Rajnath Singh Calls for Paradigm Shift in Defence Preparedness

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged the Indian Armed Forces to move beyond conventional combat doctrines and prepare for “new-age threats” ranging from cyber and information warfare to environmental and biological risks.

Speaking at the Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kolkata, Singh said the rapidly changing global security landscape demands flexible strategies and readiness for conflicts that “may neither follow traditional patterns nor predictable timelines.” He cautioned that modern wars are increasingly uncertain in both scale and duration, underlining the need for stronger surge capabilities.

Push for Jointness and Whole-of-Nation Approach

Singh emphasised the urgency of seamless integration across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with closer alignment with civilian agencies. Steps like joint logistics hubs and digital management systems, he said, mark progress towards efficiency but need to be scaled up under a “whole-of-nation” security mindset.

Indigenisation as Strategic Foundation

Reiterating that self-reliance is the bedrock of national security, Singh said indigenisation not only guarantees strategic autonomy but also drives job creation and industrial growth. Citing Operation Sindoor, he noted that the ability to rely on domestically developed platforms, supported by skilled personnel, will define India’s defence posture in the decades ahead.

Innovation, Procurement Reform, and Industry Role

Calling innovation and private sector participation central to future capability building, the minister highlighted the guiding principles of “Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation” (JAI) set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He confirmed that the Defence Procurement Manual 2025 has been cleared, and updates to the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 are underway to simplify processes and accelerate acquisitions.

Long-Term Modernisation Roadmap

Looking ahead, Singh stressed the importance of structured five- to ten-year planning cycles to align capability development with emerging challenges. He revealed that a high-level committee is studying the Prime Minister’s proposed “Sudarshan Chakra” force structure, which aims to build a modern, agile, and responsive military.

Team BharatShakti