Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that national security extends well beyond the protection of geographical borders, with modern threats increasingly encompassing drones and unmanned systems, cyber-attacks, lone-wolf attacks, disinformation campaigns and attempts to disrupt economic and energy security.
Addressing a defence conclave in New Delhi on September 24, the Raksha Mantri said the Government has adopted a holistic approach to strengthen defence preparedness and equip the armed forces to address emerging and future security challenges.
He stated that India possesses both the “power of argument” and “argument of power”, and would use diplomacy while simultaneously strengthening its defence and strategic capabilities. Referring to India’s military responses in recent years, he said the country has demonstrated the capability and resolve to safeguard its national interests while remaining committed to peace.
He stressed that military preparedness and diplomacy must complement each other. While military strength without diplomacy can contribute to confrontation, diplomacy without adequate capability can weaken strategic deterrence. He emphasised the need to maintain an appropriate balance between the two.
Evolving Counter-Terrorism Approach:
Rajnath Singh said India’s counter-terrorism policy has evolved from “strategic containment” and “deterrence by denial” towards “deterrence by punishment.” Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said India had conveyed that terrorism and dialogue, as well as terrorism and trade, cannot coexist.
He further stated that India would not allow geographical boundaries to constrain action against terrorist infrastructure and asserted that “any terror attack originating from Pakistani soil will be considered an ‘Act of War’ against India”, adding that any such provocation would receive an appropriate response.
Defence, Diplomacy and Strategic Partnerships
The Defence Minister outlined the Government’s efforts to strengthen strategic autonomy through defence preparedness, diplomatic engagement and international partnerships. He referred to India’s participation in platforms including QUAD, I2U2, BIMSTEC, BRICS and SCO, as well as the expansion of strategic partnerships and international cooperation.
He also underlined the close relationship between national security and economic development, stating that a strong economy provides greater resources for defence preparedness, while a secure environment creates favourable conditions for development.
Defence Modernisation and Emerging Technologies:
Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing importance of Terrain, Technology and Thinking in modern warfare. He said the Government is focusing on emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, drones, cyber security, electronic warfare, space and quantum technologies.
He cited indigenous systems and platforms such as Rustom, Ghatak, Nagastra and BrahMos, and said India’s drone warfare capabilities had been demonstrated during Operation Sindoor. He also highlighted the development of the Sudarshan Chakra system to address future combat requirements.
Aatmanirbharta in Defence:
He described Aatmanirbharta as a key pillar of national security and said the Government is pursuing the vision of “Design in India, Develop in India and Manufacture in India.”
He noted that defence R&D allocation has increased by more than 112%, from approximately ₹13,700 crore in FY 2014-15 to over ₹29,000 crore, with 25% of the defence R&D budget opened to industry, start-ups and academia.
He also highlighted reforms in defence production and procurement, including simplified licensing procedures, greater preference for indigenous systems and the inclusion of more than 5,500 items across over 10 Positive Indigenisation Lists.
He noted that DRDO-developed technologies, including conventional missile systems, are being transferred to Indian industry. He also highlighted the establishment of 15 Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence and India’s successful demonstration of Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology with the Agni-5 missile.
Strengthening the Defence Industrial Ecosystem:
Rajnath Singh said Defence Industrial Corridors have been established to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing and supply chains. He emphasised the growing participation of start-ups, MSMEs and private industry alongside major defence manufacturers.
Through the Srijan Defence Equipment Empowerment Platform, Indian defence manufacturers, MSMEs and vendors are being brought together to promote indigenous production. More than 41,000 vendors and over 2.7 lakh products have reportedly been listed on the platform.
Welfare of Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans:
Singh also highlighted measures aimed at improving the welfare of serving personnel, veterans and their families. These include the expansion of ECHS facilities, the SPARSH pension platform and implementation of the One Rank One Pension policy.
He said the Government’s commitment to the armed forces extends beyond operational capability to the welfare and dignity of soldiers, veterans and their families. He also highlighted the recently announced lifetime free train travel facility for Sena Medal awardees and eligible family members.
Rajnath Singh reiterated that India remains a peace-loving nation but must remain prepared to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and citizens in the face of evolving security challenges.
