Jointness & integration of our forces played major role in success of Operation Sindoor: Raksha Mantri
Text of RM’s speech at ‘Ran Samwad’ in Mhow, MP.
I am immensely happy to join the “Ran Samvad” program here on this sacred land of Mhow. This is the very land that gave birth to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a towering intellectual of our country, and at the same time honoured the Indian Army with a glorious tradition of Scholar Warriors – a tradition that makes the entire nation proud.
Friends, the very title of this program – “Ran Samvad”-strikes me as quite interesting.
The name itself is a subject to think about and reflect. On one hand, Ran evokes the imagery of battle and conflict and on the other hand, Samvad points toward dialogue, discussion, and reconciliation. At first glance, the two words seem contradictory – where there is battle, how can there be dialogue, and where dialogue is taking place, how can there be a battle? But if we look deeper, this very name embodies one of the most relevant truths of our times.
Friends, the name “Ransamvad” also has historical basis in India and reminds me of many incidents from our history, which show us how civilisationally, battles (ran) and dialogues (samvad) in India were intertwined. In our culture, dialogue is not separate from battle – it comes before the battle, it happens during the battle and it continues even after the battle.
Take the Mahabharata for instance. To prevent the war, Lord Shri Krishna went as a messenger of peace — he went to engage in dialogue so that the war could be averted. But when Duryodhana, the antagonist of the epic Mahabaharata, refused– the war became inevitable. Even then, during battle, there was dialogue -this dialogue is popularly remembered and has been immortalised as the “Bhagavad Gita”. And after the war was over, there was again dialogue, between Yudhishthira and Bhishma, who lay on his bed of arrows, imparting wisdom on governance and statecraft. This unique blending of battle and dialogue is something that can only be found in ancient cultures such as India. That is why I congratulate you all for choosing such a truly meaningful name for this event.
Friends, in today’s global environment, it is often the breakdown of dialogue that becomes the root cause of hostility and conflict.
On the other hand, even in times of war, maintaining channels of dialogue remains essential. Many of you would have heard of, or read, Sun Tzu’s classic work The Art of War. In that book, Sun Tzu writes: “In war, prepare for peace, and in peace, prepare for war.” This shows that from ancient times, across the world, war and dialogue have complemented each other. It is therefore a matter of deep satisfaction for me to be present at this Ran Samvaad, organised through the joint initiative of our Tri-Services. I am told this is the very first edition of the programme, and for that, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Chief of Defence Staff and to all the three Service Chiefs, along with my best wishes for the future.
Friends, when it comes to dialogue, our Indian philosophical thought accords dialogues, a very high place. History bears witness that in our tradition, exchange of ideas and thoughts has never been confined merely to the realm of diplomacy but has also been an integral part of our cultural development.
I believe that today’s Ran Samvad is not merely an academic exercise but one that will further refine our strategic and diplomatic outlook. The thoughts and conclusions emerging from this dialogue will not only strengthen our defence strategy but also make a long-term contribution to the nation’s overall security architecture and its path of development.
Friends, as we begin our discussion on Ran Samvad, I would like to start with the idea of Ran or battle itself. Since the dawn of civilisation, war has been an inseparable part of human society. And history bears witness to the fact that wars have always left behind devastating consequences.
No matter the era or the geography, the outcome of war has invariably been destruction. The loss of human lives and resources in war can never be justified.
At the very outset, let me emphasize that India has never been a nation that seeks war. We have never initiated aggression against anyone. However, the present geo-political reality is quite different. Even though we do not harbour any aggressive intent, if someone challenges us, it becomes imperative that we respond with strength. To do so, we must continuously enhance our defence preparedness.
This is why training, technological advancement, and sustained dialogue with partners are of utmost importance for us.
Referring to the concept-note you shared for the Ran-Samvad programme, I noticed a very insightful quote from Carl von Clausewitz: “Each age had its own peculiar form of war.” In his time, this observation was entirely appropriate. But the present era is defined by non-linear and multi-domain warfare. Today, there is no fixed system of war, no rigid doctrine that we can blindly rely upon. Hence,
would like to state: “In the present age, there is no definite peculiar form of war.”
If we, for instance, consider the age of colonialism, when naval power was the foremost symbol of strength across the world. Nations with formidable and well-equipped navies not only dominated sea trade routes but also extended their influence over distant lands. The British Empire is the most striking example of this. During that era, Alfred Thayer’s Sea Power Theory gained prominence, wherein he declared: “Who rules the sea, rules the world.”
However, the times changed, and by the mid20th century, the two World Wars shifted the center of power towards the skies.
Air forces of nations across the world transformed the very nature of warfare. Battles were no longer confined to land or sea; instead, air superiority became the decisive factor. The Battle of Britain stands out as a remarkable example, where the Royal Air Force’s Spitfires and Hurricanes halted Germany’s offensive in the air itself. Since the 1950s, the importance of air power has continued to grow significantly.
