Lessons from Modern Warfare and Leadership Discussed by Former Service Chiefs at IIT Techfest
Mumbai: During the 29th edition of Techfest at IIT Bombay, three former service chiefs shared their insights on modern warfare and leadership with an audience of students. This symposium highlighted the evolving nature of military operations and the importance of leadership in both military and civilian contexts.
Insights from Former Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari
Former Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari discussed the critical lessons learned from the 2019 Balakot airstrikes in Pakistan. He emphasized that modern warfare is increasingly judged not just by the execution of operations but also by the evidence available post-operation.
Chaudhari pointed out that during the Balakot operation, the cloud cover obstructed aerial photography, which led to doubts about the effectiveness of the strikes. He stated, “The absence of imagery allowed the adversary to sanitize the area and led people to question whether the strikes even took place.” This highlights the importance of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and bomb damage assessment in contemporary military operations.
Moreover, Chaudhari warned about the rapidly changing nature of battlefields, noting that there is currently “no defense against a hypersonic missile,” a capability already demonstrated in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Leadership and Values by Former Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande
Former Army Chief General Manoj Pande addressed the audience on the significance of leadership and the values that underpin it. He described the Indian Army as “a microcosm of the nation,” reflecting India’s core principles, particularly its secular nature.
Pande encouraged the young audience to pursue their dreams passionately, emphasizing that effective leadership stems from a strong organizational culture, accountability, and the ability to make decisions under pressure. He stated, “Leadership flows from organizational culture, accountability, and decision-making under pressure,” urging students to cultivate these qualities in their personal and professional lives.
Strategic Importance of Maritime Security by Former Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar
Former Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar highlighted the strategic importance of maritime security in the context of India’s growing economy. He noted that while nearly 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, only about 5% lies within national maritime boundaries, with the remainder governed by global maritime laws.
Kumar recalled that historical leaders, including Emperor Akbar, had limited knowledge of the oceans, which has changed in modern times. He pointed out that as India’s economy grows, a significant portion of its trade will occur across the seas, making maritime security crucial for national prosperity.
He referred to shipbuilding as the “mother of industries,” citing India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, Vikrant, which created 2,000 direct jobs and generated 6.4 ancillary jobs for each direct job. This underscores the economic and strategic importance of developing a robust maritime industry in India.
Conclusion
The discussions at IIT Techfest provided valuable insights into the complexities of modern warfare and the essential qualities of effective leadership. The former service chiefs emphasized the need for adaptability in military strategies and the importance of fostering a culture of accountability and decision-making in leadership roles. As students prepare to enter various fields, the lessons shared during this symposium will undoubtedly resonate with them as they navigate their own paths in an increasingly complex world.
Note: The insights shared by the former service chiefs reflect their extensive experience and understanding of military operations and leadership, providing a framework for future leaders to build upon.
