Addressing the Combined Commanders' Conference 2025 in Kolkata on September 16, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the armed forces to move beyond traditional warfare concepts and prepare for "invisible challenges". These challenges include unconventional threats such as information, ideological, ecological, and biological warfare. Singh emphasized the importance of constant assessment of global changes, given the turbulent global order, regional instability, and emerging security threats.
Singh highlighted the continuously evolving nature of warfare, with recent global conflicts underscoring the need for a "technology-friendly" military. He stated that modern wars are sudden and unpredictable, making it difficult to forecast their duration, potentially lasting from months to years. Therefore, he stressed the need for preparedness and sufficient surge capacity.
The Defence Minister described India's defense posture as a blend of offensive and defensive capabilities. He urged commanders to work towards building the "Sudarshan Chakra," an integrated air defense shield envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A committee has been formed to examine the project and prepare a realistic action plan. Singh also reiterated the government's focus on modernization, operational readiness, technological superiority, and credible deterrence. He called for embracing Prime Minister Modi's mantra of "JAI (Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, Innovation)" to drive these efforts.
Singh advocated for deeper engagement between industry and academia to develop future-ready technologies. He also supported expanding the private sector's role in building a robust defense innovation ecosystem and making India's domestic industry the "biggest & best in the world". He emphasized that synergy among the Armed Forces and civil agencies is vital. Highlighting initiatives like Tri-Service Logistics Nodes and a Tri-Service Logistic Management Application, Singh emphasized that greater jointness and civil-military fusion were vital to meet emerging challenges.
The Minister commended the armed forces for their outstanding performance and exemplary professionalism in the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor. He said that Operation Sindoor demonstrated that "Strength, Strategy and Self-reliance" were the three pillars that would define India's power in the 21st century. Singh affirmed that India possesses the capability to face any challenge with indigenous platforms and systems, coupled with the indomitable spirit of its soldiers, which he termed the real strength of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat".
The conference was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
