Ran Samwad 2026: India’s Strategic Shift to Multi-Domain Operations

By R Chandrakanth

• Ran Samwad (Battle Strategy), talks about integrating capabilities across land, air, sea, space, cyber, and the cognitive sphere
• Integration enables faster targeting, improved situational awareness, and more precise strikes, key advantages in high-intensity conflicts
• Leveraging artificial intelligence to support decision-making

Bengaluru. The growing complexity of modern warfare was at the centre of discussions in Bengaluru as India’s top military leadership gathered for the second edition of Ran Samwad (Battle Strategy), a tri-service seminar focused on Multi-Domain Operations (MDO).

Held under the aegis of the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, the two-day event brought together senior officers, strategic experts, and international representatives to examine how future conflicts will be fought, not in isolation, but across interconnected domains. The central message that emerged was clear: the nature of war has fundamentally changed, and success will depend on how effectively nations integrate capabilities across land, air, sea, space, cyber, and the cognitive sphere.

Seamless Flow of Information

India’s Chief of Defence Staff, Anil Chauhan, set the tone by emphasising that modern warfare now unfolds simultaneously across physical, synthetic, and cognitive realms. He highlighted the urgency of faster and smarter decision-making in an artificial intelligence-driven battlespace. According to him, the focus has shifted from simple coordination between services to deep integration, where information flows seamlessly and decisions are made in near real-time. This shift reflects a broader global trend in which the speed of decision-making can determine victory as much as firepower.

The seminar’s central theme, Multi-Domain Operations, goes beyond the idea of different forces operating side by side. As India’s Chief of Army Staff, Upendra Dwivedi, explained, MDO is not about six domains functioning in parallel, but about their constant and dynamic interaction. In such a system, the “lead” can shift from one domain to another depending on the situation. A cyber operation may open the door for an air strike, which in turn may support ground manoeuvres, all while information warfare shapes public perception. This fluidity defines modern conflict.

Battlefield is Layered, Complex Adaptive System

General Dwivedi described today’s battlefield as a “layered, complex adaptive system,” reflecting what he called a world of “permanent conflict.” In this environment, threats are not always declared, and battles may unfold without formal war. He stressed that commanders must be able to read and respond across domains, rather than focus only on traditional battlefield maps. The Indian Army, he noted, is already moving in this direction by operationalising Integrated Battle Groups, Divyastra drone batteries, and dedicated cyber operations wings. These steps are part of a broader push towards what he termed “domain fusion,” where technology, data, and human decision-making are tightly integrated.

From the maritime perspective, India’s Chief of Naval Staff, Dinesh K Tripathi, offered a vision of a battlespace that stretches from the seabed to outer space. He described the modern maritime domain as a dense, transparent, and interconnected grid shaped by speed and scale. In such an environment, naval operations are no longer limited to ships and submarines; they involve satellites, unmanned systems, and cyber networks working together.

200-plus ship force by 2035

Admiral Tripathi also highlighted the Indian Navy’s long-term goal of becoming a 200-plus ship force by 2035, with a strong focus on modular platforms and emerging technologies. Importantly, he pointed to the growing role of uncrewed and autonomous systems, which are expected to play a central role in future conflicts.

The Indian Air Force, which hosted the seminar through its Training Command, has been equally vocal about the importance of MDO. Its leadership has consistently stressed the need for seamless integration across domains, particularly in areas such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Air power, once seen as a standalone domain, is now deeply interconnected with cyber networks, space-based assets, and ground systems. This integration enables faster targeting, improved situational awareness, and more precise strikes, key advantages in high-intensity conflicts.

The discussions in Bengaluru reflect a larger shift in how wars are fought globally. In traditional warfare, operations were often sequential: air strikes would soften targets before ground forces moved in, while naval forces operated largely independently. Today, such linear approaches are no longer effective. Instead, operations are conducted simultaneously across multiple domains, creating dilemmas for adversaries and reducing their ability to respond effectively.

Operation Sindoor and Real-time Intelligence

A clear example of this evolution can be seen in India’s recent military operations, including the widely discussed Operation Sindoor. The operation demonstrated how real-time intelligence, precision strikes, and electronic warfare can be combined to achieve rapid and decisive outcomes. Air strikes were supported by integrated command-and-control systems, while cyber and electronic warfare capabilities disrupted enemy defences. At the same time, information operations played a role in shaping perceptions and controlling the narrative.

Importantly, such integration is not one-sided. Adversaries are also developing their own multi-domain capabilities. Pakistan, for instance, has been reported to use integrated ‘kill chains’ that combine radar networks, airborne platforms, and possibly space-based inputs to enhance situational awareness. This highlights a key reality of modern warfare: technological superiority alone is not enough. What matters is how effectively different systems are connected and used together.

West Asia Example

Beyond South Asia, conflicts in West Asia further illustrate the importance of multi-domain operations. The extensive use of drones, cyber tools, and electronic warfare alongside conventional military action has become a defining feature of these conflicts. Unmanned systems, in particular, have emerged as a force multiplier, enabling smaller actors to challenge more powerful adversaries. These developments underline the growing importance of adaptability and innovation in warfare.

At the heart of MDO lies the concept of information superiority. In a battlefield filled with sensors, from satellites to drones to ground-based radars, the ability to collect, process, and act on information faster than the enemy can provide a decisive advantage. This is why military leaders are increasingly focusing on integrating ISR capabilities and leveraging artificial intelligence to support decision-making.

The cognitive domain adds another layer of complexity. Modern conflicts are not only fought with weapons but also with narratives. Information warfare, including propaganda and misinformation, can influence public opinion, weaken morale, and shape the strategic environment. As Indian military leaders have pointed out, controlling the narrative can be as important as controlling territory.

The outcomes of Ran Samwad 2026 highlight India’s recognition of these challenges. The seminar concluded with a collaborative roadmap aimed at enhancing jointness and preparing the armed forces for multi-domain conflict. The emphasis was on moving beyond coordination to true integration, where the boundaries between services, and even between military and civilian domains, become increasingly blurred.

Looking ahead, the importance of Multi-Domain Operations will only grow. Advances in technology, particularly in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and cyber capabilities, are likely to further transform the battlefield. At the same time, the increasing interconnectedness of global systems means that conflicts can have far-reaching impacts beyond the immediate theatre of operations.

For India, the transition to a multi-domain approach is both a challenge and an opportunity. It requires not only new technologies but also changes in doctrine, training, and organisational culture. As General Dwivedi noted, there is a need for a new command culture where leaders “command technology” rather than merely operate it. This shift will be critical in ensuring that the armed forces can adapt to the demands of future warfare.

Ultimately, the message from Bengaluru is unmistakable. Multi-Domain Operations are no longer a theoretical concept—they are a practical necessity. In a world where conflicts are fast-paced, complex, and interconnected, success will depend on the ability to integrate capabilities across domains, outpace adversaries in decision-making, and maintain superiority in both physical and cognitive spaces. Future wars will not be fought on a single battlefield; they will unfold across many, all at once—and only those who can master this complexity will prevail.