Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged the Indian Army to prepare dynamic perspective planning to address short-term and long-term security challenges in an evolving global landscape. Speaking at the ongoing Army Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi, Singh underscored the need for a comprehensive and adaptive strategy to counter emerging threats, including unconventional warfare and cyber threats.
The four-day Army Commanders’ Conference, a biannual apex-level event, brings together the senior leadership of the Indian Army to deliberate on key security and strategic issues. Discussions have centred on border security, internal stability, organizational restructuring, logistics, modernization through indigenous efforts, and the impact of global geopolitical developments.
A key highlight of the third day was the Defence Minister’s address to the senior leadership, in which he reaffirmed the trust of over a billion Indians in the Indian Army and commended the Army’s role in securing borders, countering terrorism, and supporting civil administration during crises.
A Call for Strategic Foresight
Singh stressed the imperative for the armed forces to stay ahead of emerging threats, stating, “Unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid war, will be integral to future conflicts. Cyber, information, communication, trade, and finance are now inseparable from modern warfare, and our Armed Forces must factor these dimensions into their strategic planning.” He emphasized that the interconnected nature of today’s world means that conflicts in distant regions could directly affect India’s security.
The Defence Minister highlighted the critical role of military intelligence and advanced technology in national security. He urged the armed forces to embrace cutting-edge technology and enhance collaboration with premier educational institutions and civil industries to drive modernization through indigenous efforts, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
Border Security and Counterterrorism
Addressing the security situation along India’s borders, Singh expressed full confidence in the troops deployed along the northern borders with China. He praised the efforts of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in improving infrastructure in the region under challenging conditions.
On the Western front, Singh commended the Army’s robust response to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan but acknowledged that the proxy war by adversaries remains a persistent challenge. “I appreciate the synergy between the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the police, and the Army in countering terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Their coordinated operations have contributed significantly to regional stability,“ he stated.
Strengthening Military Diplomacy
Singh also lauded the Indian Army’s contributions to military diplomacy and its role in fostering strategic partnerships with foreign armies. He highlighted the importance of Defence Attachés in enhancing India’s global security outreach and suggested reorienting their roles to align with the Army’s broader strategic objectives.
Towards a Future-Ready Armed Force
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to equipping the Army for the future, Singh stressed the need for regular engagement with emerging technologies. He praised ongoing discussions with NITI Aayog aimed at aligning the Army’s modernization efforts with the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
In his concluding remarks, the Defence Minister emphasized the importance of continued deliberations on defence diplomacy, information warfare, force modernization, and infrastructural development. “Doctrinal changes must be made whenever necessary to ensure our Armed Forces remain future-ready. The recommendations from this forum should be implemented with mid-course reviews to ensure effectiveness,” he stated.
As the Army Commanders’ Conference progresses, the discussions are expected to shape India’s military preparedness in an increasingly complex global security environment. Singh assured that the government remains committed to supporting the Army’s transformation and modernisation journey.
Team BharatShakti
