Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called on India’s Armed Forces to evolve their strategic outlook and preparedness beyond conventional warfare, emphasizing the urgent need to be ready for unconventional threats. Speaking at the Combined Commanders Conference 2025 in Kolkata, Singh highlighted the growing complexity of modern-day conflict, which now includes invisible and non-traditional challenges like information warfare, ideological campaigns, ecological disruptions, and biological warfare.

Acknowledging the unpredictable and sudden nature of today’s wars, the Defence Minister pointed out that the duration of conflicts can vary widely—from a few months to several years—making it vital for forces to maintain robust surge capacity and operational readiness. He underscored the importance of a technology-forward military posture, highlighting how the recent global conflicts have reinforced the necessity for advanced technological integration within the armed forces.

Singh urged military leaders to adopt a proactive and forward-looking approach in strengthening India’s defence capabilities. Central to this vision is the development of the Sudarshan Chakra—an ambitious, layered air and missile defence shield project aimed at providing comprehensive security coverage of vital civilian and strategic assets by 2035. A specialized committee has been formed to draft actionable medium- and long-term plans, ensuring India’s defence ecosystem remains agile and future proof.

The Defence Minister also reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s defence mantra: JAI—Jointness, Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), and Innovation. He stressed the need for deeper collaboration with industry and academia to foster cutting-edge technologies and expand the private sector’s role in defence manufacturing. This integration is seen as key to building a self-sufficient and strategically autonomous India. Operation Sindoor, a recent mission celebrated by Singh, exemplifies India’s growing strength grounded in strategy, self-reliance, and the indomitable spirit of its soldiers. It is a testament to how indigenous platforms and systems are empowering the armed forces to meet emerging challenges head-on.

In light of the rapidly shifting global power equations and regional instability, Singh’s call for preparedness against unconventional threats reflects a broader strategic imperative: to maintain credible deterrence through sustained modernization, technological superiority, and cohesive joint operations across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This expanded defence outlook—incorporating hybrid warfare domains such as cyber, space, and biological fronts—is designed to secure India interests in an era of complex security dynamics.

For India defence establishment, these directives mark a shift from traditional paradigms to embracing multi-domain warfare readiness. The emphasis now includes invisible threats that can undermine national security without conventional battlefield engagements, making agility, innovation, and resilience the pillars of future military success.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from DD News.