Indian Army Hosts Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025

The Indian Army hosted the third edition of the Chanakya Defence Dialogue (CDD) 2025 in New Delhi on 27–28 November, reinforcing India’s commitment to transforming its defence strategy in line with global trends and national security imperatives. Under the theme “Reform to Transform: Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat,” the Dialogue brought together military leaders, strategists, diplomats, academics, youth and private-sector experts to deliberate on India’s evolving security landscape and long-term defence transformation goals.

This year’s Dialogue stands out for unveiling a comprehensive three-phase roadmap to modernise the Indian Army by 2047 — aligning military preparedness with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation.

Key Themes and Discussions

Visionary Inauguration

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Dialogue, commending the Indian Army for its professionalism and stressing the need for preparedness across traditional warfare, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, cyber and space domains. She highlighted that in the face of rising technological disruptions and new threats, India’s forces must remain agile, adaptive and multidimensional.

Army Chief’s Roadmap to 2047

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, presented a three-phase transformation strategy for the Indian Army, outlining its evolution into an integrated, future-ready force.

The Three Phases

• Phase 1 (by 2032): Accelerated reorganisation, doctrinal reforms, and absorption of new technologies.
• Phase 2 (by 2037): Consolidation of these transformations into structural readiness and enhanced operational synergy.
• Phase 3 (by 2047): Realisation of a fully digitised, self-reliant, agile force aligned with India’s national development goals for 2047.

Static Takeaways

• Event: Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025
• Host: Indian Army
• Location: Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi
• Dates: 27–28 November 2025
• Theme: Reform to Transform: Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat
• Chief of Army Staff: General Upendra Dwivedi