- Shaping Military Leaders for the 21st Century: Ethical and Value Based Leadership
The Army War College (AWC) is conducting the Leadership Seminar 2026 under the aegis of Headquarters Army Training Command (ARTRAC) on 26 and 27 February 2026 at the Kalkat Auditorium, Mhow. The two day seminar was inaugurated by the Commandant, Army War College and featured the keynote address by Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding in Chief, ARTRAC. The seminar is being attended by approximately 1,000 participants, including serving and retired military officers. The proceedings are also being transmitted live to outstation participants, enabling wider participation across military establishments.
A defining feature of the seminar is the diverse and distinguished panel of speakers, comprising serving and retired officers of the highest distinction, along with subject matter experts from the judiciary, academia, diplomacy, defence research, industry and think tanks. This broad representation is enabling a comprehensive exchange of perspectives on leadership, ethics and values, drawing upon experience from multiple domains relevant to modern military decision making.
Set against a rapidly evolving security environment marked by multi domain operations, information warfare and emerging autonomous technologies, the seminar underscores that ethical and value based leadership remains central to effective command. Discussions highlight the requirement for leaders who combine operational competence with moral resilience, particularly in contemporary operations where decisions are often required under time pressure and amid complex human terrain.
Day 1 witnessed the release of the Leadership Journal 2026 and the felicitation of veterans. Expert sessions covered themes such as Foundations of Ethical Leadership, Balancing Mission Objectives with Ethical Considerations, Cultural Awareness in Ethical Decision Making, and the Role of Leadership in Promoting Ethical Behaviour and Accountability. Day 2 will include deliberations on Ethical Leadership in Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism, Ethical Leadership Challenges in a Technology Environment, Bridging the Generational Gap and Instilling Military Ethos in the Digital Native Generation, and Balancing National and International Ethical Sensitivities.
The Leadership Seminar 2026 reaffirms that ethical and value based leadership is an operational necessity that underpins the effectiveness, legitimacy and moral authority of the Indian Army. The seminar also reinforces the role of the Army War College as a premier institution for shaping military thinkers and leaders for the challenges of the future.
