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On December 30, 2024, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed senior Army officers at the Army War College in Mhow, emphasizing the new and evolving challenges India faces in the realm of warfare. He pointed out the growing prominence of unconventional methods of warfare and stressed the importance of adapting to these challenges in a rapidly changing global security environment.
Emerging Threats: Unconventional Warfare
Rajnath Singh highlighted several unconventional methods of warfare that have emerged as major threats to national security. These methods, which include information warfare, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven warfare, proxy warfare, electro-magnetic warfare, space warfare, and cyber-attacks, are increasingly being used by adversaries to destabilize nations without conventional military conflict. These tactics, Singh noted, represent a significant shift from traditional warfare strategies, requiring new responses and strategies from countries, especially India.
"Many unconventional methods like information warfare, AI-based warfare, proxy warfare, electro-magnetic warfare, space warfare, and cyber-attacks are now posing a challenge to us," Singh remarked. He further pointed out that the dominance of certain countries over the availability of electronic chips is problematic, as well as the monopoly over rare earth materials, which has become a significant challenge in modern warfare.
In addition to these, Singh noted that hybrid warfare, which combines conventional and unconventional tactics, and greyzone warfare, which operates in the ambiguous space between peace and conflict, are also increasing the complexity of the security challenges faced by India. These challenges underscore the need for India to enhance its military readiness in all spheres.
The Need for Well-Trained and Equipped Armed Forces
In light of these evolving threats, Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of ensuring that the Indian Army remains well-trained and equipped to handle such unconventional challenges. He praised the role of Mhow’s training centres, which have been integral in preparing the armed forces for such complex and varied warfare scenarios. "It is great to see that the training centres of Mhow are playing a very important role in these efforts. This place has been known for its military valour for more than 200 years," he added.
Mhow, located in Madhya Pradesh, has been a hub for military training and is renowned for its legacy in shaping some of India's best military leaders. The Defence Minister's visit to Mhow highlighted the continued importance of these institutions in shaping the future of the Indian Armed Forces.
First Defence Minister Visit in 24 Years
This visit to the Army War College was particularly significant as it marked the first visit by a Defence Minister to the institution in 24 years. Singh expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in improving integration and jointness among the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force. He emphasized that future challenges could only be met effectively through greater collaboration and unity among the services.
“Our government is constantly making efforts to increase integration and jointness among the three forces. Because in the future, we will face such challenges which our services will be able to face better together,” Singh explained. He highlighted the importance of such integration, noting that the evolving nature of warfare demands a coordinated approach across all military branches.
Singh also lauded the high-level training being imparted to officers across all wings of the armed forces in Mhow Cantonment, reinforcing the idea that such training is crucial for preparing them for future combat scenarios.
India’s Path to Becoming a Developed Nation by 2047
Rajnath Singh reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India’s development, set to reach its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. Singh referred to the current period as a transition phase, with the country moving steadily on the path of progress. From a military perspective, he noted that India was consistently modernizing its armed forces by equipping them with cutting-edge technologies and weapons.
“We are constantly getting equipped with modern weapons. We are not only equipping our armies but also sending equipment made in the country to other countries,” he said, highlighting India's growing role as a supplier of defense equipment on the global stage. This reflects India’s broader ambition to not only strengthen its defense capabilities but also to make a significant impact in global defense markets.
Visit to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Memorial
During his visit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution, at the Bhim Janm Bhoomi memorial in Mhow on December 29, 2024. Singh described Dr. Ambedkar as a symbol of selfless service who dedicated his life to social equality and empowerment. Singh acknowledged Ambedkar's immense contribution to shaping modern India, particularly his efforts towards securing social justice for all communities in the country.
Conclusion
Rajnath Singh's visit to Mhow, his reflections on the changing nature of warfare, and his remarks on India’s path to becoming a developed nation, highlighted the country’s preparedness to face new challenges. The Defence Minister’s emphasis on unconventional warfare and the necessity for an integrated and well-equipped military underscores the need for a progressive, forward-thinking approach to national security.
