Quick Summary
- Defense Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kolkata on September 16, 2025.
- He emphasized readiness to counter new-age threats such as information, ideological, ecological, and biological warfare.
- Highlighted the evolving nature of warfare and the need for constant preparedness due to unpredictable and sudden conflicts.
- Advocated for a “technology-kind” military with focus on modernisation, operational readiness, technological superiority, and credible deterrence.
- Stressed deeper industry-academia collaboration to foster defence innovation and private sector participation.
- Introduced initiatives like Tri-Service Logistics Nodes and Tri-Service Logistic Management Request for enhanced synergy via civil-military fusion.
- Endorsed Prime Minister Modi’s “JAI” vision (jointness, Aatmanirbharta or self-reliance, Innovation) for defence capability-building under Sudarshan Chakra initiative.
- Commended armed forces’ professionalism while supporting indigenous platforms through Operation Sindoor’s demonstration of Strength, Strategy & Self-reliance.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Rajnath Singh’s remarks at the conference underscore India’s growing focus on preparing for multidimensional challenges amidst global turbulence and regional instability. The emphasis on modernisation reflects India’s strategic aspirations to maintain relevance in rapidly changing security landscapes akin to disruptive technologies shaping future combat scenarios globally.
The Sudarshan Chakra vision spearheaded by PM Modi marks a shift towards long-term structural planning within India’s defence apparatus. With initiatives extending towards academia-industry partnerships coupled with expanded civil-military fusion models like logistics nodes management application further unveils re-defined deterrent capabilities expansions aligning economic imperatives self sufficiency priorities ancient effort probable better yield agility refinements balanced actors negotiation/dialog trims involved underway aimed upcoming decade horizon roadmap deployment criteria ultimately streamlined beneficial slow response timid zones..Read More: https://www.thehindu.com/