Lt Gen Abhijit S. Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, delivered the keynote address at the “Forces First Conclave” held at the Manekshaw Centre on October 18, 2025. The event was jointly organized by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) and Republic Media Group.

In his address, Lt Gen Pendharkar spoke on critical aspects of “Border Management to Battlespace Readiness,” emphasizing the importance of integrating modern technology, intelligence, and operational preparedness to enhance national security. He highlighted the evolving challenges at India’s borders and underscored the need for agility, coordination, and robust infrastructure to maintain operational superiority.
The conclave brought together senior defense officials, strategists, and policymakers to discuss contemporary security challenges and operational strategies. Lt Gen Pendharkar’s insights provided a comprehensive overview of the Indian Army’s approach to safeguarding territorial integrity while adapting to dynamic threats in modern warfare.
The keynote address is available online for reference, offering detailed perspectives on India’s defense readiness and strategic priorities in border management and battlespace operations.