From Operation Sindoor’s strategic mastery to drone warfare and cognitive combat, the one-day conclave on August 30, 2025 spotlighted India’s evolving defence readiness—with Radico Khaitan joining as the summit’s Celebration Partner.
New Delhi, August 31, 2025 – NDTV hosted its high-profile Defence Summit 2025 on August 30, converging top policymakers, military stalwarts, and industry leaders under the theme “Warfare in the 21st Century.” Notably, Radico Khaitan took centre stage as the official Celebration Partner for the event—bringing a unique celebratory twist to this serious, strategy-focused forum.
The day kicked off with a keynote address by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, outlining India’s recalibrated defence doctrine following the effective military response known as Operation Sindoor. This included smart warfare planning, deterrence reshaping, and updated nuclear posture amidst global volatility.
Key Highlights Include:
Operation Sindoor poised as a benchmark in joint-services synergy. Former Air Chief Vivek Ram Chaudhari praised the flawless coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
In-depth sessions on drone warfare reinforced the urgency to adapt to unmanned systems. Sameer Joshi from NewSpace Research emphasized that “drones are here to stay” and constitute a seismic doctrinal shift in modern combat.
Experts advocated for building anti-drone defenses, warning that future conflicts must account for both offensive and defensive aerial AI threats.
Adani Defence & Aerospace CEO Ashish Rajvanshi likened the fusion of AI and human strategy in modern warfare to an “Avengers: Age of Ultron” scenario, stressing the need for India to develop cognitive warfare capabilities within the next five years.
A panel of three former service chiefs delivered sobering insights:
Admiral Arun Prakash (Retd.) called Operation Sindoor a “great learning lesson” and spotlighted leaps in battlefield transparency and weapon precision since 1971.
General Manoj Pande (Retd.) flagged a worrying trend: China and Pakistan now operate as de facto partners across land, air, and maritime domains, demanding strategic recalibration.
Additional sessions showcased topics ranging from BrahMos missile diplomacy and defence manufacturing ecosystems to how Navy and Air Force integration is paving the way for a more robust, self-reliant military-industrial complex.
Beyond the strategic conversations, Radico Khaitan’s role as Celebration Partner lent a touch of cultural connection to the event. By associating with the summit, the company highlighted the importance of honouring India’s armed forces not just through discussions of warfare, but also through symbols of pride, tradition, and shared national spirit.
Spirit of Victory: A Tribute to the Armed Forces
At the heart of Radico Khaitan’s philosophy lies its ‘Spirit of Victory’ franchise, a tribute to the indomitable courage and sacrifices of India’s defence forces. Launched as a premium alcobev offering, Spirit of Victory embodies honour, patriotism, and resilience—values synonymous with the military. By aligning with the NDTV Defence Summit 2025, Radico Khaitan reinforced this ethos, underlining its commitment to celebrate the guardians of the nation, both in spirit and in sentiment.