Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit visited the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) Wellington between 22nd and 24th March 2026 and engaged with faculty and participants. He addressed student officers of the Indian Defence Forces and officers from friendly foreign countries attending the 81st Staff Course, outlining the purpose of his visit and the college's role in professional development. The visit included interaction with the permanent staff and observation of ongoing academic and practical training activities across departments.

In his address, the CISC explained the evolving character of warfare and the imperative for military leaders to adapt to technological, doctrinal and strategic shifts, urging a mindset oriented to flexibility and learning. He emphasised the strategic challenges confronting India and set out the need for enhanced jointness and inter service synergy to respond effectively to complex security dynamics. The remarks highlighted the interplay of doctrine, capability development and institutional reform as essential to meet future contingencies.

The CISC elaborated on transformative reforms undertaken across the Indian military in response to emerging threats and operational requirements, noting that change must be sustained through rigorous training and education. He received a detailed briefing from the Commandant of the DSSC on the ongoing training activities, curricula updates and the integration of multinational perspectives into course modules. The account of training practices and institutional priorities underlined the college's adaptation to contemporary requirements and its contribution to cultivating staff competence.

He commended the DSSC for its pivotal role in shaping future military leaders and underlined the significance of sustained professional military education in enhancing operational preparedness and informed decision making. The visit was presented as reinforcing the bonds between the Integrated Defence Staff and the staff college while signalling continued emphasis on jointness, interoperability and institutional excellence. The engagement concluded with acknowledgement of the collaborative effort required to translate strategic intent into capability and readiness.