The College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad, recently concluded its annual National Seminar, held on January 30-31, 2025. The event brought together senior military officials, strategic experts, and renowned academicians to discuss the evolving nature of military leadership in the face of technological disruptions and shifting geopolitical landscapes. The seminar, themed Developing Military Strategic Authentic Leaders (MISAL): Re-Imagining Concepts and Strategies, focused on preparing future-ready military leaders capable of navigating an increasingly complex global security environment.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan delivered the keynote address, highlighting the pressing need for adaptive leadership. In an era where warfare is no longer confined to conventional battlefields, he stressed the importance of equipping military leaders with the strategic acumen to tackle emerging challenges. His address underscored the growing role of disruptive technologies, cyber warfare, and hybrid threats, all of which demand a paradigm shift in leadership approaches.
One of the most thought-provoking sessions of the seminar was on Strategies for Developing Military Strategic and Authentic Leaders, where Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (Retd) and Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria led engaging discussions on the essential qualities of modern military leadership. They examined how leaders must balance traditional command structures with innovative thinking to stay ahead of adversaries. Academicians contributed valuable insights by exploring leadership evolution through historical and contemporary perspectives, including lessons from the Ancient Indian Knowledge System.
The role of integrated leadership across different branches of the Armed Forces was another crucial aspect of the seminar. As military operations become increasingly joint and technology-driven, experts emphasized the need for cross-service collaboration and leadership adaptability. Senior veterans shared firsthand experiences, shedding light on the leadership models that have proven effective in contemporary military operations.
Major General Harsh Chhibber, Commandant of CDM, underscored the importance of reassessing military leadership strategies in light of modern warfare’s changing nature. He pointed out that increasing global conflicts, diminishing traditional control mechanisms, and the socio-economic diversity within the Armed Forces make it imperative to rethink leadership approaches. He reiterated the need for military leaders to align their strategies with national security objectives while leveraging technological advancements and structural reforms.
The seminar provided a vital platform for in-depth discussions on leadership concepts, offering both theoretical frameworks and real-world applications in a military context. By facilitating dialogue among military professionals and academic experts, the event reinforced the significance of strategic foresight in shaping the next generation of Armed Forces leaders.
Since its establishment in December 1970, the College of Defence Management has been at the forefront of equipping senior military officials with contemporary management concepts and best practices. Through its National Seminars, CDM has consistently addressed pivotal themes, from strategic challenges and self-reliance to leadership transformation and geopolitical power shifts. This year’s seminar reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to preparing India’s military leadership for the challenges of the future, ensuring they remain agile, informed, and ready to meet the demands of modern warfare.
