Mock Drills Prepare Us, Not Scare Us": Lt. Col Gupta Ray on Defence Readiness and Modern Warfare

In an exclusive conversation with Lt. Col Mrinal Kumar Gupta Ray (Retd), a veteran of the 1971 war under Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, we explore the evolving nature of warfare, the critical role of mock drills, and how India’s armed forces are preparing for the uncertainties of modern conflict.

Lt. Col Gupta Ray, a young infantry officer who served in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, says that mock drills are not meant to scare. "Mock drills are for preparation, not to get scared," he says. "They allow us to confront uncertain situations with clarity and confidence."

He gives important advice to civilians during emergency drills:

The siren warns you first. Listen immediately.

Do not stand in front of mansions or trees since they may topple. Instead, find a stable shelter and try it out to see if it is safe before going inside.

Small groups reduce casualties. Staying dispersed helps to save lives.

Retracing how war has come about, Gupta Ray muses, "Gradually, with passing days, we are fighting from far. We do not physically clash anymore. We face less resistance when we fire from a distance. We are going backward to fight forward."

He brings to notice that the Indian Army now works more on occupation and less on destruction. "We do not destroy, we occupy — because land gives us the victory," he explains. The warfield has changed with technology. "Today, satellites provide real-time information; in our time, we had binoculars only. Artillery is driven by advanced technology now," he tells.

Gupta Ray also sheds light on the growing application of artificial intelligence in war. "AI is being used nowadays to minimize casualties and lower human destruction. Technology is helping every day," he adds further.

Approaching the issue of terrorism, Gupta Ray firmly states, "Terrorism today is government-sponsored, backed by sleeper cells. It's impossible for terrorists to hide or travel 1,000 km without local logistics. We must ask: who provides for them? Local complicity and administrative failure are key catalysts."

On Indo-Pak relations, he sends a caustic reminder: "Pakistan has to learn war is not child's play. War cannot be fought with AK-47s — it requires logistics."

Reflecting on his own experience in war, he recollects, "In 1971, under Sam Manekshaw's command, we trained for seven months to fight a war. We had seven months granted by Indira Gandhi. Preparation was of utmost importance."

While India navigates a time of unexpected technological revolutions and geopolitical tensions, Gupta Ray's message is clear: preparedness, adaptability, and judicious use of technology are the foundations of national security.