Rajnath Singh stresses need for long-term vision, flexible strategies for the Army

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Updated - October 23, 2026 10:09 pm IST - New Delhi

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shakes hands with an Indian Army personnel during the launch of Land Warfare Doctrine 2026. | Photo Credit: ANI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday (October 23, 2026) called on the Army’s senior leadership to develop a long-term strategic vision for the next 20-30 years while remaining prepared to respond to immediate and emerging security challenges amid a changing geopolitical and regional environment.

Addressing the Army Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on its closing day, Mr. Singh stressed the need for dynamic and flexible strategies that can be adjusted to evolving circumstances. He released the ‘Land Warfare Doctrine’, which provides an overarching framework for preparing the Army to address the evolving character of warfare and future conflicts.

Mr. Singh also called for an integrated approach to modern warfare, emphasising that land operations and ground forces would remain indispensable despite the growing significance of air, maritime, space, and cyber domains.

Commending the armed forces for adapting to changing operational requirements, the Defence Minister said innovative thinking, enhanced synergy, improved coordination, and advanced weaponry had contributed to the success of Operation Sindoor.

The operation had sent a clear message that India would not hesitate to take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests, he said.

Mr. Singh highlighted the importance of strengthening military capabilities through the adoption of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, data analytics, cybersecurity, and secure communication networks.

He also appreciated the Army’s restructuring efforts, particularly its focus on drones and modern technology, and called for continuous performance assessment and improvements in line with evolving operational requirements.

Stressing the need for multi-domain capabilities, Mr. Singh said success in future conflicts would depend on seamless coordination in joint operations and the ability to integrate capabilities across different domains.

The Defence Minister also underscored the importance of self-reliance in defence, citing the growth in domestic production and exports.

Defence production reached a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in the financial year 2025-26, while defence exports touched an all-time high of approximately ₹38,000 crore, he said.

Referring to the government’s ‘Year of Reforms – 2025’ initiative, Mr. Singh said reforms were a continuous process whose success depended on effective implementation. He urged Army commanders to drive reforms across their respective domains and ensure that they translated into tangible improvements in operational capabilities.

He credited the armed forces’ valour, discipline, preparedness, and restraint, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and diplomatic efforts, with strengthening India’s global standing.

The Defence Minister also called for sustained efforts towards self-reliance, improved manpower management, greater participation of women in the armed forces, and an integrated approach to national security.

He also unveiled the annual United Nations Journal and felicitated Army personnel for their contributions as UN peacekeepers, recognising their professionalism and service to international peace and security.

Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and other senior officials were present.

The three-day Army Commanders’ Conference, which began on Wednesday (October 21, 2026), provided a forum for the Army’s senior leadership to review ongoing initiatives, assess the evolving security environment and identify future priorities for building a technologically enabled and future-ready force.

Published - October 23, 2026 10:08 pm IST

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