Army Commanders’ Summit in Sikkim: Border Security in Focus

The Second Army Commanders’ Conference of 2024 began on October 10 in a hybrid format at a forward location in Gangtok, Sikkim. Bringing together senior leaders of the Indian Army, the conference serves as a crucial platform to review the nation’s overall security landscape, address key conceptual issues, and devise strategies to tackle emerging challenges.

Two-Phase Structure

• The conference is divided into two phases. 
• The first phase, held from October 10-11, 2024, takes place in Gangtok. 
• The second phase is scheduled for October 28-29, 2024, in Delhi, providing additional time for deeper analysis and strategic review.

Defence Minister’s Address

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will deliver a keynote address at the Gangtok venue, outlining the emerging security challenges India faces and the Army’s strategic responses. During his visit, he will also celebrate Dussehra with troops stationed in the region, reinforcing the government’s support for the armed forces.

Gangtok’s Strategic Importance

• Holding the conference in Gangtok underscores the Army’s commitment to understanding and addressing the region’s security landscape. 
• Gangtok’s proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China is particularly relevant due to the ongoing tensions and the upcoming 22nd round of corps commander-level talks between India and China. 
• This location allows for real-time discussions on border security and military readiness.

Focus of the First Phase

• The first phase commenced with high-level discussions on critical national security concerns and the development of strategies to enhance the Indian Army’s warfighting capabilities. 

Key topics include,

• A national security strategy that integrates Civil-Military Fusion with the Diplomatic, Information, Military, and Economic (DIME) pillars to counter modern threats.
• Technological advancements, with an emphasis on developing low-cost technologies and alternative strategies to adapt to evolving warfare.

Professional Military Education and Organizational Health

Commanders are also focusing on enhancing professional military education, incorporating technology into military training, and potentially recruiting specialists in niche domains to improve operational effectiveness. Additionally, there are discussions on organizational health, focusing on streamlining processes within the Field Army and reviewing the training and feedback of Agniveers in various formations.

Security Readiness

Conducting the conference in a forward location like Gangtok highlights the Indian Army’s readiness to engage with the complexities of the current security environment. The location near the LAC reinforces the importance of situational awareness and ensures that commanders align strategies with ground realities.

Outcome and Impact

• The outcome of this conference will be pivotal in ensuring that the Indian Army is well-prepared to tackle the multifaceted security challenges ahead. 
• The second phase in Delhi will solidify these discussions, offering a comprehensive review of the Army’s strategic posture based on insights from the Gangtok gathering.