Emphasising the need for a technologically advanced and combat-ready military, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today urged the Indian Armed Forces to operate jointly and prepare for future challenges across evolving domains such as cyber, space, and information warfare.
He was addressing officers during the Convocation Ceremony of the 80th Staff Course at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, Tamil Nadu.
The Defence Minister highlighted that modern warfare is no longer limited to conventional battlefields, as cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, and hybrid tactics are now powerful tools capable of achieving military objectives without traditional combat. He stated that in this age of grey zone warfare, the Armed Forces must remain capable, agile, and integrated to face persistent border threats, proxy wars, and terrorism.
He underlined the government’s efforts to transform the military into a technologically empowered force, capable of integrated multi-domain operations. Stressing that artificial intelligence, drone warfare, and space-based intelligence are revolutionising modern combat, the Minister pointed to the Ukraine-Russia conflict as a case where drones have significantly reshaped battlefield dynamics. He added that space capabilities are now crucial for surveillance, targeting, and communications.
Cautioning that national security is being reshaped by rapid technological advancements, a global tilt towards defence, and fast-paced innovation, the Defence Minister encouraged officers to deeply study these changes and stay ahead of the strategic curve. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to building a resilient, self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem, calling it a strategic necessity rather than an option.
He also stressed the importance of low-cost, high-tech indigenous solutions and said the Armed Forces must not just keep pace with change, but lead it. A ‘whole-of-nation’ approach, he noted, involving synergy across military, diplomatic, economic, and technological domains, was key to safeguarding national interests.
Referencing the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, the Minister said national development rested on a secure and empowered India. He also mentioned the ‘MAHASAGAR’ initiative, reinforcing the need for mutual growth and collaboration among Global South nations, especially in tackling shared challenges through collective effort.
Addressing the student officers, he advised them to embrace five key virtues – Awareness, Ability, Adaptability, Agility, and being Ambassadors of change. He urged them to remain alert to global developments, continuously enhance their skillsets, adapt swiftly to changing circumstances, and serve as role models within and beyond the defence services.
The Defence Minister began his speech by expressing solidarity with Myanmar and Thailand following a massive earthquake in the region, reaffirming India’s commitment to standing by its neighbours in times of crisis.
This year’s 80th Staff Course includes 479 officers, with 38 from 26 friendly foreign countries, including three women officers. Prior to the ceremony, the Defence Minister laid a wreath at the Madras Regiment War Memorial and interacted with veterans, acknowledging their service to the nation. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan also attended the event.
