Rajnath Singh Urges Armed Forces to Prepare for Unconventional Threats at 2025 Commanders’ Conference
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has urged the Armed Forces to expand their preparedness beyond conventional warfare, emphasizing the need to counter non-traditional threats such as information, ideological, ecological, and biological warfare. Speaking at the Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) 2025 held in Kolkata, Singh highlighted the importance of vigilance in response to the current global instability and evolving security challenges.
He pointed out the unpredictable nature of modern warfare, noting that conflicts can arise suddenly and their duration is hard to predict, ranging from two months to five years. Singh emphasized the critical need for a technologically advanced and future-ready military to ensure adequate surge capacity.
During the conference, the Defence Minister underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mantra of “JAI – Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, and Innovation,” emphasizing initiatives like the Tri-Service Logistics Nodes and the Tri-Service Logistic Management Application as essential for achieving synergy and integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Singh also highlighted the significant impact of self-reliance in defense, stating, “Self-reliance is not a slogan, but a necessity. It is the key to strategic autonomy. Defence indigenisation fuels economic growth, generates employment, and enhances the capacity of our shipyards, aerospace clusters, and defence corridors.”
He praised the Armed Forces for their professionalism during Operation Sindoor, noting that the operation exemplified the three pillars of India’s military strength in the 21st century: Strength, Strategy, and Self-Reliance. He affirmed that indigenous platforms and systems, combined with the courage of soldiers, ensure India’s readiness to face any challenges.
The Defence Minister also addressed the recently approved Defence Procurement Manual 2025, which seeks to streamline procurement processes and minimize delays. He noted that revisions to the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 are underway to further simplify these procedures and enhance the operational strength of the Armed Forces.
The conference saw participation from high-level officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat, and other senior officials.
