New Delhi: The Indian Army hosted a national seminar on Military decision-making through wargaming and simulation at Manekshaw Centre on Thursday, highlighting the growing role of simulation in modern warfare.
The Wargaming Development Centre (WARDEC) organised the event under the theme “Enhancing Military Decision-Making through Wargaming and Simulation – Bridging Knowledge and Industry Gaps.” The seminar brought together senior military leaders, academicians, strategic experts and technology industry representatives. Participants discussed how structured simulations can strengthen operational planning and doctrinal innovation in multi-domain battlespaces.
Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Army Training Command, inaugurated the seminar. In his keynote address, he described wargaming as a strategic tool that sharpens judgement and validates assumptions. He emphasised embedding simulation-driven analysis into institutional planning processes. According to him, this approach enhances operational preparedness and decision superiority.
Military decision-making through wargaming and simulation gains indigenous boost
The seminar featured discussions from military, academic and industry perspectives. Military speakers highlighted the need to institutionalise wargaming as a core professional competency. They stressed preparing commanders for fast-changing and technology-driven operational environments.
Academicians focused on interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence, data analytics and behavioural sciences. They also advocated stronger collaboration between practitioners and research institutions. Industry experts emphasised partnerships for co-development and integration of emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, virtual reality and augmented reality into realistic simulation platforms.
During the event, WARDEC released three indigenously developed decision-support applications. These include the Auto Evaluation Map Marking Tool, Combat Decision Resolution – Version 9, and Automated Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield. Officials said these tools will provide structured analytical support to commanders at different levels.
Lieutenant General Zubin A. Minwalla, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation and Training), delivered the closing address. He underscored the importance of a self-reliant and future-ready wargaming ecosystem. He added that anticipatory planning and doctrinal innovation remain essential for national security.
The seminar reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to combine technological modernisation with intellectual preparedness. By bringing together armed forces, academia and industry, the event strengthened India’s indigenous capabilities in simulation-based military planning.
