An Assessment of Organisational Change in the Indian Army

Vivek Chadha

Col Vivek Chadha (Retd), served in the Indian Army for 22 years prior to taking premature retirement to pursue research. He joined the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and… Continue reading An Assessment of Organisational Change in the Indian Army read more

The article analyses military change in the context of the Indian Army, with specific focus on organisational innovation and change. In doing so, it analyses two case studies: restructuring of the army after the Sino-Indian War of 1962; and mechanisation based on the 1975 expert committee recommendations. On the basis of these case studies, the article assesses the drivers and desirables for organisational change in the Indian Army, with the further aim of deriving policy recommendations which are especially apt in light of the ongoing transformation of the army. It identifies operational environment and technology as the principle drivers for change, with doctrine and strategic culture having a limited impact. It further concludes that successful change requires long-term strategic assessment, supportive political leadership, visionary and committed military leadership, strong institutional structures and follow-up action.

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