Rajnath Singh (C) with Indian Army’s top brass and other officials. (Photo: Defence ministry)
New Delhi: The year’s first Indian Army Commanders’ Conference started in a hybrid format, Monday. In the meeting, the Army’s top brass is brainstorming upon all aspects of existing security scenarios, situation along the borders, and in the hinterland and challenges for the present security apparatus. It is also focussing on issues regarding organizational restructuring, logistics, administration, and human resource management.
On the third day of the conference, on Wednesday, the defence minister, Rajnath Singh, addressed the Army leadership, in which he highlighted the stellar role played by the service in guarding our borders and fighting terrorism apart from helping the civil administration whenever called for.
Singh said, “The Army’s contribution is applaudable in every domain from security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, medical assistance to maintaining the stable internal situation in the country.”
During his speech, Singh stressed upon the current complex global situation. He said, “Unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid war, will be part of the future conventional wars. Cyber, information, communication, trade, and finance have all become an inseparable part of future conflicts. This necessitates that armed forces will have to keep all these facets in consideration while planning and formulating strategies.”
On the current tension with China on the disputed northern borders, Singh said the ongoing talks for peaceful resolution will continue and disengagement and de-escalation. However, he expressed his confidence in the Army for any contingency.
Singh said, “It is our ‘Whole of Government’ approach to ensure availability of best weapons, equipment and clothing to our troops braving extreme weather and hostile forces to defend our territorial integrity.”
The defence minister also complimented the efforts of the Border Roads Organization, which has led to the improvement of road connectivity to the border areas in both the eastern and northern sectors despite difficult terrains.
In his closing remarks, Singh said, “Defence diplomacy, indigenization, information warfare, defence infrastructure and force modernization should always be deliberated upon in such a forum. War preparedness should be a continuous process and we should always be ready for the unpredictable and uncertain events that may show up without warning.”
