NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said conflicts and wars worldwide will become more violent and unpredictable in the future.
Addressing an event in Pune to mark the 77th Army Day, the minister also said the emergence of “non-state actors” in many countries and that they are resorting to terrorism is a “matter of concern”.
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With technological advancements rapidly reshaping the landscape of warfare, Singh emphasised that the Indian Army must be prepared to face these multi-spectrum challenges.
“When we talk about modern warfare for the Indian Army, I believe that in the coming days, wars will become more violent and unpredictable, and the use of unconventional and asymmetrical methods is increasing. With the increasing development of technology, the picture of future wars is also going to change. Therefore, the Army has to be prepared to face these multi-spectrum challenges, and that is why the focus should be on both holistic capacity building and reforms,” Rajnath Singh said.
The minister underscored the Indian Army’s indispensable role in addressing both external and internal challenges, emphasising its pivotal contribution to the nation’s journey towards becoming a developed country by 2047. Speaking at the Army Day celebrations in Pune, Singh described this as a transformative phase in India’s history.
“This is the soil where brave sons like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, and Bajirao were born. This is the land remembered for the sacrifice of Mother Tarabai and where Bal Gangadhar Tilak awakened the consciousness of independence. Organizing the Army Day event at this holy place is a very important occasion for all of us,” he said.
He also highlighted Army’s role beyond safeguarding borders, noting its involvement in managing crises and internal challenges. “I believe that 365 days belong to the army. There is not a single day when we do not feel gratitude and respect towards you. The role of our Army is not limited to external threats; it also extends to internal challenges and crises,” Singh said.
Army’s role in India’s vision for 2047
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047, Singh stressed that the defence forces would play a central role in achieving this goal. “PM Modi has set a target of making us a developed nation by 2047. Every section of society will contribute to this, but the strength of the defence system is paramount. A strong army is essential for our security and growth,” he stated.
Highlighting India’s historical stance of prioritising peace while maintaining readiness for conflict when necessary, he said, “We have always chosen ‘budh’ instead of ‘yudh.’ We have fought only when war has been imposed on us. The Army has proven time and again that peace is not our weakness but a symbol of our strength.”
In a heartfelt gesture, Singh recited lines from the revered poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar to honor the Army’s courage and dedication: “Kshama shobti us bhujang ko, jiske paas garal ho, uska kya jo dantheen, vishheen, vineet, saral ho.“
“This poem perfectly reflects the Indian Army’s essence: We have the power, but we always remain on the side of consensus,” he added.