Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the Delhi Defence Dialogue (DDD) organized by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) in New Delhi, emphasized the government’s commitment to building an “Adaptive Defence” framework for India. This strategy aims to prepare the country’s defense systems for a rapidly evolving global threat landscape and is integral to ensuring national security.
Speaking on the theme, “Adaptive Defence: Navigating the Changing Landscape of Modern Warfare,” Singh described Adaptive Defence as a proactive strategy that enables India’s military to foresee and counter potential threats effectively. He noted that this approach requires a mindset geared toward continuous evolution, agility, and integration with emerging technologies. “Adaptive Defence is about securing our future and not just our borders,” he stated, underscoring the need for situational awareness, resilience, and strategic flexibility in both military and operational responses.
The Defense Minister pointed out that warfare is transforming with the advent of new technologies and strategic alignments. Traditional notions of defense are increasingly supplemented by considerations of hybrid and gray zone warfare, including cyber-attacks and terrorism. In response, Singh announced measures to fortify India’s defense mechanisms and improve collaboration among the armed forces, including the establishment of the Chief of Defence Staff role, modernization of training programs, and strengthening global defense partnerships.
As the government pushes forward with self-reliance initiatives under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat program, Singh highlighted successes in indigenous defense production. Noteworthy projects include the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, INS Vikrant, and advancements in missile technology by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The minister also noted India’s expanding defense export portfolio, which has reached over 100 countries, with the United States, France, and Armenia as top export destinations in 2023-24. India aims to achieve defense exports worth Rs 50,000 crore by 2029, he said.
Acknowledging the complex geopolitical environment, Singh advocated for a collaborative approach to defense, highlighting the role of international cooperation in areas like cyber defense, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technology. India’s strategic partnerships are expected to promote knowledge exchange and foster joint research and development to counter cross-border threats effectively. Singh expressed optimism that DDD, as a premier platform, would continue to encourage dialogue and inspire strategies that bolster India’s security posture in the long term.
