India Defence News, Wellington, Tamil Nadu – Addressing the convocation ceremony of the 80th Staff Course at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for the Armed Forces to operate cohesively and stay prepared for the complexities of modern warfare. Speaking to officers from India and 26 friendly nations, he underscored the evolving multi-domain environment, where cyber, space, and information warfare are as critical as traditional operations.
Government Committed to a Tech-Advanced Military
Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the government’s efforts, under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to transform the Armed Forces into a cutting-edge, combat-ready force. "The government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure our military is equipped for integrated multi-domain operations," he said, pointing to a focus on national security, technological advancements, and rapid innovation as key drivers of global geopolitics.
Emerging Technologies Reshaping Warfare
The Raksha Mantri noted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies in modern conflicts. Citing the Ukraine-Russia war, he said, "Drones have become a new arm, accounting for significant losses, while space capabilities in Low Earth Orbit are revolutionizing military intelligence and communications." He described the pace of technological innovation in combat as "breathtaking," urging officers to stay ahead of the curve.
Grey Zone Warfare and India’s Security Challenges
Shri Rajnath Singh warned of the rise of Grey Zone and Hybrid warfare, where cyber-attacks, disinformation, and economic tactics achieve strategic goals without direct conflict. He highlighted India’s persistent border threats, compounded by proxy wars and terrorism from neighboring regions, as well as the broader impact of conflicts in West Asia and tensions in the Indo-Pacific. "Non-traditional threats like climate change and natural disasters further complicate our security landscape," he added.
Self-Reliance: A Strategic Imperative
Stressing the importance of an indigenous defence ecosystem, the Raksha Mantri said, "Building a resilient, future-ready defence technological and manufacturing base is a strategic necessity." He called for low-cost, high-tech solutions to enhance the Armed Forces’ capabilities, aligning with PM Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, built on the pillars of Surakshit Bharat (Secure India) and Sashakt Bharat (Strong India).
Synergy and a ‘Whole of Nation’ Approach
The Raksha Mantri advocated for greater synergy among military components and a comprehensive national approach integrating diplomatic, informational, military, economic, and technological efforts. "Fostering a ‘Whole of Nation’ strategy is key to ensuring success," he said, emphasizing collective action to safeguard national security.
A Vision for the Global South
Referring to PM Modi’s MAHASAGAR initiative (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), Shri Rajnath Singh underscored India’s commitment to collective prosperity in the Global South. "In an interconnected world, challenges are better faced together, leveraging mutual interests and synergies," he noted.
Five ‘A’s for Future Leaders
Exhorting officers to prepare for future challenges, the Raksha Mantri outlined five key attributes: Awareness of the strategic environment, Ability to lead, Adaptability to unforeseen circumstances, Agility in decision-making, and serving as Ambassadors of their forces. "The battlefield of tomorrow demands innovative leaders who can leverage technology and inspire change," he said.
Solidarity with Myanmar and Thailand
Beginning his address, Shri Rajnath Singh expressed India’s solidarity with Myanmar and Thailand following a recent massive earthquake. "As a first responder, India stands ready to deliver timely relief," he affirmed, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to its friends in times of crisis.
DSSC: A Legacy of Excellence
The 80th Staff Course includes 479 officers, with 38 from 26 friendly countries and three women participants. Established in 1948, DSSC is a premier tri-service institution that has trained over 19,000 Indian and 2,000 international officers, many of whom have risen to lead their nations and militaries.
Tributes to Bravehearts and Veterans
Before the ceremony, Shri Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the Madras Regiment War Memorial, honoring fallen soldiers, and interacted with veterans, acknowledging their invaluable service. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan attended the event, marking its significance.