Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the need for integrating military, diplomatic, economic, and technological tools to enhance India’s “Smart Power” amidst the challenges in the Strait of Hormuz. At a National Seminar on “Security to Prosperity: Smart Power for Sustained National Growth,” General Dwivedi highlighted the strategic importance of trade as a tool for leverage in today’s global scenario. He pointed out that the Strait of Hormuz has evolved into a contested zone, emphasizing the blurred line between security and prosperity.
General Dwivedi outlined the concept of India’s “Smart Power” in the current world context, referring to it as the strategic intelligence required to deploy various instruments effectively towards desired outcomes. He stressed the significance of leveraging national strength with strategic acumen to ensure peace, drive growth, and shape global dynamics favorably. Additionally, he called for an expansion of the traditional strategic framework of DIME (Diplomatic, Informational, Military, and Economic elements) to include newer elements like technology and a holistic national approach.
In addressing the evolving global landscape, General Dwivedi underscored the resurgence of hard power dynamics in international affairs. He emphasized the necessity of understanding the world as it is, rather than how one wishes it to be, especially considering the changing dynamics of trade, supply chains, and digital connectivity. The Army Chief highlighted that contemporary conflicts demand not just military readiness but also industrial capabilities, research advancements, and effective governance structures to navigate the complexities of the modern era.
