Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Calls for Long-Term Strategic Vision, Releases Land Warfare Doctrine to Bolster Army’s Future Readiness
New Delhi, October 23: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday called upon the Indian Army’s senior leadership to adopt a long-term strategic vision while maintaining operational preparedness to address immediate and emerging security challenges, emphasising the need for a dynamic and flexible approach to national security.
Addressing the Army Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi, the Raksha Mantri stressed the importance of planning for the next 20 to 30 years, while closely monitoring geopolitical and regional developments to ensure timely responses to evolving threats.
Highlighting the success of Operation Sindoor, Singh said innovative thinking, enhanced synergy, superior coordination and advanced weaponry had played a crucial role in the operation. He asserted that the operation conveyed a clear message that India would not hesitate to take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests.
The Defence Minister commended the Indian Army’s efforts towards restructuring and modernisation, particularly in the areas of drone technology and advanced military systems. He called for continuous capability assessment and improvements in line with changing operational requirements.
Underscoring the growing significance of emerging technologies, Singh stressed the need to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, data analytics, cybersecurity and secure communication networks.
He observed that despite the expanding role of air, maritime, space and cyber domains, land warfare and ground forces would continue to remain indispensable. Emphasising an integrated approach to modern warfare, he said operational success would increasingly depend on multi-domain capabilities and seamless coordination during joint operations.
Defence Production Reaches Record Rs 1.78 Lakh Crore
Highlighting India’s progress towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Singh said the Narendra Modi-led government had accorded priority to Aatmanirbharta in defence amid the changing global security landscape.
He noted that defence production had reached a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore during the financial year 2025–26, while defence exports touched an all-time high of approximately Rs 38,000 crore.
Referring to the ‘Year of Reforms – 2025’, the Defence Minister said reforms were a continuous process whose success depended on effective implementation. He urged Army Commanders to ensure that ongoing reforms translated into tangible improvements in operational capabilities.
Singh also called for sustained focus on self-reliance, effective implementation of reforms, improved manpower management, greater participation of women in the armed forces and an integrated approach to national security.
He credited the valour, discipline, preparedness and restraint of the Defence Forces, along with the leadership and diplomatic efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for strengthening India’s global standing.
Land Warfare Doctrine Released
On the occasion, Rajnath Singh released the Land Warfare Doctrine, which provides an overarching framework for preparing the Indian Army to address the evolving character of warfare and future conflicts.
The Defence Minister also unveiled the annual United Nations Journal and felicitated Indian Army personnel for their notable contributions as United Nations peacekeepers, recognising their professionalism, exemplary service and commitment to international peace and security.
Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials were present at the event.
The Army Commanders’ Conference serves as a key platform for the Army’s senior leadership to review ongoing initiatives, identify future priorities and formulate policy directions aimed at building a progressive, adaptive, technologically enabled and future-ready Indian Army. ANB
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