Rajnath Singh. (Photo: X/@rajnathsingh)
Lucknow: The defence minister Rajnath Singh took centre stage at the inaugural Joint Commanders’ Conference in the Uttar Pradesh capital, Lucknow, on Thursday. The event, themed “Sashakt aur Surakshit Bharat: Transforming the Armed Forces”, saw the country’s top military leaders discuss strategic autonomy and future challenges.
In his speech, Singh underscored the importance of developing a joint military vision and preparing for future conflicts. He praised the armed forces for their crucial role in protecting national interests and advancing the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India).
Singh urged the commanders to study ongoing global conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, and to keep a close watch on developments in neighbouring countries, like Bangladesh. He highlighted the need for a thorough analysis of issues along the northern border and in nearby regions, which could threaten peace and stability of the country.
Attended the maiden Joint Commanders’ Conference in Lucknow. Lauded the Armed Forces for their invaluable contribution in safeguarding national interests and advancing the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 5, 2024
Also, appreciated the efforts being undertaken for furthering jointness… pic.twitter.com/ySBDWZvn5V
In his speech, the defence minister said, “Despite global volatility, India is enjoying a rare peace dividend, and it is developing peacefully. However, due to the increasing number of challenges, we need to remain alert.” He then said the Indian armed forces need to focus on our present, keep an eye on the activities happening around it, and focus on being future-ready. For this, Singh stressed that the country should have a strong and robust national security apparatus in place.
“We should have a fail-proof deterrence,” he said.
Singh also stressed the importance of capability development in space and electronic warfare, urging the military leadership to embrace the latest technological advancements in data and artificial intelligence. He called for a balanced mix of traditional and modern warfare equipment in the armed forces' arsenal to effectively tackle contemporary challenges.
The Joint Commanders’ Conference is envisioned as a vital platform for the exchange of ideas, strategies, and best practices among India’s top military leaders. It aims to reinforce the country’s commitment to a strong and safer future, achieving strategic autonomy in defence.
