Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh Emphasizes ‘Adaptive Defence’ Strategy at Delhi Defence Dialogue

New Delhi: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to establishing an “Adaptive Defence” framework to address the shifting challenges of modern warfare. Speaking at the inaugural Delhi Defence Dialogue (DDD), organized by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) on the theme “Adaptive Defence: Navigating the Changing Landscape of Modern Warfare,” he underscored the need for India’s defence to evolve and stay ahead of emerging threats.

Raksha Mantri defined “Adaptive Defence” as a proactive approach where the military is not just responsive to threats but anticipatory, preparing for potential future challenges. “It’s about adapting, innovating, and thriving, even in unpredictable scenarios. Our strategy requires situational awareness, agility, and integration with cutting-edge technologies,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and resilience in India’s defence strategy.

Rajnath Singh noted that traditional concepts of warfare are being reshaped by technology, new strategic partnerships, and the rise of hybrid threats. “We are now in an era of Grey Zone and Hybrid Warfare, where conventional tactics alone are insufficient. Adapting continuously is essential,” he asserted, addressing threats that range from border conflicts to cyber-attacks and information warfare.

Highlighting recent government initiatives to strengthen India’s defence ecosystem, Singh mentioned the establishment of the Chief of Defence Staff position, enhanced jointness among the Armed Forces, and new defence partnerships globally. He also emphasized India’s strides in emerging technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence, drones, and swarm technology, to position the country as a global leader. “Our goal is to make India a drone hub and accelerate indigenous innovation in this domain, supporting the ‘Make in India’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives,” he added.

The Raksha Mantri called for a collaborative approach to defence, involving both state and non-state actors. He emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing in cyberspace, AI, and other advanced technologies for effective and collective defence