Defence Secretary Visits Pune, Highlights Technological Advancements in Southern Command
On Thursday, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh paid a visit to the Southern Command Headquarters in Pune, engaging in extensive discussions with Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief. Their talks focused on boosting operational readiness, enhancing capability development, optimizing logistics priorities, and addressing emerging security threats.
During the visit, Lt Gen Seth updated the Defence Secretary on the ongoing initiatives under the Ministry of Defence's Year of Reforms, which are designed to transform the armed forces into a technologically advanced, combat-ready force capable of executing integrated operations across multiple domains. A special exhibit showcased the Southern Command's implementation of disruptive technologies, including advanced drones and cyber warfare tools.
Singh praised these initiatives, highlighting the significance of innovation and adaptability in ensuring national security. He pointed out that the defence sector acts as a key growth catalyst, with every ₹1 crore invested resulting in a multiplier effect of ₹2.45 crore on the GDP. He also announced that the Ministry is updating procurement manuals to make the processes more dynamic, result-oriented, and industry-friendly, aligning with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
As part of his visit, Singh received a symbolic painting of Operation Sindoor, a joint military exercise launched earlier this year to enhance inter-service coordination. This initiative underscores the Indian Armed Forces' dedication to fostering unity and operational synergy, reflecting global trends toward integrated command structures.
The visit also highlighted Pune's emerging status as a hub for defence and technology. Southern Command is hosting the inaugural STRIDE 2025 seminar, which aims to encourage collaboration between the military, academia, and industry to develop indigenous solutions for future battlefield requirements.
