Nilgiris ( Tamil Nadu In India, on April 10th, ANI reported: The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh On Thursday, they stated that artificial intelligence and other advancing technologies are fundamentally transforming deterrence strategies and military operations in significant manners. They also noted that warfare is evolving quickly, expanding beyond conventional realms like land, sea, and air into new arenas such as space, cyberspace, underwater environments, and innovative fields of creativity.

Currently, technology is reshaping geopolitics and national security more than ever before. Artificial Intelligence along with an array of new technologies—such as robotics, autonomous weaponry, drones, quantum computing, blockchain, space exploration, cybersecurity, advanced electronics, 3D printing, and similar fields—are fundamentally transforming defense strategies and combat operations. Conflict is swiftly expanding beyond conventional terrains like land, sea, and air into realms such as outer space, cyberspace, underwater environments, and novel spheres of innovative activity. Rajnath Singh mentioned during the yearly event of the annual day celebrations Defence Staff Training College at Wellington, Nilgiris.

He mentioned that his department is achieving substantial milestones towards the objectives outlined for 2025, which focus on modernizing India's military into a high-tech and battle-prepared unit equipped for joint operations across multiple domains.

The defense minister highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the vision's foundation. SAGAR - Safety and Expansion for Everyone in the Area. The Center has initiated this initiative. SAGAR Moreover, presenting a vision for the Global South, he stated.

Ten years ago, our Prime Minister initiated the vision's cornerstone. SAGAR - Safety and Development for Everyone Across the Area. Initially aimed at ensuring peace and wealth within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), today we've expanded this notion even more; now, our leader has proposed an idea focused on supporting the nations of the Global South, reaching far beyond SAGAR has been described as MAHA SAGAR Mutual and Comprehensive Progress in Security and Development Throughout the Area,

The defense minister stated that his department has pinpointed nine major sectors as part of the effort to update the military. He mentioned that all aspects of this modernization push, covering everything from weapons procurement to changes in procedures, have been tackled.

"Seeking to update ourselves and stay pertinent for the future, the Ministry of Defence has declared 2025 as the Year of Reforms. The objective is to reshape our military into a highly advanced and battle-prepared unit ready for combined operations across multiple domains," he stated.

"Nine major sectors have been recognized, and all aspects of contemporary modernization efforts, such as defense procurement and process improvements, have been tackled. I am delighted to report that we are collectively advancing significantly toward the objectives we have established," he noted.

He stated that technology is not just a supporting factor but a crucial catalyst for operational success.

"Our military personnel should not just stay current with technological advancements; they must also set the pace. It’s crucial for us to create affordable high-tech options and boost the combat effectiveness of our armed forces," he stated.

"India, like the rest of the globe, encounters an array of security issues. Specifically, our country grapples with continuous dangers along its northern and western frontiers. These concerns intensify due to the menace ofproxy warfare and terrorism originating from nearby regions known as centers of terror activities. Furthermore, the continuing strife in Western Asia coupled with strategic pressures in the Indo-Pacific area towards the east also influence our comprehensive security strategy. Additionally, developing capabilities to tackle non-conventional security risks such as natural calamities and climatic shifts has become progressively crucial," he stated.

He pointed out that the worldwide geopolitical landscape is characterized by significant upheaval, where quick changes in alliances, disturbances, and disputes have become commonplace. He mentioned that topics like de-globalization, extreme nationalism, resource shortages, population movements, food safety, environmental worries, and the risk of widespread diseases are prominent issues.

"This is coupled with the militarization of trade and finance, along with concerns arising from the consolidation of supply chains, dominance in disruptive technologies, and worries about the opacity of data circulation. It comes as no shock that we're transitioning into an age where nations focus solely on themselves and act independently, resulting in a weakening of international institutions and frameworks. This shift is evident right now," he stated.

He mentioned that drone usage, for example, has surfaced in the Ukraine-Russia conflict almost as a new military branch, if not a revolutionary field of study.

"The bulk of soldier and equipment losses can be traced back not to conventional artillery or armored vehicles, but to drone attacks. Additionally, space-based capabilities within the Low Earth Orbit are revolutionizing military intelligence gathering, continuous monitoring, precise navigation, accurate targeting, and communication — effectively elevating warfare to unprecedented heights. The impact of these technological advancements on battlefields is truly astounding," he stated.

"In this era of grey zone and hybrid warfare, cyber attacks, misinformation campaigns, and economic battles have turned into instruments capable of advancing geopolitical objectives without the necessity for armed conflict," he further stated. (ANI)