The way wars are fought is changing and changing very fast. The recent and ongoing wars in Israel-Gaza and Russia-Ukraine have only served to underline this point.
With the Indian military embarking on a game-changing path of total transformation and far-reaching reforms, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pointed out that reforms are no longer an option but a strategic necessity.
Making this point clear during his special address on “Resilient national security@2047: The new normal” on the final day of the Chanakya Dialogues on Friday in Delhi, Singh said: “We cannot rely on past structures to deal with future challenges—the world is changing too fast, threats are becoming complex. Reforms are not a choice but a strategic necessity. Reforms extend the adaptability of our institutions, enhance the agility of our armed forces, and give the nation confidence to shape its destiny”.
In this sense, reforms are not to be seen merely as an administrative exercise but as a driver of national security and national transformation.
Besides completely overhauling its human resources policy by adopting the ‘Agniveer’ system of recruitment, the Indian military is pursuing a policy to theaterise its command structure by integrating its forces, although the progress has been slow.
An important dimension of this transformation is the use and application of cutting-edge and niche technology.
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Dwelling on the economic aspect of war, the minister said, “Economic interdependence, which once gave confidence to the world, now comes with vulnerabilities in supply chains, digital networks, and critical technology—all of which demand awareness, judgment, and sustained preparedness from us.”
Pointing out the need to develop resilience across defence, economy, and society, Singh emphasised the ability to recover, renew, and rise stronger. “Our armed forces are the strongest pillar of that resilience. Their courage, discipline, and commitment form the backbone of national security, and their contributions go beyond borders—disaster relief, peacekeeping, safeguarding interests, strengthening international partnerships”.
The defence minister also spoke at length about the security scenario in India’s immediate neighbourhood while declaring that there will be no compromise when it comes to the sovereignty and security of Indians. “As India’s role grows globally, our immediate neighbourhood continues to demand careful attention—terrorism, cross-border support to extremist elements, attempts to alter the status quo, maritime pressure, information warfare. These are complex situations requiring vigilance and clarity of purpose,” he added.
