Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said the character of warfare is changing rapidly, with each conflict introducing new strategies, weapons and technologies, making it vital for India to anticipate threats and innovate continuously.
Speaking at the commissioning of the stealth frigates Udaygiri and Himgiri, Singh stressed that conventional thinking is no longer adequate. “Every modern conflict showcases new tools, fresh strategies, and unexpected challenges. To secure ourselves, we must not only stay updated but also explore directions previously unimagined,” he said.
He highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, research and development in defence has been placed at the forefront. “Earlier, advanced military systems were confined to a select few nations. Today, India is designing and building them on its own. Our armed forces are being strengthened with a forward-looking vision,” he noted.
Underscoring India’s growing self-reliance, the Defence Minister said the nation is now safeguarding not just land, sea and air, but also newer domains like space, cyberspace, economy and society. “Self-reliance is no longer a mere slogan—it is becoming reality. The impossible of yesterday is turning into today’s achievement because of the efforts of our scientists, our armed forces, and countless dedicated citizens,” he said.
Reaffirming India’s defensive stance, Singh said the country has never believed in expansionism. “We never provoke or attack any other nation. But that does not mean we yield before those who threaten us. When innocent civilians were killed in Pahalgam, we responded with precision through Operation Sindoor. We struck terrorist hideouts and fulfilled our objectives. This mission has not ended—it is only in pause,” he asserted, adding that the nation today stands united against terrorism under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
He praised the swift and coordinated role of the Indian Navy in Operation Sindoor, noting that the adversary has now understood the Navy’s strength and capabilities. Singh said the flawless cooperation between the Army, Navy, Air Force, and security agencies during the operation demonstrates India’s ability to act as one in the face of any challenge.
Calling the Indian Navy a “symbol of maritime power,” the Defence Minister emphasised its critical role in securing national interests at sea. He pointed out that the region spanning the Arabian Sea, Middle East, and eastern African coast holds immense geo-strategic importance, directly influencing India’s economic security. “Our energy supplies—oil and natural gas—depend heavily on the safety of this corridor. The Navy has, therefore, emerged as a key pillar of our economic security as well,” he said.
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