Notes“Valour, glory, firmness, skill, generosity, steadiness in battle &ability to rule – these constitute the duty of a soldier”.
- The Bhagwad Gita

1
LAND WARFARE DOCTRINE – 2018

Introduction
The Indian Army today is engaged in the management ofcomplex and active land borders coupled with ongoing Counter
Insurgency (CI)/ Counter Terrorism (CT) operations leading to a ‘No War
No Peace’ Scenario. The primary role of the Indian Army is to preserve
National interests and safeguard sovereignty, territorial integrity andunity of India against external threats and internal subversion bydeterrence or by waging war. The primary approach of our Nation is toresolve disputes in an amicable manner, with National Objectives being
achieved through a mix of Politico-Diplomatic initiatives. However, theIndian Army will continue to undertake a 360 degree overview of the
security environment and shall be prepared to prosecute military
operations in a multi-front scenario in all dimensions, to achieve PoliticoMilitary objectives. We will fight as we are, at the time and place of ourchoosing, utilising all resources, after prioritising the options based on
our capabilities and emerge victorious, while continuing to upgrade ourcapabilities.
This Doctrine provides broad tenets for the prosecution ofoperations by the Indian Army across the entire spectrum of conflict. The
focus will be on force modernisation, resource optimisation andinnovative conceptual processes leading to winning strategies for futurewars. Our geostrategic environment, external and internal threats,
possible responses and a way ahead to develop capabilities for the
future are the major determinants shaping the Land Warfare Doctrine.
This doctrine will lay the foundation for formulation of strategies for the
Northern and Western Fronts and Operational Directives.

Geo Strategic Environment
Environmental Realities.

The current geopolitical upheaval of shifting power centres,
realignment of alliances, shrinking economies and resources,
rising ecological threats, dissolving of the physical and virtual
boundaries and surging fundamentalism/ radicalisation makes theglobal security situation complex and uncertain.

Notes“Unless India stands up to the world, no one will respect us; In thisworld, fear has no place; Only strength respects strength”.

- Dr A P J Abdul Kalam

2The security environment in the region remains dynamic.
South Asia is one of the least economically integrated entities in
the world, resulting in security and economic imbalances in theregion. Unresolved border disputes, both territorial and maritime,illegal cross border migration, trans-national crimes andincreasing radicalisation are some of the major issues plaguingthe region.


Future Security Challenges.
The greatest danger to our Nation continues to be external
aggression with collusive threat from adversaries as well asinternal instability due to state/ non-state sponsored proxy war,thus imposing multi front challenges in various dimensions,
ranging from warfare in the non-contact domain, to an all out full
spectrum war.

Future conflicts will be characterised by operating in azone of ambiguity where nations are neither at peace nor at war a ‘Grey Zone’ which makes our task more complex. Wars will be
Hybrid in nature, a blend of conventional and unconventional,
with the focus increasingly shifting to multi domain Warfare
varying from non-contact to contact warfare.
Enhancing capabilities to meet the emerging contours ofconflict in a multi front environment mandate the Indian Army tobe prepared for techno-centric combat by imbibing technology,
utilising human resources efficiently, ensuring optimal utilisationof the defined budget for force modernisation and further
enhancing joint and integrated operations.

While any future national response would be a
combination of diplomacy, military and economy, the Indian Armymust be prepared for a swift and robust military response tosafeguard our National aims and objectives.

Spectrum of Conflict and Force Application
In addition to unresolved border disputes on our Northern andWestern Fronts, our Nation is being subjected to state sponsored proxyNotes“As soon as the fear approaches near, attack and destroy it”.
-

Chanakya3
war and acts of terrorism from across the border. There is thus a need toprepare for the multi-faceted security challenges that lie ahead.


