Defence Minister : The Army Commanders’ Conference, a top-tier biannual event, is taking place in New Delhi from April 1 to April 4, 2025. During this event, the senior leadership of the Indian Army has engaged in comprehensive discussions on the prevailing security landscape, border conditions, internal security, and the challenges faced by the defense infrastructure. Additionally, the conference has focused on key areas such as organizational restructuring, logistics, administration, human resource management, modernization through indigenous development, the adoption of advanced technologies, and the implications of global geopolitical developments.
A key highlight of the conference’s third day was the address delivered by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, to the senior Army leadership, following a briefing on the “Year of Reforms.”
The Defence Ministeri reaffirmed the unwavering trust of over a billion citizens in the Indian Army, recognizing it as one of the nation’s most respected and inspirational institutions. He praised the Army for its vital role in protecting national borders, combating terrorism, and assisting civil authorities whenever required. He emphasized that the Army’s contributions span across various domains, including security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), medical support, and maintaining internal stability. He further commended the Army leadership for advancing the nation’s defense and security objectives and acknowledged the force’s proactive approach in integrating cutting-edge technology.
Addressing contemporary global strategic uncertainties and the interconnected nature of world affairs, the Defence Minister highlighted that incidents occurring anywhere, whether in neighboring regions or distant countries, have a global impact. He asserted that unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid warfare, will play a significant role in future conflicts. He emphasized that cyber operations, information warfare, communications, trade, and finance have become integral components of modern warfare, necessitating that the Armed Forces incorporate these factors into their strategic planning. In light of evolving geopolitical dynamics and global security challenges, he urged the military to adopt a dynamic and forward-looking approach to both short-term and long-term strategic planning. Furthermore, he underscored the increasing significance of military intelligence, especially with the integration of modern technology.
Regarding the situation along the Northern borders, the Defence Minister expressed full confidence in the troops, commending their vigilance and resilience. He lauded the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for significantly enhancing road connectivity in both the Western and Northern border regions despite challenging conditions.
On the Western front, he acknowledged the Indian Army’s effective response to cross-border terrorism, while noting that adversaries continue their proxy war. He praised the strong coordination between the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), state police, and the Army in counterterrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, which has contributed to increased stability in the region.
The Defence Minister further commended the Army’s high standards of operational readiness and capabilities, which he has personally observed during his visits to forward areas. He paid tribute to the sacrifices made by brave soldiers in defense of the nation and highlighted the Army’s contributions to military diplomacy, fostering strong cooperative relations with foreign armed forces. He also emphasized the crucial role of Defence Attachés in advancing national security interests and called for a reassessment of their responsibilities in alignment with organizational goals.
Recognizing the rapid technological advancements across all sectors, he applauded the Armed Forces for effectively integrating modern technology into their operations. He acknowledged the Army’s collaborative efforts with the private sector and leading academic institutions to develop niche technologies, reinforcing the goal of ‘Modernization through Indigenization’ or ‘Atmanirbharta.’ He stressed the importance of continuous engagement between the Armed Forces and emerging technological innovations.
The Defence Minister appreciated discussions held with NITI Aayog regarding the ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative during the conference. He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of veterans and the families of fallen soldiers, acknowledging the nation’s debt to their sacrifices.
In his concluding remarks, he underscored the importance of deliberations on defense diplomacy, indigenous development, information warfare, military infrastructure, and force modernization in such high-level forums. He emphasized that doctrinal revisions should be undertaken as needed to ensure that the Armed Forces remain future-ready. Recommendations and insights from senior leadership during such conferences must be systematically reviewed and implemented, with provisions for mid-course assessments and adjustments. He reaffirmed the nation’s pride in its Army and reiterated the government’s full support in facilitating its progress, reforms, and capability enhancement.