Tech Explained: Tech Evolution in Warfare and Society in Simple Terms

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, emphasised the rapid pace of technological disruption during the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, noting how emerging technologies are fundamentally reshaping warfare, industry, and society. Speaking at the 32nd Foundation Day celebrations of the Army Institute of Technology (AIT) in Pune, he stated, “Recent deliberations during the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 reaffirmed how rapidly emerging technologies are reshaping the character of warfare, industry, and society alike. We are living in a defining era of technological transformation. Technology today is not just an enabler, it is a strategic determinant of national power, economic competitiveness and military capability.”

Lieutenant General Seth added that for the Indian Army, the current decade represents a decisive phase of transformation driven by the assimilation, adoption, and integration of advanced technologies, with ‘Atmanirbharta’ as its core foundation.

He continued, “For the Indian Army, this is a decisive decade of transformation driven by assimilation, adoption and integration of technologies and ‘Atmnirbharta’ as its foundation…”

As Patron-in-Chief of AIT, Lt Gen Seth congratulated the institute for its continued pursuit of excellence, remarking on its evolution into a premier centre of learning that produces technology leaders and innovators under the Army Welfare Education Society.

He encouraged students and faculty to prioritise innovation in dual-use domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Robotics, Big Data Analytics, and Augmented Reality. Additionally, he urged students to take advantage of internship opportunities offered by the Indian Army to contribute to the country’s innovation ecosystem.

The ceremony concluded with awards presented to students, faculty, and staff, reaffirming AIT’s commitment to excellence under its motto, “Onward to Glory.”