Current Dynamics/ No War No Peace.
A concerted effort is being made by our adversaries toshrink the space for conventional wars, through prosecution of
unconventional operations at the lower end of the spectrum andthreats of early and irrational use of nuclear weapons at the other.
While conventional war will remain central in the construct of thespectrum of operations, the Indian Army will continue toprosecute effective Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism
operations to ensure deterrence through punitive responses,
against state sponsored proxy war.
Ensuring territorial integrity along the Line of Control (LC),Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) and Line of Actual Control(LAC) is the prime responsibility of the Indian Army. Any
adversarial attempt to alter the status quo along our borders will
be dealt with in a firm and resolute manner.
Line of Actual Control. In case of any deliberate‘transgressions’ along the Line of Actual Control, actions
will be taken to resolve the issue to our advantage withminimum escalation, in consonance with existing
Agreements and Protocols. However, there is a need to beprepared for any escalation.
Line of Control.
Along the Line of Control,
operational capacities will be further strengthened tomaintain moral and operational ascendency and alsoenhance our punitive response options to greater depth,
effect, sophistication and precision.
Internal Security. When requisitioned to deal withinternal threats and challenges, the Indian Army will prosecute
operations in a firm manner using the principle of minimum force,
focussing on winning hearts and minds, providing security to the
local populace and uphold the principles of Human Rights.
Island Territories. In addition to our land borders, weshall continue to enhance our capacities to defend our Island

Notes“The essence of military profession is preparedness”.
-

Field Marshal K M Cariappa, OBE

4Territories and exploit their location to our advantage inconsonance with our National objectives.


Conflict Scenario.
Enhancing Deterrence.
While war prevention throughdeterrence remains a core objective at the national level,
preparing for war and its prosecution will remain the Army’s prime
function. Joint operations will be imperative to achieve operational
success. Integrated planning and conduct of networked theatre
battles will therefore be part of the Indian Army’s strategy forprosecuting war. A strong well-structured and demonstrated
strategic capability will be essential to deter war. We shallcontinue to enhance deterrence by development of niche
capabilities, strategic posturing and upgradation of infrastructure.

Force Application. Synergised application of land,
maritime and air components will be imperative to achieve
operational success. All threats will be met with a calibrated
response by seamless integration and joint application of
resources in our arsenal across all domains of conflict.

Asymmetry. Asymmetry with any adversary will be
offset by better training standards, development of strategies,
skilful use of terrain and application of the principles ofoperational art and manoeuvre warfare. Technological asymmetry
with an adversary will be countered by mission oriented training,
motivated troops and effective leadership.
Conventional War. When forced to prosecute a
conventional war, it shall be to meet our National politico-military
objectives and be executed to ensure comprehensive military
gains. All combat operations will be as Integrated Battle Groups(IBGs), under command of a combined arms operational
headquarters. Appropriate simultaneous responses to hybrid andnon-contact warfare will be ensured in all dimensions, at allstages, and in all sectors of conflict.

Border Management.
During conventional war,
the Indian Army will synergise employment of all Central
Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) as per operational plans.
Their integration, training and operational procedures toassist in their assimilation into the war fighting effort, so asNotes“For the Indian Army to remain relevant, it has to remain versatileand be prepared to fight across the full spectrum of conflict”.
- Gen K Sundarji, PVSM

5
to ensure smooth and seamlessconventional war is essential.
transition

duringNorthern Borders.
All measures will be undertaken to enhance
deterrence along the Northern borders. Operations
along our Northern borders will be force centric,
through effective multi-tiered deployment, rapid
mobilisation, positioning/ application of reserves,augmentation of forces and force multipliers.
All forces deployed along the Northernborders shall be self contained in all aspects and be
capable of fighting isolated. Reserve formations
must be agile to ensure rapid mobilisation andtimely application, augmented by forces from otherfronts/ sectors. Strike formations shall be suitably
mobilised, postured and acclimatised for rapid
application.

Western Borders.

Capabilities will be enhanced to enable
deterrence along our Western borders. Operations
along the Western borders will be force and/ or
space centric with one being corollary to the other.
Our response along the Western Front will be sharp
and swift with the aim of destroying the centre ofgravity of the adversary and securing spatial gains.
All forces shall be applied as Integrated
Battle Groups, with equipment profile matched withenvisaged role and exploitation potential, to provide
greater flexibility in force application.

Collusive Threat. In event of a collusive threat,
the primary front will be dealt with all the resources in ourarsenal and a strong strategic defensive balance will bemaintained along the secondary front. The Indian Armyshall be prepared to address collusive threats in all

Notes“Solutions are found through restraint & mutual dialogue”.
- Narendra Modi

6dimensions. Military forces will be identified, rehearsed andequipped for such contingencies. In a given contingency,
should the Sub Conventional threat escalate, the Indian
Army will also remain prepared for punitive response
against all threats in this domain with all security agencies.

