New Delhi, Aug 27 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today strongly batted for Aatmanirbharta (self reliance) in Defence and the strategy of ‘defining’ the battlefield, citing the example of success of Operation Sindoor.
In modern warfare whichever nation decides the battlefield, is the one that controls the game and its rules and others have no option but to respond on terms that are not of their choosing, the Defence Minister said during his plenary address at RAN SAMWAD, a first-of-its-kind Tri-service seminar on war, warfare and warfighting, at the Army War College in Dr Ambedkar Nagar, Madhya Pradesh.
“Our endeavour must be to define the battlefield and the rules of the game ourselves, compelling the adversary to fight there, so that the lead advantage always remains with us,” he said, describing the success of Operation Sindoor as one perfect example and a striking demonstration of technology-driven warfare.
Describing Operation Sindoor as a glowing example of the success of indigenous platforms, equipment and weapon systems, he said “the achievements have underlined that self-reliance is an absolute necessity”.
He reiterated the Government’s commitment to achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence, stating that India, which was once counted among the largest importers, is making a place among the reliable exporters of the world.
“Today, our indigenous platforms, Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, Akash Missile System, and Indigenous Aircraft Carrier are giving a message to the world that India’s technology and quality are now standing at world-class standards. This confidence and strength are due to our scientists, our industry, and our leadership. We are manufacturing all the equipment in our country that we used to import. We have taken another step forward in the direction of producing fifth-generation fighter aircraft. We are moving fast in the direction of making jet engines in India itself,” added Shri Rajnath Singh.
Highlighting the bravery and swiftness with which the Indian Armed Forces carried out action against the terrorists sheltered in Pakistan, he said it was “something the adversary could never have imagined”.
Operation Sindoor provided a wealth of lessons–be it offensive or defensive techniques, operational practices, quick and efficient war logistics, seamless integration of the forces or matters of intelligence and surveillance that could serve as valuable guidance for any conflict in the future, he said.
The Defence Minister said Operation Sindoor also highlighted the importance of information and cyber warfare. While enhancing India’s Defence capabilities, it is equally vital to ensure that information and cyber infrastructure are made even more robust. The jointness and integration of the forces played a major role in the success of Operation Sindoor, he said and stressed the need to move forward in strengthening the joint strategic communication.
Acknowledging the Army Training Command’s decision to provide drone technology-related training to all jawans of the Army by 2027, Mr Rajnath Singh said the resolve will prove to be a game changer. He also appreciated the Army’s initiative of the formation of Rudra Brigade, ShaktiBaan Regiment, Divyastra Battery, Drone Platoon, and Bhairav Battalion, terming the decision as a necessary step according to the changing times.
