Unconventional warfare will be part of future wars: Rajnath Singh
NEW DELHI. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has underlined the growing relevance of unconventional and hybrid warfare in future conflicts, stressing that the Indian armed forces must adapt to the rapidly evolving global security landscape. He said this while addressing the senior military leadership on April 3 at the Army Commanders’ Conference here.
Singh warned that future wars would no longer be confined to traditional battlefields, pointing to the increasing influence of cyber warfare, information manipulation, and economic disruptions.
“Unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid war, will be part of future conventional wars,” he said. “Cyber, information, communication, trade and finance have all become an inseparable part of future conflicts.”
Calling for dynamic and adaptive planning, Singh urged the Army to prepare for both long-term and immediate challenges. He emphasised that in today’s interconnected world, conflicts – even those occurring far from India’s borders – could have direct implications on national security.
The Defence Minister praised the Indian Army for its contributions to national development and internal stability.
“The Army is present in every domain – from security and humanitarian aid to disaster relief and medical assistance,” Rajnath Singh said. He reaffirmed the faith of over a billion citizens in the Army’s dedication and professionalism.
On the situation along the northern borders, Singh expressed full confidence in the troops, lauding their unwavering vigilance. He also commended the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for significantly improving connectivity in challenging terrains.
Addressing the western front, he praised the Indian Army’s response to cross-border terrorism and acknowledged the ongoing proxy war by adversaries. He highlighted the effective synergy between the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and local police in Jammu and Kashmir, which he said has helped stabilise the region.
Singh also applauded the Army’s efforts toward indigenisation and adoption of cutting-edge technologies through collaboration with civil industries and premier academic institutions. He stressed the importance of continuing this push toward self-reliance in defence production.
He further called for strengthening military diplomacy, including the role of defence attachés in fostering international cooperation aligned with India’s strategic interests.
Concluding his address, the Defence Minister urged continuous deliberations on defence modernisation, information warfare, and doctrinal reforms.
“The nation is proud of its Army, and the government is committed to supporting its journey toward reforms and enhanced capabilities,” Rajnath Singh said.
The Army Commanders’ Conference, an apex level biannual event, was held in New Delhi from April 1 to 4. During the event, the Indian Army’s apex leadership comprehensively deliberated upon all aspects of existing security scenarios, situation along the borders, in the hinterland and challenges for the present security apparatus.
In addition, the conference also focused on issues pertaining to organisational restructuring, logistics, administration, human resource management, modernisation through indigenisation, induction of niche technologies and assessment of impact of the various existing global situations.