Non-Contact and Hybrid Warfare.
Non-Contact and Hybrid
domains of conflict are now being integrated into the conventional andsub conventional realms and could be non-declaratory and nonattributable in its execution, a characteristic of Grey Zone Warfare thatneeds to be catered for.

The Indian Army will enhance capabilities to address thechallenges of non-contact domains of conflict viz cyber, space
and information as a component of our National strategy for noncontact warfare to cause unaffordable losses to potential
adversaries.

Due to increased threat of hybrid warfare, the Indian Army
will prosecute operations with designated forces, equipped andmandated to effect attacks/ retaliation in the Information Warfare(IW) domain. Adequate capabilities will be developed to dominate
the hybrid warfare environment, both along our Northern andWestern borders and in dealing with internal security, in
coordination with earmarked services and agencies.

Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW).
The Indian
Army will continue to meet its other secondary obligations like Aid to
Civil Authorities, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR),Internal Security Duties, Nation Building, UN Peace Keeping Operations
and Out of Area Contingency (OOAC) tasks, including assistance toFriendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) and assistance in ‘Non CombatantEvacuation Procedures’.
Enhancing Domestic Defence Capability.
The Indian Army
will integrate with defence research, public sector units and civil
industries to develop systems, ideas and concepts, in fielding of latest
weapons and equipment to provide impetus to domestic defence
production.

Notes“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of thestrong”.
- Mahatma Gandhi

7Military Diplomacy. The Indian Army will continue its
endeavours in Military Diplomacy in the form of Military to Military
cooperation and by utilising the services of its Defence Attachés toensure close coordination with other nations. Simultaneously, the Indian
Army would work towards balancing relations with other nations andform strategic partnerships to achieve our National objectives.

Capability Development
Development of capacities will be a pragmatic mix of both
capability and threat based approach to enable a greater span of
responses to plausible scenarios for force developers to work on. We
shall continue to create capacities that deliver national security
outcomes through optimal utilisation of all resources and not those thatlie idle. A balance will be maintained in development of Capacities andCapabilities, which must go hand in hand.


Development of Capacities.

Capacity development will aim to enhance ‘Sector SpecificThreat Based’ capacities and move towards a more broad
spectrum ‘Capability Based’ force. Simultaneously, capacities toensure rapid infusion of technology to upgrade Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), firepower, mobility andprecision weapon capabilities and create tailor madeorganisations with equipment/ capacities specific to sectors must
be enhanced. Capacities will be developed to address multiple
challenges of close proximity situations and enhance ability tofight when isolated.
This will be achieved by synergising modernisation,
optimising, technology assimilation, developing our humanresources and optimum budget utilisation. Delegation, Autonomy
and Upgrading Operational Efficiencies shall be the prime areasof focus.

Capabilities to be Developed. Development of capabilities will
be based on a tiered, prioritised, sector specific and threat based

Notes“You can distil deterrence down to two factors : Capability andWill”.
- Chris Gibson

8evaluation to cater for :
Hybrid Threats/ Responses Short of War/ Localised
Conflicts/ Multi Domain Capacities/ Out of Area Contingencies.


Full Spectrum Deterrence and Operations.


Prioritisation of acquisition shall be based upon ‘Op
Critical’, ‘Op Essential’ and ‘Op Advantageous’ requirements. The
type and quantities of critical operational equipment/ assets will
be acquired in a balanced manner based on guaranteed funding.


Focus Areas for Capability Development.

Optimisation. The Indian Army will continue to optimise
its resources and forces based on the present and futurechallenges.
Force Structure. The Indian Army will be
structured to be an agile, mobile and technology driven
force, operating in synergy with the other Services, inpursuance of our National Interests.

Human Resource Development (HRD) .
Human
Resource Development will aim at preparing a soldier for
the future battlefield milieu. The soldier will be a scholar
warrior with levels of competencies commensurate to his
task. Digitisation and connectivity initiatives will be
upgraded as also simulator/ distance learning/ e-learning
programmes to enable optimisation of manpower. A fillip
shall be given to Professional Military Education (PME) tonurture future commanders capable of executing
knowledge based operations.

