In a significant address at the Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) 2025 held in Kolkata, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh urged the Armed Forces to transcend traditional war concepts and prepare for emerging unconventional threats, which include information, ideological, ecological, and biological warfare. He emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant amid a rapidly changing global landscape marked by shifting security challenges.
Rajnath Singh remarked on the unpredictable nature of modern warfare, noting that conflicts can arise unexpectedly and vary in duration. “Wars today are so sudden and unpredictable that it is difficult to foretell their duration. It could be two months, a year, or even five years. We must ensure that our surge capacity remains sufficient,” he stated, calling for a military that is technology-driven and equipped for future challenges.
The Defence Minister reiterated the significance of “JAI — Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, and Innovation,” a guiding principle articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the conference’s inaugural session. He highlighted initiatives such as the Tri-Service Logistics Nodes and the Tri-Service Logistic Management Application as essential steps toward enhancing synergy and integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Rajnath Singh further elaborated on the importance of self-reliance in defense. “Self-reliance is not a slogan, but a necessity. It is the key to strategic autonomy,” he explained, adding that indigenisation in defense not only fuels economic growth and job creation but also boosts the capabilities of India’s shipyards, aerospace sectors, and defense corridors.
Reflecting on recent operations, he praised the Armed Forces for their exemplary professionalism during Operation Sindoor, stating that it underscored the triad of Strength, Strategy, and Self-Reliance as foundational to India’s military power in the 21st century. He emphasized that the combination of indigenous platforms and the bravery of soldiers ensures the nation’s preparedness for a range of challenges.
The Raksha Mantri also announced the approval of the Defence Procurement Manual 2025, designed to streamline procurement processes and minimize delays. He confirmed ongoing revisions to the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, aimed at further simplifying procedures and enhancing operational readiness for the Armed Forces.
The conference was marked by the presence of high-ranking officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat, along with other senior defense officials.
