals they had hoped to in a short amount of time. But that was again another strategic blunder, Shrikhande said.

A powerful ground force with the strictest adherence to military ethics is required to fight the war, according to Lt General Shokin Chauhan (retd), a former director general of the Assam Rifles.

“No military will be able to win a battle only on the basis of technology. Therefore, professional soldiers, not conscripted ones, are what any army needs. The issue that the Russian military leadership is currently dealing with is this. The military’s top brass should learn from it “Chauhan made a mention.

Gautam Bambawale, a former ambassador, discussed the lessons for India’s foreign policy decisions.

Private sector employees who work on defence productions commented as follows: “In the recent years, they have received the required assistance from the government through its “Atmanirmbhar Bharat” initiative. As a result, they are making good progress on a number of specialised military technology and systems.”

Some of them emphasised the necessity for the armed forces to be transparent about the technologies they want to buy. They indicated that doing considerable work on it will help them satisfy their operating needs.

The gathering was attended by senior retired military members, defence and strategic analysts, security specialists, serving army officers, and academics.