Second Echelon Capability.
Indian Army units
in their secondary role, as well as the Rashtriya Rifles (RR)
and Assam Rifles (AR) battalions, deployed to conduct
Counter Insurgency/ Counter Terrorism operations in thehinterland, will also be prepared, trained and suitably
empowered, to be effectively employed for conventional

Notes“Technology, through automation and artificial intelligence, isdefinitely one of the most disruptive sources”.
-

Alain Dehaze

9operations. As part of optimisation, creation of a robust
second echelon capability through TA-isation and a pool ofreservists will aim to add depth and flexibility to our force
optimisation. These forces shall be integrated seamlessly
as a vital component of Rear Area Security Plans.

Human – Machine Teaming.
At the core of our
future military planning will be the effective integration ofsoldiers, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics into warfighting systems that exploit existing capabilities for
success in battle. Increase in operational effectiveness due
to technological development in all fields will be offset bycorresponding optimisation.

Review of Scaling. A holistic review of present
scaling of holding and reserves of ammunition, equipment
and other stocks will be carried out as per envisaged
operational role and likely employment of each soldier/
sub-unit/ unit/ formation at various stages of battle tailoredto specific threats. A ‘one size fits all’ approach will be
avoided.

Multi Front Capability.
The Indian Army will build
capacities to cater for a multi front threat, as the defence needsof the future. Employment of inter-theatre reserves with interoperable equipment/ assets will ensure timely augmentation offorces on the primary front, while guaranteeing effective
deterrence on the other. This will be an important component of
the Theatre/ Front Strategy for enhancing strategic mobility of
agile reserves capable of quick mobilisation in the form ofIntegrated Battle Groups.

ISR and Precision Strike. Timely and assured ISR
inputs, in concert with intelligence of other Services/ agencies
will be developed to offset any terrain and force asymmetries.
Enhancing the Information Warfare and ISR capabilities will be
critical for precise and decisive employment of long range
vectors, strategic and other non-contact assets to cause
maximum degradation to the adversary.

Notes“In the future, we will probably see cyber operations that change
or manipulate electronic information to compromise its integrity
instead of simply deleting the access to it”.
-

James R. Clapper

10
Theaterisation of Critical Assets. Efforts will continue
towards Theaterisation (Inter and Intra Service) of all criticalassets (ISR, Long Range Vectors, Aviation, Air Defence andLogistics) for optimum application in future conflicts. A concerted
effort will be made to enhance the combat potential of the groundforces by procuring Attack Helicopters, dependent on terrain, so
as to counter the adversary.

Information Warfare (IW).
Indian Army will develop
capabilities to prosecute Information Warfare Operations over theentire spectrum of conflict as well as in ‘No War No Peace’scenario, with the aim to achieve full spectrum information
dominance over the adversary.
Cyber Warfare (CW). Cyberspace will be the new
dimension of warfare and will be a key battle winning factor
in future conflicts. While developing Cyber Warfare
capabilities, all elements/ forces must retain the capability
to fight through a disruptive Cyber Warfare domain/
environment. The Indian Army will upgrade existing Cyber
Warfare capabilities with the objective to develop cyberdeterrence and defence capabilities, while simultaneously
devising means of eliminating such threats.
Electronic Warfare (EW). We shall continue todevelop a span of Electronic Warfare eco-systems to
upgrade operational focus, equipping and skilling. Our
Electronic Warfare capabilities shall evolve into full
spectrum, electro-optical dominance to include capabilities
in Communication Intelligence (COMINT), ElectronicIntelligence (ELINT), interception, jamming, spoofing anddeception. To contain proxy war, endeavours will continue
to degrade the communication capabilities of terrorists/
insurgents and enhance our technical prowess to combat
the impact of radicalisation/ alienation.
Psychological Warfare (Psy W). Psychological
Warfare will be used to promote own objectives and theIndian Army shall graduate to a state where mass media
becomes an organic part of future operations. Social
Media, which has emerged as a powerful tool for PublicInformation and Perception Management, will also be usedmeaningfully and responsibly to yield desired dividends.