After the Second World War, the world entered a new phase – the Cold War Era. Though it was not a direct battlefield confrontation, it was marked by an arms race and a series of proxy wars. During this period, missile technology became the new benchmark of military power. Weapons such as Inter-continental Ballistic Missiles, Submarine-launched Missiles, and Cruise Missiles transformed warfare into a matter of minutes. The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis was the peak of this tension, when just a few days of standoff brought the entire world to the brink of nuclear war.
Today, in the 21st century, this transformation has become even more rapid. Sheer numbers of soldiers or the size of weapon stockpiles are no longer enough. Cyber Warfare, Artificial
Intelligence, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and Satellite-based Surveillance are shaping the wars of the future. Precision-guided weapons, real-time intelligence, and data-driven information have now become the cornerstone of success in any conflict.
Modern battles are no longer confined to land, sea and air; they now extend into outer space and cyberspace. Satellite systems, anti-satellite weapons, and space command centres are the new instruments of power. Therefore, what we require today is not just defensive preparedness, but also a proactive strategy.
Friends, future wars will not merely be battles of weapons; they will be a combined play of technology, intelligence, economy and diplomacy. In the times ahead, the nation that masters the triangle of technology, strategy and adaptability will emerge as the true global power. To put it simply, this is the moment to learn from history and write a new one; this is the moment to anticipate the future and shape one.
If we observe closely, systems and doctrines of war have evolved with time. In just the past 10–20 years, the pace of these changes has been so rapid, that fixing any permanent pattern has become almost impossible. It would not be wrong to say, “The age we live in has just one doctrine – that there is none.” Circumstances and challenges change with such speed that every nation is compelled to keep its strategy flexible and responsive.
Today, in the world, whichever nation decides the battlefield is the one that controls the game and its rules. Others have no option but to respond to this and step into the arena on terms that are not of its own choosing. 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.
Friends, the success of Operation Sindoor is a perfect example in itself. The bravery and swiftness with which our forces carried out action against the terrorists sheltered in Pakistan was something those terrorists could never have even imagined. I firmly believe that every war leaves us with some important learnings. In the course of battle, we are able to realistically assess the level of our preparedness. If we speak of Operation
Sindoor, it was indeed a striking demonstration of technology-driven warfare. Be it offensive or defensive techniques, operational practices, quick and efficient war logistics, the seamless integration of our forces, or matters of intelligence and surveillance- Operation Sindoor gave us a wealth of lessons. It provided us with a glimpse of the kind of challenges and responses that could serve as valuable guidance for any conflict in the future.
You may also have observed that Operation Sindoor has emerged as a great example demonstrating the success of our indigenous platforms, equipment, and weapon systems. Its achievements have once again underlined that in the times to come, self-reliance is an absolute necessity. We have indeed made significant progress on the path of self-reliance, but there is still a long way ahead that we must travel.
Beyond all these aspects, Operation Sindoor has also taught us another crucial lesson — the importance of information and cyber warfare in today’s age. While enhancing our defence capabilities, it is equally vital to ensure that our information and cyber infrastructure is made even more robust. I believe we must give this matter deep thought and careful consideration.
Friends, amidst all these changes, there has always been one factor that plays a decisive role – the element of surprise.
In today’s world, this element of surprise has become even more powerful, because it is now coupled with technological warfare. Technology is advancing at such a pace that by the time we fully grasp one innovation, another emerges—completely altering the course of warfare. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, hypersonic missiles, cyber-attacks, and AI-driven decisionmaking are examples of tools that are bringing unexpected twists to modern conflicts.
The most striking feature of this element of surprise is that it no longer has a permanent form. It keeps changing, always carrying uncertainty with it. And it is precisely this uncertainty that confounds adversaries, often becoming the decisive factor in the outcome of war.
In our times, this fusion of technology and surprise is making warfare more complex and unpredictable than ever before. That is why we must not only master existing technologies, but also ensure that we are constantly prepared for new innovations and unforeseen challenges.
If you look at the recent example, you can see the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. When the conflict started in 2022, it was primarily conventional warfare including tanks, artillery,
and rifles. The ground forces were engaged in hand-to-hand combat. But in three years, the nature of this war changed completely. Now we are witnessing that various types of war systems and doctrines are being deployed in this conflict.
Initially, this battle was being fought with the help of tanks and artillery, but now drones, sensor-based weapons, and precision-guided munitions are playing a decisive role. This change shows how the methodology and tactics of war can change in just a short period of time. It is also clear from this that even in the future, in any conflict, we will not have to rely only on traditional means, but we will have to keep pace with technological advancements continuously.
At the same time, I believe that the component of self-reliance in the defence sector is one of the most important components. If we talk about self-reliance, especially in the field of defence manufacturing, then I would like to say that India has embarked on a historic journey. We were once counted among the world’s
largest importers, but today, on the path of self reliant India, we are 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. Today, we are making all the equipment in our country that we used to import. You will also be very happy to know that now we have taken another step forward in the direction of making fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
Now we are moving fast in the direction of making Jet engines in India itself.
Under the visionary leadership of our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government has made many policy reforms in recent years. Such strong steps have been taken to promote indigenous design, development and manufacturing. Self-reliance in the defence sector is no longer a dream but is truly becoming a reality.
