Proxy war, terror, tech advancements demand future-ready Indian military: Rajnath Singh

Pointing out that today’s global geopolitics is being redefined by three key metrics—a major pivot towards prioritising national security, a technological tsunami sweeping the global landscape, and accelerating innovation—Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the armed forces officers of India and friendly nations to learn the nuances of these trends in-depth to stay ahead on the strategic-military change curve.

Addressing the during the Convocation Ceremony of the 80th Staff Course of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington of Tamil Nadu, the minister said armed forces must operate jointly and remain future-ready in today’s ever-evolving multi-domain environment where cyber, space and information warfare are as potent as conventional operations.

He reiterated that India faces persistent threats along its borders, which are further compounded by the challenge of proxy war and terrorism emanating from its neighbourhood.

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Singh claimed that the Centre is making every effort to transform India's armed forces into a technologically advanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations.

Citing the example of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict where drones are playing a key role, he said artificial intelligence and other drones have virtually emerged as a new arm, if not a transformative science as a majority of losses of soldiers and equipment in the conflict have been attributed neither to traditional artillery nor to armour but to drones.

Modernisation through self-reliance

The defence minister said the ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world highlight the importance of building a resilient, indigenous, and future-ready defence technological and manufacturing ecosystem. According to him, this is not just an option but a strategic necessity. "There is a need to develop low-cost high-tech solutions and enhance the fighting capability of the Armed Forces. Our forces must not only keep pace with technological changes, but also lead it.”

Defence