The Indian Army as the central institution responsible for defending national sovereignty and maintaining internal order, operates within a highly structured system of hierarchy and discipline. While this framework ensures efficiency and operational readiness, it often creates tension with the broader principles of human rights and universal values such as dignity, equality, justice, and accountability. This paper explores the intersection of operational demands and ethical responsibilities in the Army, with particular attention to conflict-affected regions. It examines the legal, institutional, and social barriers that challenge the integration of human values into military practice, focusing on issues such as human rights compliance, internal discipline, gender inclusion, and civil-military accountability. The study also puts forward recommendations for legal, policy, and institutional reforms aimed at harmonizing military conduct with democratic principles, thereby reinforcing both legitimacy and public trust in the armed forces.

The integration of human values within the Indian Army is a strategic necessity for ensuring legitimacy, operational effectiveness, and democratic accountability, as illustrated in Figure 3: Framework for Integrating Human Values in Military Operations. Despite progress through legal reforms, gender inclusion, human rights training, and oversight mechanisms, implementation remains uneven. Key challenges include balancing discipline with individual rights, addressing concerns under AFSPA, achieving genuine gender integration, and strengthening civil–military relations. Reforms must move beyond symbolic actions to address systemic gaps in inclusivity, justice, and accountability. A value-driven military culture grounded in dignity, equality, and ethics will enhance public trust, ensure compliance with global standards, and reinforce democratic principles.

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