New Delhi: Raksha Mantri Mr. Rajnath Singh emphasized India’s growing role as a reliable and responsible global partner at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, held under the theme “Reform to Transform – Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat”. Speaking in New Delhi, he stated that India’s economic growth, technological capabilities, and principled foreign policy have positioned the country as a voice of balance in the Indo-Pacific and among Global South nations.
Armed Forces: Pillars of National Resilience and Regional Stability
Mr. Singh underlined the strategic importance of India’s Armed Forces, describing them as a driving force that allows the nation to address neighborhood challenges while contributing to regional stability. “India believes in peace and dialogue, but when it comes to the sovereignty and security of the people, we do not compromise,” he said. The Defence Minister highlighted that the Armed Forces’ capabilities extend beyond border protection to disaster response, maritime security, international peacekeeping, and strengthening global confidence in India.
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Reforms and Modernization: Towards Sashakt, Surakshit, Viksit Bharat
The Defence Minister outlined key initiatives undertaken to strengthen India’s defence ecosystem –
- Modernizing forces with new platforms, technologies, and structures.
- Reforming procurement for speed, transparency, and accountability.
- Promoting Aatmanirbharta in defence through indigenous production, MSMEs, and R&D investments.
- Enhancing welfare of soldiers, veterans, and their families.
- Strengthening border and maritime infrastructure for security and connectivity.
Mr. Singh emphasized that reforms are a strategic necessity to address geopolitical uncertainties including terrorism, cross-border threats, maritime pressures, and information warfare.
Digital and Green Initiatives Launched at the Dialogue
Several cutting-edge projects were inaugurated, reflecting India’s push towards technological self-reliance and sustainable defence practices –
EKAM: AI as a Service – iDEX ADITI 2.0: An indigenous AI platform tailored for the Armed Forces, enabling secure, operationally relevant AI applications.
Prakshepan: A military climatology app with predictive modules for landslides, floods, and avalanches, aiding both military and civil disaster preparedness.
AI Handbook for Military Leaders: Provides decision-makers with knowledge to leverage AI in command, control, ISR, and autonomous systems.
Digitalisation 3.0 – From Boots to Bytes: Captures the Indian Army’s technological transformation with over 100 digital applications.
Green Hydrogen Microgrid Project, Chushul, Ladakh: A sustainable energy initiative replacing diesel generators, reducing carbon emissions by 1,500 tonnes per year.
Global Strategic Engagement and Knowledge Sharing
The Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 brought together military leaders, diplomats, global strategic experts, industry representatives, and scholars to deliberate on India’s security challenges and technological frontiers. Mr. Singh highlighted that India’s journey towards strength, security, and development benefits global peace, the international economy, and sets ethical standards for emerging technologies.
