Lucknow: The two-day Joint Commanders’ Conference in Lucknow concluded with a powerful focus on transforming India’s military for future challenges. The event, presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, brought together the top military leadership of the country, aiming to enhance jointness and integration across the armed forces.
The theme “Sashakt aur Surakshit Bharat: Transforming the Armed Forces,” was at the heart of the conference and the deliberations at the conference underscored the urgency of modernising India’s defence capabilities to face evolving threats and further strengthen the nation’s position as a peace-loving yet prepared global power.
At the conference, Defence Minister Singh emphasised the importance of preparing for future conflicts, particularly in light of global uncertainties. Referring to ongoing international conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and regional instability in Bangladesh, Singh urged the commanders to study these developments closely and anticipate the challenges that India might face. His message was clear: India must be ready for unexpected threats to ensure lasting peace in the region.
The Defence Minister highlighted that while India enjoys a rare peace dividend amidst global volatility, the increasing complexity of threats demands constant vigilance. Stressing the need for fail-proof deterrence and a robust national security apparatus, he said, “We need to ensure that our peace is maintained during this crucial phase of Amrit Kaal.” The emphasis on balancing current threats with future preparedness set the tone for discussions at the conference.
The focus on the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), electronic warfare, and space-based capabilities into India’s defence strategy was one of the major outcomes of the conference. Defence Minister Singh stressed the growing role of AI and data analytics in modern warfare, stating that these technologies, while not directly involved in conflict, are increasingly determining the outcomes of war. He called for the armed forces to embrace technological advancements to remain future-ready, especially in domains like cybersecurity and space defence.
Urging military leaders to invest in both traditional and modern warfare equipment to ensure India’s readiness in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, he also highlighted the importance of developing India’s capabilities in space and electronic warfare, noting that these fields will play a critical role in future conflicts.
The reaffirmation of India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defence under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative was another key takeaway from the conference. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the government’s efforts to indigenise defence production, which includes equipping the armed forces with state-of-the-art indigenous weapons and platforms. The emphasis on indigenisation reflects India’s strategic shift toward reducing its dependence on foreign military equipment and building a more robust domestic defence industry.
Delving into the importance of theaterisation and organisational restructuring to enhance joint operational capabilities across the three services – the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the discussions at the conference centred around creating a more integrated response mechanism during peace and conflict, ensuring that the armed forces can swiftly and effectively address any threats to national security.
From the conference, one of the most significant themes that emerged was the increasing importance of preparing for multi-domain warfare, which includes land, air, sea, cyber, and space. Special attention was given to the strategic importance of cyber and space-based capabilities in modern conflicts, as well as the need for advanced robotics and AI-enabled autonomous weapon systems. These discussions signal a recognition of the changing nature of warfare, where battles are fought not just on physical frontlines but also in cyberspace and outer space.
The commanders reviewed international developments impacting India and deliberated on ways to further strengthen the country’s defence capabilities. The focus on emerging technologies and future capabilities points to a broader shift in India’s military thinking – one that prioritises innovation, integration, and preparedness for the next generation of warfare.
In addition to the strategic discussions, the conference also saw the launch of eight innovative applications, including e-Museum and e-Granthalaya, aimed at fostering greater cohesion among the three services. Another notable launch was the publication “Colonial Practices and the Armed Forces – A Review,” which marks a significant step toward re-evaluating and modernising legacy military structures in India.
Attended by senior officials including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Joint Commanders’ Conference provided a comprehensive forum for India’s top military brass to reflect on current challenges and strategise for the future. The inclusion of various defence secretaries and officials from the Ministry of Defence ensured that the discussions were holistic, covering not just military strategy but also defence production, research and development, and ex-servicemen welfare.
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