Remain prepared to tackle emerging challenges: Rajnath to Army Commanders

New Delhi, Oct 23: Asking Army commanders to plan for the next 20 to 30 years and remain prepared to respond to emerging challenges, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said ‘Operation Sindoor’ demonstrated innovative thinking, better coordination and advanced weaponry of Indian armed forces.
Addressing the Army Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi, Singh stressed the need for a strategic vision spanning the next 20 to 30 years, while saying that military strategies must remain dynamic and flexible to adapt to changing geopolitical and regional circumstances.
“Operation Sindoor demonstrated innovative thinking, enhanced synergy & superior coordination complemented by advanced weaponry,” the Defence Minister said.
He said the ‘Operation Sindoor’ sent a clear message that India would not hesitate to take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests.
Singh commended the armed forces for adapting to evolving operational circumstances and appreciated the Army’s restructuring efforts, particularly the use of drones and modern technology.
He stressed the need to strengthen capabilities, assess performance continuously and introduce improvements in line with changing requirements.
Stressing the changing character of warfare, Singh said an integrated approach was essential, with success depending on multi-domain capabilities and seamless coordination in joint operations.
He said that while challenges across the air, maritime, space and cyber domains were gaining significance, land warfare and ground forces would continue to remain indispensable.
The Defence Minister called for accelerated efforts in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, data analytics, cyber security and secure communication networks to strengthen the military’s preparedness for future conflicts.
Highlighting India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities, Singh said defence production reached a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in the financial year 2025-26, while defence exports touched an all-time high of around Rs 38,000 crore.
He said the government was prioritising self-reliance in defence amid a changing global landscape and urged Army commanders to ensure the effective implementation of reforms initiated under the ‘Year of Reforms – 2025’.
Singh also stressed the importance of improved manpower management, greater participation of women and an integrated approach to national security.
He credited the armed forces’ valour, discipline, preparedness and restraint, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and diplomatic efforts, for strengthening India’s global standing.
On the occasion, Singh released the Land Warfare Doctrine, which provides an overarching framework to prepare the Indian Army for the evolving nature of warfare and future conflicts.
He also unveiled the annual United Nations Journal and felicitated Army personnel for their notable contributions as UN peacekeepers, recognising their professionalism and service towards international peace and security.
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials attended the conference. (KNO)