India Strengthens National Power with Civil-Military Fusion: Raksha Mantri

Speaking on Operation Sindoor, Raksha Mantri highlighted how the operation epitomised the successful integration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a unified command and vision.

In a significant policy articulation that reflects the government’s long-term vision for India’s national security and technological advancement, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed a distinguished gathering at a book launch ceremony in New Delhi on October 22, 2025. He described Operation Sindoor as a powerful symbol of jointness among India’s three Armed Services and a testament to the country's readiness to embrace adaptive and preemptive defence strategies in an increasingly complex global environment.

The occasion marked the release of a seminal book titled “Civil-Military Fusion as a Metric of National Power & Comprehensive Security”, authored by Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd). The event was attended by top military brass, civil administrators, and defence experts, underscoring the importance of whole-of-nation approaches in building India’s comprehensive security architecture.

Operation Sindoor: A Showcase of Synergy and Strategic Resolve

Speaking on Operation Sindoor, Raksha Mantri highlighted how the operation epitomised the successful integration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a unified command and vision. “This operation stands out not just for its strategic brilliance, but for the extraordinary jointness and integration demonstrated by our Armed Forces,” he stated.

Shri Rajnath Singh did not mince words when he referred to Pakistan’s continued struggle in the aftermath of the operation. “The results were visible to the entire world. Pakistan is still recuperating from the severe blow dealt by our Armed Forces. This was not just a military victory but a statement of India’s growing military might and preparedness,” he said.

Modern Warfare Demands Modern Outlook

The Defence Minister stressed that traditional war paradigms are obsolete in an era dominated by hybrid, asymmetrical, and technology-driven warfare. “Wars today are no longer fought solely on borders. They have spilled over into domains like cyberspace, information, and economic corridors,” he said, arguing for a comprehensive security doctrine rooted in innovation, speed, and synergy.

According to Shri Rajnath Singh, the Modi government has introduced bold reforms to make the Indian military future-ready. One of the most significant institutional changes was the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). “It was a historic step that has transformed coordination and synergy among the services, laying the foundation for jointness in operations such as Operation Sindoor,” he said.

Civil-Military Fusion: A Strategic Necessity

The centrepiece of the event was the launch of Lt Gen Raj Shukla’s book, which offers a forward-looking assessment of how civil-military fusion can be harnessed to augment national power. Shri Rajnath Singh called the concept a “strategic enabler”, rather than a mere administrative exercise. “Civil-military fusion is about integrating academia, private sector, civil industry, and the defence establishment for a shared national goal,” he explained.

He elaborated that such integration can significantly boost economic productivity, foster innovation, and propel the nation toward technological self-reliance. “This is no longer a modern trend—it is the need of the hour,” he emphasized. “From supply chains to AI, from rare earth minerals to cybersecurity—civilian and military domains are converging rapidly.”

Breaking Silos: Vision of Shared Purpose

Underscoring Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on breaking down bureaucratic silos, the Raksha Mantri stated that civil and military establishments must work in tandem. “While they may differ in their operational roles, their vision must be aligned. Our civil administration and military must share a common strategic purpose,” he asserted.

Shri Rajnath Singh called for a sharper focus on dual-use technologies and the adoption of a dual-track innovation model that brings civilian tech into military use and vice versa. “Many of our indigenous innovations remain confined to the civilian sector. If utilised strategically for defence, these can multiply our national power exponentially,” he said.

From Defence Importer to Global Manufacturing Hub

Highlighting the Modi government’s push for Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence, the Minister noted the remarkable transformation in India’s defence manufacturing landscape. “Just a decade ago, our domestic production stood at around Rs 46,000 crore. Today, that figure has soared to a record Rs 1.51 lakh crore,” he informed the audience.

The private sector’s growing contribution—amounting to over Rs 33,000 crore—was cited as proof of the effectiveness of policies encouraging indigenous defence manufacturing, start-up participation, and innovation-driven R&D.

A Confluence of Thinkers and Doers

The event brought together India’s top defence and security thinkers, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and Major General BK Sharma (Retd), Director General of the United Service Institution of India. Their presence reinforced the importance of unified civil-military dialogue in shaping India’s security strategies.

Looking Ahead

Shri Rajnath Singh’s remarks and the insights from Lt Gen Raj Shukla’s book signal a critical policy shift in India’s national security framework—one that no longer treats the civil and military sectors as separate entities but rather as mutually reinforcing arms of a single national mission.

With an evolving threat landscape and growing global responsibilities, India is positioning itself to respond not only with force but with foresight. The path ahead, as envisioned by the government, lies in synergy, self-reliance, and strategic integration across all sectors of national power.