Adaptive Defence is Essential, Not Optional, Says India's Defence Minister at Defence Dialogue

New Delhi, India- In a call to dress rapidly evolving global threat landscape, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh outlined India’s commitment to building an "aptive Defence" approach. Speaking at inaugural session of Delhi Defence Dialogue (DDD) in New Delhi, hosted by Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), Singh underscored Modi-led government’s focus on creating a resilient, technologically vanced defence framework to counter modern security challenges. me of this year’s conference, “aptive Defence: Navigating Changing Landscape of Modern Warfare”, provided a timely platform for exploring collaborative approaches in defence strategy, with dialogue drawing participation from policy experts, military leers, and strategic scholars. 

Raksha Mantri highlighted aptive defence as essential in modern security context, characterizing it as a proactive rar than reactive strategy. “aptive Defence is not just a strategic choice; it is a necessity in our fast-paced world. Today’s defence demands continuous evolution to counter emergent threats effectively,” he stated. This approach, he explained, encompasses situational awareness, flexibility at strategic and tactical levels, resilience, and integration with next-generation technologies. “It is about cultivating mindset to anticipate challenges and prepare proactively for unknown,” Singh emphasized, urging military to embrace agility and innovation.

Redefining Warfare: Role of Emerging Technologies 

Singh noted that warfare is increasingly conducted in Grey Zone—where tritional tactics are augmented by unconventional methods like cyber and hybrid warfare. Emphasizing that conventional defensive measures must now apt to se evolving tactics, he detailed India’s focus on leveraging emerging technologies such as drones, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and quantum computing. “India aspires to become a global hub for drone technology, contributing to our ‘Make in India’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat programs,” he said. Singh highlighted initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and ITI schemes that incentivize domestic innovation in defence technology, strengning India’s military-industrial ecosystem.

Stressing importance of collective responses to shared security challenges, Singh remarked, “Interconnectedness is as much a blessing as it is a challenge. If our threats are transnational, so should be our solutions.” In his dress, he vocated for collaboration across states and institutions to dress threats that transcend national borders. As cyber threats, hybrid warfare, and technological vancements reshape global security environment, Defence Minister argued that India must opt a multifaceted approach that fosters joint responses among states, non-state actors, and private sector partners.  

Strengning Defence Ecosystem 

To secure India’s defence capabilities, government has introduced numerous initiatives promoting indigenous development and self-reliance. Singh cited examples of significant achievements, including domestically produced Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, and missile systems developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). “se projects exemplify our commitment to self-reliance without isolation. We welcome foreign collaboration in R&D, co-production, and joint ventures, all within broer framework of Make in India,” he asserted.  

Acknowledging necessity of international cooperation, he noted that global interdependence allows nations to overcome resource and technological limitations. Singh argued that pursuit of robust defence systems in today’s globalised economy requires logical collaboration to access broer expertise, economies of scale, and vanced technology.

In light of today’s digital threats, Singh dressed rise of psychological and information warfare, calling it an unprecedented challenge to national security. “ government is resolute in employing aptive defence strategies to counter se digital threats,” he affirmed. This stance reflects government’s dedication to maintaining a forward-looking posture against both physical and psychological warfare, with special emphasis on countering misinformation and cyber-attacks.  

Defence Exports: Pushing for Economic Growth and Strategic Reach 

India has also set ambitious goals for expanding its defence exports, aiming to reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. Notably, India’s defence exports now reach over 100 nations, with United States, France, and Armenia as top recipients in 2023-24. Singh emphasized that se exports not only contribute to nation’s economic goals but also bolster its strategic reach and global presence.  

Delhi Defence Dialogue serves as MP-IDSA’s flagship platform for dressing complex defence challenges, and fostering dialogue among policymakers, military experts, and scholars on changing landscape of security.

defence minister commended DDD’s role in facilitating informed discussions and generating strategies for enhancing India’s defence posture. He expressed confidence that DDD would pave way for stronger strategic partnerships and more robust national security frameworks through shared expertise and collaborative innovation.  

Among those in attendance were DG, MP-IDSA Ambassor Sujan R Chinoy; Vice-Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SP Dharkar; as well as civil and military leers from India and abro. dialogue will continue to play a critical role in shaping India’s defence strategy as it navigates increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.