Indian defence minister directs armed forces to monitor regional changes

Rajnath Singh has called on the Indian armed forces to develop a joint military vision in preparation for future challenges

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Thursday that while India is a "peace-loving nation," its armed forces must remain "prepared for war to maintain peace."

Addressing the inaugural Joint Commanders’ Conference in Lucknow on the concluding day of the apex-level military leadership meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the armed forces for their crucial role in protecting national interests and promoting the vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” He also lauded the ongoing efforts to enhance jointness and integration among the three Services.

Aligning with the conference theme, “Sashakt aur Surakshit Bharat: Transforming the Armed Forces,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the importance of developing a unified military vision and preparing for future challenges the country might encounter in warfare. He emphasized the need for a coordinated, swift, and proportionate response to provocations.

Drawing attention to the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Hamas, as well as the unstable situation in Bangladesh, Singh urged the commanders to study these events, anticipate potential future challenges for India, and remain ready to face the "unexpected."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the need for a comprehensive and in-depth analysis by the top military leadership in light of the situation along the northern border and developments in neighboring countries, which he said are challenging the region's peace and stability.

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"Despite global turbulence, India is currently benefiting from a rare peace dividend and is developing peacefully. However, given the rising challenges, we must remain vigilant. It's crucial to maintain our peace during Amrit Kaal. We must focus on the present, closely monitor the activities around us, and keep a forward-looking approach. To achieve this, we need a strong and resilient national security framework, with fail-proof deterrence," Singh stated.

The minister urged commanders to ensure the armed forces have the right balance of traditional and modern warfare equipment in their arsenal. Singh emphasized the importance of developing capabilities in space and electronic warfare, calling them essential for addressing contemporary challenges.

He also encouraged military leaders to prioritize the integration of the latest technological advancements, particularly in data and artificial intelligence. "These elements may not directly engage in conflict or war, but their indirect influence is significantly shaping the course of warfare," Singh noted.