Rajnath Singh highlights tech agility in evolving warfare

Shillong, June 20. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on June 20 stressed the need for technological agility, strategic foresight and institutional innovation to ensure that India’s armed forces remain prepared for the uncertainties of the evolving global security environment.

Addressing personnel at the Eastern Air Command headquarters in Shillong, Meghalaya, Singh said the changing character of warfare had made hybrid threats, cyber challenges, information warfare, logistics resilience, supply chain security and drone technologies increasingly important, warning that conventional preparedness alone was no longer sufficient.

“The nature of warfare is constantly evolving, and traditional preparedness alone is insufficient in the current scenario,” he said, underlining the importance of adapting to emerging challenges.

The Defence Minister also reiterated the importance of achieving self-reliance in defence, asserting that India’s indigenous capabilities had played a crucial role in the success of Operation Sindoor. He said the operation had demonstrated India’s resolve to safeguard its security and sovereignty and showcased the country’s growing military strength.

According to Singh, formations such as the Eastern Air Command have become active contributors to the broader national vision of self-reliance spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Describing the Eastern Air Command as a vital pillar of India’s security architecture, particularly along the eastern frontier, the Defence Minister praised its role in safeguarding national interests. He said the command had consistently displayed professionalism and courage during combat operations, peacetime deployments, disaster relief missions, high-altitude operations and border management duties.

Singh also commended the armed forces personnel for serving under difficult conditions and said their dedication and sacrifices enabled citizens to live in safety. He noted that the armed forces were often among the first responders during natural disasters and crises, reflecting their commitment to both national service and humanitarian assistance.

Highlighting the strategic significance of the Northeast, the Defence Minister said the region was not merely a geographical frontier but an important pillar of India’s security, prosperity and strategic influence. He added that the region occupied a central place in India’s Act East Policy and had acquired greater importance as the country expanded its global role.

In his address, Singh described the armed forces as a symbol of national unity and said they embodied values of diversity, mutual respect and inclusiveness. He also pointed to the increasing participation of women in the military, describing it as a reflection of India’s cultural values and its ability to embrace modernity while remaining rooted in tradition.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command Air Marshal Inderpal Singh Walia and other senior Indian Air Force officers were present during the interaction.

The Defence Minister is scheduled to celebrate the International Day of Yoga with troops at the Eastern Air Command headquarters on June 21.