Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated the government's unwavering resolve to create an ‘Adaptive Defence’ in the country to counter the challenges and threats posed by a fast-changing world. Addressing the inaugural Delhi Defence Dialogue (DDD), organised by Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), on Tuesday, he said ‘Adaptive Defence’ is a strategic approach wherein the country's military and defence mechanisms constantly and continuously evolve to effectively counter emerging threats.
Observing that ‘Adaptive Defence’ is not merely a strategic choice but a necessity, he said it is not about merely responding to what has happened but anticipating what could happen, and preparing for it proactively. “In essence, it involves cultivating a mindset and capability to adapt, innovate, and thrive, even in the face of unpredictable and evolving circumstances. Situational awareness, flexibility at strategic and tactical levels, resilience, agility, and integration with the futuristic technologies are the keys to understanding and creating adaptive defence,” Singh added.
The minister highlighted the need to evolve India's defence systems and strategies in line with the evolving threats and said India should be prepared for all future contingencies. “It is more than just protecting our borders; it is about securing our future.”
He said traditional notions of war are being reshaped by emerging technologies and evolving strategic partnerships and termed the present age as 'Grey Zone' and 'hybrid warfare' where traditional ways to defend have been challenged.
Singh shed light on the wide range of security challenges faced by India, from the traditional border-related threats to unconventional issues such as terrorism, cyber-attacks, and hybrid warfare, and said the government recognised the need for an adaptive defence strategy in a changing geopolitical and technological scenario and has taken several initiatives to build a robust and self-reliant ecosystem.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to keeping India among the leading countries working on emerging technologies in cyberspace and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and added that India has to have the capability and wherewithal to deal with the imminent global innovations of AI in defence, he said.
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Observing that drones and swarm technologies are bringing fundamental changes in the ways and means of warfare, he said, “India is aiming to become a drone hub of the world. Several initiatives have been taken in this regard. This would not only help the Indian economy but also significantly contribute to our 'Make in India' and the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' programme. We are already working to improve research & development through reliable certification mechanisms, and facilitate Indian Intellectual Property creation in this sector.”
He called for adopting a collaborative approach to deal with contemporary problems of defence and security, saying the current geopolitical dynamics and cross-border issues make a collaborative approach to defence essential. “The ambiguities of cyberspace, AI and the vast potential of quantum and nanotechnologies further demand collaboration and sharing of knowledge, perspectives, information, and strategies, if possible.”
Singh expressed confidence that by bringing together policymakers, military experts, and scholars, DDD will come up with innovative ideas and collaborative strategies to enhance the country’s defence posture.
