Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, recently delivered a lecture to participants of the Higher Defence Management Course (HDMC-21) at the College of Defence Management (CDM), Integrated Defence Staff (IDS). His talk, focused on “Operational Perspective – Challenges & Mitigation Strategies,” provided attendees with a depth of understanding regarding the complexities involved in military operations within the Northern Command.
In his lecture, Lt Gen Sharma drew from his extensive operational background to offer a detailed overview of the challenges posed by the Northern Command’s diverse terrain and difficult climatic conditions. He highlighted the operational complexities that arise in high-altitude sectors, counter-insurgency areas, and along sensitive borders. He elaborated on the logistical, technological, and strategic hurdles that must be navigated to ensure effective military presence and operations in these regions.
Lt Gen Sharma also addressed the evolving nature of warfare, discussing the contemporary facets of conventional and multi-domain combat. He spoke about the importance of cyber, space, and information warfare, emphasizing the necessity for jointness and interoperability among the various branches of the Indian Armed Forces. His insights included ongoing capability enhancement initiatives aimed at improving surveillance, mobility, and precision strike capabilities in an increasingly dynamic battlefield environment.
The session concluded with an engaging interactive discussion where Lt Gen Sharma responded to participants’ inquiries. He provided real-world examples of operational challenges faced and the solutions that have been successfully implemented within the Northern Command. His firsthand experience enriched the dialogue, making it more relevant and applicable to the attendees.
Additionally, Lt Gen Sharma interacted with officers from Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) who were present for the course, fostering discussions on strategic cooperation, operational doctrines, and multinational engagements. This exchange of ideas created an atmosphere of camaraderie, professional sharing, and mutual learning, which underscores the CDM’s role as a pivotal institution for joint professional military education.
The address by Lt Gen Pratik Sharma not only affirmed the significance of strategic foresight and adaptability in modern defense leadership, but it also inspired the HDMC-21 participants. His insights reinforced the commitment of the Indian Armed Forces to excellence, innovation, and preparedness in safeguarding national security interests.
