Kolkata – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called upon the Indian Armed Forces to move beyond traditional concepts of warfare and prepare for “invisible challenges” posed by unconventional threats. Speaking at the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) 2025, he stressed that recent global conflicts have highlighted the critical need for a “technology-friendly” military.
Addressing the top military brass, Singh emphasized that the nature of modern warfare is continuously evolving and can be “sudden and unpredictable.” He warned against threats such as “information, ideological, ecological, and biological warfare,” and urged commanders to constantly assess the global security landscape.
The Defence Minister also lauded the armed forces for their “outstanding performance” in the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike launched in May in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. He described the operation as a showcase of “strength, strategy, and self-reliance,” and a testament to the power of India’s indigenous defense platforms.
Singh also called upon the commanders to work proactively towards building the ‘Sudarshan Chakra,’ an advanced air defense mechanism envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated that a committee has been formed to create a “realistic action plan” for the project, suggesting a five-year medium-term plan and a ten-year long-term plan to bring the vision to fruition.
Underlining the importance of “jointness and synergy” among the three services and other agencies, Singh said such coordination is essential to face future challenges. The three-day conference, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on Monday, is focused on themes of reform and transformation. It brings together India’s top civilian and military leadership to discuss strategic, operational, and institutional matters.