Rajnath Singh Highlights Defence Reforms and Digital Initiatives at Chanakya Dialogue 2025

The Raksha Mantri stated that nations across the Indo-Pacific and Global South increasingly see India as a reliable partner capable of shaping global conversations.

India’s growing economic strength, technological capabilities and principled foreign policy have transformed the country into a voice of balance, responsibility and strategic stability, said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi. Organized by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), the two-day event—held on November 27–28—brought together military leaders, diplomats, global strategic experts, think-tanks, academia and industry to assess India’s future security challenges and technological frontiers.

Addressing the theme “Reform to Transform – Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat”, Shri Rajnath Singh underscored how India’s global credibility rests on its consistent stand for the rules-based international order, respect for sovereignty, and its civilisational values underpinning responsible behaviour in world affairs.

India as a Trusted Voice in a Shifting Global Landscape

The Raksha Mantri stated that nations across the Indo-Pacific and Global South increasingly see India as a reliable partner capable of shaping global conversations. He highlighted that this trust stems from path-breaking reforms under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s strategic autonomy, and its strong economic and technological foundations.

He noted that India today not only responds to global challenges but helps define solutions—especially in areas such as security cooperation, technology governance, climate responsibility and humanitarian support.

National Security Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the complex security landscape marked by terrorism, cross-border militancy, attempts to alter the status quo, maritime coercion, and new-age threats such as cyber and information warfare. These evolving challenges require continuous vigilance, institutional agility, and long-term reforms.

Reforms, he said, are no longer optional, but a strategic necessity that strengthens the resilience of institutions and enhances operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.

Building a Sashakt, Surakshit and Viksit Bharat

The Raksha Mantri outlined several transformational reforms underway:

• Modernisation of the Armed Forces through new platforms, advanced tech and structural integration

• Strengthening border and maritime infrastructure to enhance connectivity and strategic readiness

• Reformed procurement processes ensuring speed, transparency and accountability

• Aatmanirbharta in Defence, building a domestic industrial ecosystem through innovation, start-ups, R&D and deep-tech

• Focus on welfare of soldiers, veterans and families, keeping human welfare central to defence decision-making

He emphasised that India is not only upgrading military hardware, but also adopting new doctrines, digital systems, and technology-driven capabilities to prepare for the battlefields of the future.

Armed Forces: Pillars of Resilience

Advocating resilience as a strategic attribute, the Minister said a resilient India can absorb shocks, adapt swiftly and continue progressing despite adversity. He described India’s Armed Forces as the strongest pillar of national resilience, whose preparedness, restraint and courage enable India to manage its neighbourhood challenges while contributing to regional stability.

He reiterated: “India believes in peace and dialogue, but when it comes to sovereignty and security, we do not compromise.”

Beyond Borders: India’s Strategic Military Role

Shri Rajnath Singh said the Indian Armed Forces contribute far beyond safeguarding territorial integrity. Their roles include:

• Supporting civil authorities during natural disasters

• Protecting maritime interests and ensuring safe sea lanes

• Building confidence internationally through peacekeeping, joint exercises and humanitarian missions

• Reinforcing India’s reputation as a stable, responsible power

He emphasised that military modernisation is not merely administrative—it is an investment in India’s long-term future.

Reforms That Strengthen Global Peace

The Raksha Mantri said India’s domestic reforms are interconnected with global well-being. As India grows stronger, the world benefits through:

1. A stable and growing Indian economy supporting global economic stability

2. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) offering a template for secure, inclusive governance

3. Ethical leadership in emerging technologies, including AI, cybersecurity and space

4. Commitment to peace, climate responsibility and humanitarian values that strengthens moral leadership globally

Launch of Key Digital and Green Defence Initiatives

During the event, Shri Rajnath Singh unveiled major projects marking India’s next leap in digital defence capacity and climate-conscious military infrastructure.

EKAM: AI-as-a-Service – iDEX ADITI 2.0

A strategic initiative to deploy indigenous AI solutions across the Armed Forces. EKAM offers:

• Full control over sensitive military data

• AI models tailored to India’s operational doctrines and terminologies

• A unified platform for hosting high-performance open-source and indigenous AI applications

It is poised to be a game-changing enabler for decision-making, intelligence, and operations.

Prakshepan: Military Climatology Application

Developed in-house by the Indian Army with scientific collaboration across ministries and agencies, Prakshepan includes:

• Landslide prediction

• Flood prediction

• Avalanche prediction

Beyond strategic military value, it will strengthen civil disaster-management capabilities in remote regions.

AI Handbook for Military Leaders

A foundational guide offering strategic and operational insights on integrating AI into:

• Command and Control

• Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR)

• Combat systems

• Autonomous platforms

It equips leaders at all levels with the cognitive frameworks needed in the AI era.

Book Release: Digitalisation 3.0 – From Boots to Bytes

This publication captures the Indian Army’s transformation through over 100 digital applications, showcasing shifts from traditional processes to a digitally empowered, AI-ready force aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

E-Inauguration of Green Hydrogen Microgrid Project, Chushul (Ladakh)

India’s high-altitude green hydrogen microgrid—set up by NTPC at 4,500 metres—will replace diesel generator sets in remote Army establishments. Benefits include:

• Reduction of 1,500 tonnes of carbon emissions annually

• Enhanced energy self-sufficiency

• Support for sustainable military operations

Chanakya Dialogue: A Strategic Platform for India’s Defence Vision

The Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 convened military leaders, foreign diplomats, global strategists, industry innovators and young scholars to deliberate on India’s emerging security architecture. The discussions focused on the intersections of technology, geopolitics, warfare evolution and India’s strategic imperatives in an increasingly contested global environment.

Attendees included Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, senior government functionaries, domain experts and international representatives.

A Forward-Looking Commitment

The event concluded with a shared vision for a secure, resilient and technologically advanced India capable of shaping the global order while upholding peace, sovereignty and human welfare.