Notes“In cyberspace, weapon system gets created in 24 hour cycles. You
have no earthly idea whether or not you have a defensive capability
against them”.
Thomas Tills

11
Techno-Centric Environment. The Indian Army willcontinue to modernise to fight in a techno-centric combat
environment which is likely to emerge in futuristic conflict
scenarios due to revolution in key technologies like Artificial
Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Nano Technology, HighEnergy Lasers, Directed Energy Weapons, Hypersonic Weapons
etc so as to cater for high technology threat of Swarm Attacks
including Drones, Laser and Pulsed Microwave Weapon Systems
and Injection of False Information.
Space Warfare.
Continuous surveillance of our borders
by developing and employment of satellites, to provide accurate
inputs for planning of operations, mitigation of threats andintegration of space based assets with ground based weapon
platforms will be a priority area for development. Development of
micro satellites, lighter and greater capacity transponders,manoeuvrable and intelligent outer space satellites, with short lifespans which can be launched ‘on demand’ basis, will be theessential future requirements for the Army.
Special Forces Capability.
Special Forces shall beequipped, structured and trained to ensure their applicationin multiple employment opportunities for exponential gains, toachieve our military objectives. Their equipment profiling,
standards of training and employment strategies must form a vital
component of our overall deterrence capability, both inunconventional/ conventional domains.
Force Projection Capability. India’s role as a regional
security provider mandates a force projection capability to further
our national security objectives. A Rapid Reaction Forcecomprising Integrated Battle Groups with strategic lift andamphibious capability will be an imperative for force projection
operations.

Operational Readiness. A high standard of operational
readiness in terms of mission capable equipment, trained
personnel, logistics sustenance and availability of spares andreserves will be ensured to enable the Indian Army to prosecute
operations at short notice and on multiple fronts.

Notes“You will not find it difficult to prove that battles, campaigns, andeven wars have been won or lost primarily because of logistics”.
-

Dwight D Eisenhower

12

Operational Logistics.
Strategic Sustenance Capacity. All modes/
assets of transportation including strategic road/ rail
communications, airfields and mounting bases will
be employed for enhancing capabilities for inter andintra theatre switching of forces and equipment.

Logistics Planning. Logistic plans will betailor-made based on the operations envisaged in
specific theatres. Consolidation of stocks at various
depots in the hinterland will be carried out as well as
the number of logistics echelons reviewed. In the
Tactical Battle Area (TBA), stocks will be suitably
dispersed as per operational requirement. Logistic
movement will be lateral as well as linear to ensure
flexibility and adequacy.
Unified Logistics Structures. The Indian
Army will continue to work towards formulation ofmodernised Unified Logistics Structures under asingle logistician as Commander. These structures
shall be networked and automated for ‘Just in Time’supply. This shall be in concert with our overall
upgradation of operational logistics infrastructure
especially for independent/ isolated sectors.


Nuclear Environment.
The Indian Army will continue
to enhance our capability to fight in a Chemical, Biological,
Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) environment. Field formations/units will be equipped to prosecute operations through a
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear contaminatedzone, to maintain tempo of operations.

Training.
Training will be realistic, integrated,
operational oriented and in sync with the Front/ Theatre threat
assessment with the focus on imbibing technologies being
introduced. The focus of training will be as per Formation’s rolewith emphasis on ‘Offensive Defence’, Inter Theatre mobilisation,
rapid application of Strike/ Reserve Formations, innovative
employment of Special Forces and Forward Logistics
Management in a techno-centric environment.

Notes“Quartered in snow, silent to remain,
When the bugle calls, they shall rise and march again”.
-

Anonymous(Siachen Base Camp)

13

Deterrence.
The Indian Army shall be the primary
instrument of the overall deterrence capability of the Nation.
Enhanced operational preparedness of Defensive/ Strike
Formations, positioning of Sectoral/ Theatre Reserves, upgrading
capability of Special Forces/ Cyber Domain and demonstrated
capability by conduct of military exercises shall be pursued.

Conclusion
The Indian Army will continue to develop strategies andcapabilities for contingencies throughout the expanding spectrum of
conflict aiming to dissuade, deter, delay and defend by proactive andresponsive engagements at the place and time of own choosing, when
there is an imminent threat to National Security. In doing so, the strategy
will be application of all the elements of the military arsenal in
conjunction with other instruments of Comprehensive National Power.
The focus of the Indian Army will be to develop cross domain
capabilities, facilitate enhanced jointness and integration amongst thethree Services and optimise forces and resources to be prepared for
effective and robust military responses in a future battle field milieu. The
Indian Army shall continue to be a potent force with deterrent capability
to enhance the politico-diplomatic options of the nation.