New Delhi, June 2026 — In a reflection of the growing importance of intellectual preparedness in modern military leadership, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi was recently presented with a diverse collection of publications exploring critical aspects of national security, strategic affairs, leadership, military culture, technological transformation, and future challenges facing India’s defence establishment.
The carefully curated selection of books represents a broad spectrum of contemporary security issues—from information warfare and water security to defence innovation and military leadership. Together, the publications highlight the increasing recognition that future conflicts will be shaped not only by military strength but also by knowledge, technology, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to rapidly evolving global realities.
The Growing Role of Strategic Literature in Defence Planning
Modern military organizations operate in an environment where traditional battlefield considerations intersect with cyber threats, information campaigns, environmental challenges, emerging technologies, and geopolitical competition.
As a result, professional military education and strategic scholarship have become increasingly important components of defence preparedness. Books, research studies, and analytical works provide military leaders with perspectives that extend beyond immediate operational concerns, enabling them to anticipate future challenges and develop long-term strategic responses.
The publications presented to the Army Chief reflect this multidimensional approach to national security and defence planning.
Celebrating Sporting Excellence in Uniform
Among the works presented were the two volumes of The Sports Legends of Defence Services & CAPF, authored by Vaneeta Vaid.
The publication documents the inspiring journeys of 80 distinguished sportspersons from India’s Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Through their dedication, discipline, and perseverance, these athletes have achieved remarkable success at national and international levels while representing the country with distinction.
The books highlight how qualities developed through military service—resilience, teamwork, determination, and commitment to excellence—often translate into sporting achievements. Their stories serve as a source of motivation not only for military personnel but also for young citizens aspiring to achieve success through hard work and discipline.
Understanding the Battlefield of the Digital Age
Another notable publication, Information Warfare: Battleground of the Digital Age by Rahul Pandit, examines one of the most significant transformations in modern conflict.
As digital technologies reshape communication and information flows, the nature of warfare has expanded beyond conventional military engagements. Information manipulation, cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns, psychological operations, and digital influence activities increasingly play a critical role in shaping public opinion, national security outcomes, and strategic competition.
The book explores these emerging challenges while emphasizing the need for robust mechanisms to protect national interests in an interconnected and technologically driven world.
Water Security as a Strategic Concern
Environmental and resource-related challenges are becoming increasingly important elements of national security planning. Addressing this dimension, India’s Water Security – Threats, Strategies and Solutions by Akash Kaushik offers an in-depth examination of water-related issues facing the country.
The publication analyzes the implications of water scarcity, climate variability, resource management, population growth, and regional competition over water resources. It also explores policy options and strategic measures necessary to ensure long-term water sustainability.
Experts increasingly view water security as an issue with direct implications for economic stability, social development, environmental sustainability, and national resilience. The book contributes to ongoing discussions about how nations can prepare for future resource-related challenges.
Reflections on Leadership and Military Camaraderie
Military leadership is often shaped by experiences and relationships formed during training. This theme is explored in Echoes From Academy Lines by Herald Ford Mochari.
The book captures the unique environment of the National Defence Academy (NDA), where future officers undergo rigorous training and develop lifelong bonds. Through personal reflections and narratives, the work highlights values such as leadership, discipline, teamwork, resilience, and service before self.
These qualities remain fundamental to military effectiveness and continue to define the professional ethos of India’s armed forces.
The publication also offers readers a glimpse into the formative experiences that shape military leaders and influence their approach to command throughout their careers.
Reimagining National Security for the Future
The collection also included Defence Reimagined: 33 Domains to Revolutionise National Security by Shivam Arya.
The book explores the rapidly evolving defence environment and identifies emerging domains that are expected to influence future security strategies. Topics include technological innovation, strategic modernization, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, defence manufacturing, cybersecurity, and evolving operational doctrines.
The work encourages policymakers and defence planners to think beyond conventional frameworks and prepare for a future in which technological disruption and multidimensional threats reshape the security landscape.
Its focus on innovation and strategic adaptation aligns with broader efforts to build a more self-reliant and technologically advanced defence ecosystem.
Knowledge as a Force Multiplier
The presentation of these publications underscores a broader reality: military strength in the twenty-first century depends increasingly on intellectual readiness alongside operational capability.
Modern defence leadership requires an understanding of subjects as diverse as technology, geopolitics, economics, environmental sustainability, social resilience, and information ecosystems. Strategic literature provides valuable tools for developing this understanding and fostering informed decision-making.
By engaging with a wide range of ideas and perspectives, military institutions can better anticipate emerging challenges and develop more effective responses.
Preparing for an Evolving Security Environment
The collection of books presented to General Upendra Dwivedi reflects the complexity of today’s security landscape. From celebrating sporting excellence and military values to examining cyber warfare, water security, and future defence innovation, the publications collectively illustrate the many dimensions of contemporary national security.
As India continues to modernize its defence capabilities and strengthen its strategic position, intellectual engagement will remain an essential component of preparedness. Understanding future challenges requires not only advanced technologies and military resources but also thoughtful analysis, continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt.
The presentation of these works serves as a reminder that ideas, knowledge, and strategic thinking remain among the most powerful assets available to any nation seeking to secure its future in an increasingly complex world.