# Defence Minister hails Territorial Army; AI experts may join force

2026-08-07T05:41:34+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday called the Territorial Army a key contributor to the government's 'Viksit Bharat' vision, highlighting its role in disaster relief and environmental work. Speaking at a Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting, he said the force of about 44,400 volunteers in 59 units embodies the 'citizen-soldier' concept. The Economic Times reports that the defence ministry is now in advanced talks to expand the Territorial Army's mandate, bringing in experts in AI, information warfare, and cybersecurity through direct induction or honorary commissions.

## Coverage

- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/territorial-army-embodies-the-citizen-soldier-says-rajnath-singh/article71314018.ece>
- economictimes.indiatimes.com <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/ai-information-warfare-cyber-experts-could-join-territorial-army-soon/articleshow/133073547.cms>

Tags: Defence Ministry, disaster relief, environment, Indian Army, Territorial Army
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