NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday called upon the Indian Army’s senior leadership to adopt a long-term strategic vision while remaining prepared to respond to immediate and emerging security challenges.
Addressing the Army Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi, Singh said the Army must closely monitor geopolitical and regional developments and develop strategies that remain dynamic and flexible. He called for a strategic outlook spanning the next 20 to 30 years.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, Singh said innovative thinking, enhanced synergy, superior coordination and advanced weaponry had contributed to the operation’s success. He said it conveyed that India would take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests.
The Defence Minister highlighted the need to strengthen the Army’s capabilities through modern technology, including drones, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, data analytics, cybersecurity and secure communication networks.
He said land warfare and ground forces would remain indispensable despite the growing significance of air, maritime, space and cyber domains. An integrated approach to modern warfare, he said, would require multi-domain capabilities and seamless coordination in joint operations.
Singh also called for effective implementation of defence reforms, improved manpower management, greater participation of women and continued efforts towards self-reliance.
He said India’s defence production reached a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, while defence exports touched an all-time high of around ₹38,000 crore.
On the occasion, Singh released the Land Warfare Doctrine, which provides an overarching framework for preparing the Army to meet challenges arising from the evolving nature of warfare and future conflicts.
He also unveiled the annual United Nations Journal and felicitated Army personnel for their contributions as UN peacekeepers.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials were present at the conference.
The conference serves as a forum for the Army’s senior leadership to review ongoing initiatives, identify future priorities and formulate policy directions for a technologically enabled and future-ready force.
