New strategy integrates offensive and defensive capabilities to counter emerging threats
New Delhi, August 8, 2025: In a major step towards modern warfare readiness, the Indian armed forces have released joint doctrines for cyberspace and amphibious operations. The strategy stresses proactive defence and the ability to strike adversaries’ critical assets, from military networks to financial systems, before open conflict begins.
The doctrines were unveiled after a meeting chaired by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, with Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal A P Singh. Officials called it a major step in aligning India’s strategy to the challenges of non-contact warfare, which blurs the line between war and peace.
The doctrine says cyberspace operations can now target and disable an adversary’s military networks, energy grids, banking systems, transport links, and communications before traditional combat begins. The document underscores the importance of speed, coordination, and pre-emptive action in gaining an advantage.
General Chauhan warned of rising “aggressive cyberspace exploitation” by rival states and stressed the need for integrated hardware and software to defend India’s digital frontiers. He said the armed forces are aware of adversaries’ moves and must focus on constant innovation and preparedness
Air Chief Marshal A P Singh added that cyberspace dominance will play a decisive role in future conflicts. He emphasized that a “collaborative whole-of-nation approach” is essential to counter and outpace hostile activities online. The doctrine also calls for synchronised efforts across the Army, Navy, and Air Force to maximise impact and efficiency.
The amphibious operations doctrine aims to boost India’s power projection in maritime zones by combining naval, land, and air assets. It draws on lessons from recent exercises and global practices to ensure swift responses to threats in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond
By uniting these two domains under one plan, the armed forces aim to bolster national security against conventional and unconventional threats. Experts see it as a proactive step to deter adversaries from exploiting India’s digital and maritime vulnerabilities.
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