Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army Southern Command, highlighted the intensifying global security challenges, stating that “the world today is quite literally at war,” with numerous regions experiencing active or potential conflicts.
Speaking at the opening session of the JAI Se Vijay seminar in Pune on February 14, Lt Gen Seth observed that ongoing worldwide conflicts are influencing military doctrines and operational priorities. “We meet at a time when global security is under stress, and strategic competition has hardened into open conflict in several theatres,” he said.
He elaborated: “The world today is quite literally at war. The Ukraine conflict continues to reshape doctrines and force employment. The Middle East remains volatile. Indo-Pacific flashpoints are intensifying, and South Asian borders show how quickly local friction can escalate.”
To illustrate India’s strategic posture, he referenced Operation Sindoor conducted last year, describing it as an example of precision and measured action. “Operation Sindoor demonstrated the effective use of intelligence-driven, multi-domain force application with minimal escalation, all under conditions of heightened geopolitical risk,” he stated.
Lt Gen Seth emphasised that jointness extends beyond organisational reforms such as integrated commands and unified doctrines, asserting that its true essence lies in mindset and operational culture. “It is a culture, a mindset and a way of operating,” he said. “In the current threat landscape, fragmentation is vulnerability, whereas integration is strength.”
Regarding indigenous defence capabilities, he stated, “For India, Atmanirbharta is not just an industrial policy objective; it’s a core national security requirement. It underpins operational readiness and strategic autonomy.”
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan also addressed the seminar’s opening session, elaborating on the JAI Se Vijay theme. He emphasised that victory in modern times requires “demonstrated evidence and verifiable outcomes,” rejecting notions that damage to infrastructure or airfields alone constitutes enduring victory.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s definition of JAI as Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation, the CDS said the concept represents freedom from foreign dependency and a colonial mindset. “It is not just victory over an adversary, but equally victory over inertia, prejudices, and institutional comfort,” he added.
