Be ready for invisible warfare, threats: Rajnath to armed forces

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called on the armed forces to look beyond traditional warfare concepts and remain prepared for invisible challenges emanating from unconventional threats, including information, ideological, ecological and biological warfare.

Speaking at the Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kolkata, Singh said the nature of warfare was continuously evolving. “The recent global conflicts have highlighted the need for a technology-friendly military. Wars today are so sudden and unpredictable that it is extremely difficult to forecast their duration. They could last two months, a year or even five years. We must be prepared and ensure our surge capacity remains sufficient,” he added.

Describing India’s defence sector as a blend of offensive and defensive capabilities, the minister urged commanders to work toward building the “Sudarshan Chakra”, an integrated air defence shield. He said PM Narendra Modi had announced the project from the Red Fort on Independence Day, and a committee had been formed to examine it and prepare a “realistic action plan”.

Singh reiterated that the defence sector was focused on modernisation, operational readiness, technological superiority and credible deterrence. He also echoed PM Modi’s recent emphasis on jointness and synergy among the armed forces and with other agencies, calling it “essential” for future challenges.

The minister highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance integration, including the creation of tri-service logistics nodes and a tri-service logistics management application, as well as greater attention to civil-military fusion.

He also praised the armed forces for their “outstanding performance” and “exemplary professionalism” in the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated India’s 21st-century capabilities.

The conference was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.