Rajnath Singh Urges Armed Forces to Embrace Technology, Jointness, and Self-Reliance at Combined Commanders’ Conference
KOLKATA — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today exhorted the Indian Armed Forces to move beyond traditional concepts of war and prepare to deal with a new generation of invisible, unconventional threats, including information, ideological, ecological, and biological warfare. He made these remarks while addressing the Combined Commanders’ Conference 2025 in Kolkata, a forum that brings together the nation’s top civil and military leadership.
In his address, Singh emphasized the need for constant assessment of global changes and their impact on India’s security. He highlighted that the nature of warfare is continuously evolving and that recent global conflicts underscore the importance of a “technology-friendly” military. “Wars of today are so sudden and unpredictable that it is extremely difficult to foretell its duration. It can be two months, a year, or even five years,” he said, stressing the need for the forces to maintain sufficient “surge capacity.”
The Defence Minister called on the commanders to be proactive and to focus on the mantra of “JAI” (Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, and Innovation), a vision put forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He underscored the importance of synergy among the three services—Army, Navy, and Air Force—as well as with other agencies. He pointed to the creation of Tri-Service Logistics Nodes and a Tri-Service Logistic Management Application as key steps towards greater integration.
Singh also commended the Armed Forces for the “outstanding performance” and “exemplary professionalism” demonstrated in Operation Sindoor. The operation, which took place in May 2025, was a calibrated, tri-service military response to a terror attack, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Singh stated that the operation showcased that “Strength, Strategy and Self-reliance are the three pillars that will give India the power it needs in the 21st century.”
Reiterating the government’s commitment to self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat), Singh stated that indigenization is not just a slogan but a necessity for achieving strategic autonomy. He highlighted its “multiplier effect” in fueling economic growth and generating employment within the defence sector.
In a move to streamline the procurement process, the Defence Minister also announced his approval of the Defence Procurement Manual 2025, a new framework aimed at simplifying and rationalizing revenue procurement and accelerating the acquisition of resources for the armed forces.