Human resource challenges in Indian Armed Forces: View from the top

India’s military faces new challenges from digital threats, budget pressures, and shifting workforce expectations. This paper explores how the Indian Armed Forces are updating their people strategies in response. Drawing on interviews with two retired generals and existing research, it highlights key issues such as recruitment and retention, leadership development, cultural change, and the Agnipath scheme. While there has been progress, short-term staffing models and deep-rooted cultural norms continue to pose difficulties. The paper offers practical recommendations to strengthen military human resource practices and calls for more evidence-based approaches to support ongoing transformation.