Friends, the journey of the last ten years is proof of this. Our defence production, which was only 46,425 crore Rupees in 2014, has now increased to a record over 1.5 lakh crore Rupees. The contribution of over 33,000 crore Rupees from the Private Sector shows that private industries are also becoming partners in this campaign of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The result of this partnership is that India’s defence exports, which were less than 1,000 crore Rupees ten years ago, have now increased to a record of approximately 24,000 crore Rupees. This is not just about trade or production; it is a symbol of India’s changing global identity. Today, when the world sees the
Make in India label, it gets assurance and it also gets confidence in the quality of our indigenously developed platforms and systems. And this is the real strength of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Self-reliance is no longer just a slogan; it is the unbreakable foundation of our national security.
Friends, on the occasion of Independence Day, all of you must have seen and heard when the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced the “Sudarshan Chakra” Mission from the ramparts of the Red Fort. The “Sudarshan Chakra” Mission is our resolve for India’s self-defence, under which, in the coming years, all important places in the country will be covered with a shield of modern and indigenously developed technology. I am pleased that we are progressing rapidly in this direction. DRDO has recently successfully completed the first test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System. In addition, DRDO, in the recent past, has also successfully tested a High Powered Directed Energy Weapon. I think these successes are not just of DRDO or the armed forces but of the entire India.
Friends, during Operation Sindoor, we also saw better coordination among the three armed forces and their jointness. I believe that the jointness and integration of our forces played a major important role in the success of Operation Sindoor. Therefore, I think we should also move forward in strengthening the joint strategic communication.
Friends, given how technologies are changing, accordingly, we need to accommodate the patterns of training of our forces. I was very happy to learn that the Army Training
Command, i.e., ‘ARTRAC,’ has taken a policy decision to provide Drone technology-related training to all jawans of our army by 2027. This will undoubtedly prove to be a game changer step in this technological era.
Friends, when I talk about changing technology and the changing world, it becomes very necessary that we also adapt our forces according to the changing world. For this, I have been told that our army has taken the initiative for the formation of Rudra Brigade, ShaktiBaan Regiment, Divyastra Battery, Drone Platoon and Bhairav Battalion.
This is a matter of great happiness because all these things have undoubtedly become very necessary, keeping the future in mind.
I would also like to say a few things about our Navy’s technological progress. During Operation Sindoor, the way our Navy maintained strategic positions which limited the enemy’s movement completely in the Arabian Sea. Our Navy’s presence in the Indian Ocean is keeping our maritime borders completely secure. Our government is also working with full readiness to make the Navy even stronger and more robust. Just yesterday, I witnessed the commissioning of INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri in our navy. According to the changing world and changing technology, such numerous platforms and infrastructures are not only being included in the Navy but are also strengthening it.
Similarly, the Indian Air Force is also continuously strengthening itself by inducting everything from long range missiles to Next Generation Beyond Visual range weapons. The Counter UAS Grid is being further strengthened in view of the increasing use of Drones.
Besides, whether it’s procurement or policy-related changes, we are always moving forward in the direction of strengthening our forces.
Friends, in today’s era, wars have become so sudden and unpredictable that it is very difficult to predict when any war will end and how long it will last. So we must be prepared for every situation. We must be prepared for this so that our surge capacity is sufficient. That is, if any war stretches for 2 months, 4 months, a year, 2 years, even 5 years, then we should be fully prepared for it. That’s why we need to streamline our defense industry.
Friends, in today’s era, any conflict affects the entire country, and every citizen can come under its purview. A country’s economic system, industrial structure, technological capabilities, education system — all these have now become major components of security. Therefore, the scope of defence preparedness cannot be limited to the armed forces alone.
In such a situation, the importance of communication becomes even greater. Through dialogue, we not only share experiences and information but also understand each other’s capabilities, challenges, and needs.
And this understanding leads us to those strategies which are necessary for success in multidimensional warfare.
I want to emphasise that in today’s time, the responsibility of being prepared is not only for the soldiers. The whole country and every citizen will have to be alert and capable at their own level. National security is no longer just a matter of armies but has become an issue of a whole-of-nation approach. In this, the active role of industries, academia, media, technical institutes, and civil society is necessary.
The country’s defence is not only handled by soldiers at the border but also by the scientists who develop new technology, the industrialists who produce weapon system, and the teachers who prepare the next generation for warfare.
Friends, when we look ahead, we should remember that the challenges before India are formidable, but our resolve and courage are even bigger. The world respects us not just for strength but for our dedication to truth, peace, and justice.
We do not want anyone’s land, but we are ready to go to any extent to protect our land.
We must take this country forward with our unity, our clear intentions, and full commitment. With this confidence, we will confidently march towards 2047 and take India to new heights.
In the end, I would like to say that today’s ‘Ran Samvad’ is not just an exchange of views but an opportunity to understand the various dimensions of security, policymaking, and understanding different facets of the three services. The discussions here will give us an opportunity to think about how we can make
India more empowered, secure, and self-reliant.
hope that your thoughts, suggestions, and perspectives will be helpful in making the nation’s defence policy more effective in the times to come.
Let me conclude my address by wishing you all the very best for this meaningful dialogue.
Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!