Addressing the inaugural session of the Delhi Defence Dialogue (DDD) organised by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh stressed the Indian Government’s unwavering commitment to establishing an ‘Adaptive Defence’ framework to effectively counter the dynamic and fast-evolving security threats facing the country.
In his keynote address, Shri Rajnath Singh outlined the concept of ‘Adaptive Defence,’ emphasizing its importance as a proactive strategic approach that involves not just responding to current threats but anticipating future challenges and preparing for them. He explained that adaptive defence requires a mindset capable of evolving with the changing nature of warfare, where innovation, resilience, flexibility, and technological integration are key.
“Adaptive Defence is not merely reacting to what has already happened but anticipating future challenges and preparing for them proactively. It is about cultivating the mindset and capabilities to adapt, innovate, and thrive, even in the face of unpredictability,” the Raksha Mantri remarked.
He further highlighted that ‘Adaptive Defence’ is not just a strategic choice, but a necessity, pointing out that the evolving threats to national security—from traditional border-related issues to new-age challenges like terrorism, cyber-attacks, and hybrid warfare—demand an agile and forward-thinking defence framework.
In the context of emerging technologies, Rajnath Singh highlighted how traditional concepts of warfare are being reshaped. He referred to the current geopolitical climate as a “Grey Zone” where hybrid warfare and unconventional tactics have posed challenges to established defensive strategies. The Raksha Mantri emphasized that continuous adaptation is vital to deal with these emerging threats.
“Technology is reshaping how we think about war. The rise of cyber warfare, information warfare, and the expanding role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones are fundamentally altering our approach to national security. Our defence systems must evolve in response to these rapid advancements,” Singh asserted.
A key aspect of the adaptive defence strategy, according to the Raksha Mantri, is situational awareness and integration of futuristic technologies such as AI, cyber capabilities, and drones. He also highlighted India’s growing ambition to become a global hub for drone technology, which would not only bolster national security but also support the government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Singh mentioned several steps taken by the Indian Government to strengthen the defence sector, including the establishment of the Chief of Defence Staff position, promoting jointness among the armed services, and forging new international defence partnerships. He stressed the importance of innovation, citing initiatives such as the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and ADITI schemes, which reward creativity and foster technological advancements within India.
The Raksha Mantri also underscored the Government’s determination to maintain India’s position as a leader in emerging technologies, especially AI and cyberspace, to safeguard the nation’s interests in this new era of warfare. “We are committed to ensuring that India remains at the forefront of global innovations in defence, particularly in the realms of AI and cybersecurity,” he added.
Addressing the need for collaboration in the face of contemporary defence challenges, Singh pointed out that threats in the modern world are often transnational and cannot be countered by individual countries acting in isolation. He advocated for a collaborative approach to defence, one that involves not just states but non-state actors as well, particularly in the domains of cyberspace and emerging technologies like quantum and nanotechnology.
“The current geopolitical dynamics require us to collaborate more than ever before. The threats we face today are increasingly global in nature, and our solutions must be similarly interconnected,” he said.
Rajnath Singh also highlighted the importance of strengthening India’s defence manufacturing sector, which has witnessed remarkable progress through indigenous projects such as the Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas,’ the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, and DRDO’s missile programmes. He also emphasized the Government’s focus on self-reliance in defence, pointing to the significant growth in defence exports, with India now exporting defence items to over 100 countries.
The Raksha Mantri expressed confidence that the DDD would be instrumental in fostering collaboration and generating innovative solutions for the country’s defence posture. He concluded by emphasizing that India’s defence strategy should not only address immediate threats but also proactively anticipate future challenges, with a comprehensive approach that integrates policy, technology, and international partnerships.
The Delhi Defence Dialogue, a platform aimed at addressing the complex challenges of defence and security, also saw the presence of key figures such as Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy, Vice-Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal SP Dharkar, and various civil and military officials. The dialogue serves as a critical forum for discussing India’s evolving defence strategies and fostering collaboration with global experts to enhance national, regional, and global security.(PR)