Rajnath Singh emphasizes the importance of a long-term strategic vision for the Indian Army, commends their role in Operation Sindoor, and highlights the need for advanced technology, restructuring, and self-reliance.
On October 23, 2026, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the Army Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi. He underscored the necessity of a long-term strategic vision spanning the next 20-30 years and urged the senior leadership of the Indian Army to be prepared for immediate and emerging challenges.
Shri Rajnath Singh commended the Defence Forces for their adaptability in evolving operational circumstances. He attributed the success of Operation Sindoor to innovative thinking, enhanced synergy, superior coordination, and advanced weaponry used by the military. The operation served as a clear message that India would protect its national interests when necessary.
The Defence Minister stressed that strategies must remain dynamic and flexible to accommodate changing circumstances. He appreciated the military’s restructuring efforts, particularly in the use of drones and modern technology, and emphasized the importance of enhancing capabilities, assessing performance, and implementing improvements as required.
Rajnath Singh also highlighted the growing significance of challenges across various domains such as air, maritime, space, and cyber. Despite this, he maintained that land warfare and ground forces would remain indispensable. He advocated for an integrated approach to modern warfare, emphasizing that success relies on multi-domain capabilities and seamless coordination in joint operations.
The Defence Minister acknowledged the self-reliance efforts of the defence forces, attributing India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities to concerted efforts by all stakeholders. He pointed out that the financial year 2025-26 saw a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore in defence production and an all-time high of approximately Rs 38,000 crore in defence exports.
Referring to the ‘Year of Reforms – 2025’, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized that reform is a continuous process. He encouraged the Commanders to drive these reforms forward within their respective commands and echelons, ensuring they lead to tangible benefits for operational capabilities.
Rajnath Singh credited the valour, discipline, preparedness, and restraint of the Defence Forces, along with the dynamic leadership and diplomatic efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, for strengthening India’s global standing. He urged the Defence Forces to maintain their focus on self-reliance, effective implementation of reforms, improved manpower management, greater participation of women, and an integrated approach to national security.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
