'Self-reliance an absolute necessity': Rajnath Singh says Operation Sindoor taught importance of cyber warfare

Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said that Operation Sindoor taught India the importance of information and cyber warfare in present times, stressing the need to make its infrastructure even more "robust".

Addressing the first Tri-Services Seminar ‘Ran Samwad’ in Madhya Pradesh’s Mhow, Singh highlighted self-reliance as an “absolute necessity" and said that there is still a long way to go, though India has made "significant strides" on this path.

Underlining the changed reality of modern warfare, Singh added that in today's world, element of surprise has become even more powerful, because it is now coupled with technological warfare.

“Operation Sindoor has taught us the importance of information and cyber warfare in today’s age. It is equally vital to ensure that our information and cyber infrastructure are made even more robust. I believe we must give this matter deep thought and careful consideration," Rajnath reflected at the event.

Detailing how Operation Sindoor showcased India's prowess in using indigenous weaponry, he added: " Operation Sindoor has emerged as a great example demonstrating success of our indigenous platforms, equipment, and weapon systems. Its achievements have once again underlined that in the times to come, self-reliance is an absolute necessity. We have indeed made significant progress on the path of self-reliance but there is still a long way ahead that we must travel," he said.

"Technology is advancing at such a pace that by the time we fully grasp one innovation, another emerges—completely altering the course of warfare. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, hypersonic missiles, cyber-attacks and AI-driven decision making are examples of tools that are bringing unexpected twists to modern conflicts," remarked the defence minister explaining how technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace.

Emphasising how constant change in technology adds an element of surprise, he said: The most striking feature of this element of surprise is that it no longer has a permanent form. It keeps changing, always carrying uncertainty with it. And it is precisely this uncertainty that confounds adversaries, often becoming the decisive factor in the outcome of war. In our times, the fusion of technology and surprise is making warfare more complex and unpredictable than ever before. That is why we must not only master existing technologies but also ensure that we are constantly prepared for new innovations and unforeseen challenges..."