Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called on the Armed Forces to move beyond traditional concepts of war and prepare to counter unconventional threats such as information, ideological, ecological, and biological warfare. Addressing the Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) 2025 in Kolkata, he urged the services to remain alert amidst a turbulent global order and evolving security challenges.
“Wars today are so sudden and unpredictable that it is difficult to foretell their duration. It could be two months, a year, or even five years. We must ensure that our surge capacity remains sufficient,” he said, stressing the need for a technology-driven, future-ready military.
Focus on Jointness, Innovation, and Aatmanirbharta
The Defence Minister reiterated the importance of the mantra “JAI – Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, and Innovation” given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inaugural session. He highlighted initiatives such as Tri-Service Logistics Nodes and the Tri-Service Logistic Management Application as crucial steps towards synergy and integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Rajnath Singh also underlined the multiplier effect of self-reliance in defence:
- “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.”
Lessons from Operation Sindoor
Commending the Armed Forces for their professionalism during Operation Sindoor, he said the operation demonstrated that Strength, Strategy, and Self-Reliance form the three pillars of India’s military power in the 21st century. He asserted that indigenous platforms and systems, combined with soldiers’ courage, ensure India’s preparedness for any challenge.
Push for Modernisation & Procurement Reforms
The Raksha Mantri also spoke about the recently approved Defence Procurement Manual 2025, which aims to streamline procurement and reduce delays. He confirmed that the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 is under revision to further simplify processes and provide quick operational strength to the Armed Forces.
High-Level Participation
The conference was attended by 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.
