Need to formulate strategies to meet unconventional, asymmetric warfare: Rajnath Singh
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stressed on formulating strategies to meet the unconventional and asymmetric warfare in the present complex world situation, which is affecting everyone across the world.
Addressing the Army Commanders’ Conference here, the Defence Minister said, “Unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid war will be part of the future conventional wars. Cyber, information, communication, trade and finance have all become an inseparable part of future conflicts. This necessitates that Armed Forces will have to keep all these facets in consideration while planning and formulating strategies”.
On the current situation along the Northern borders, Singh expressed full confidence that while troops are standing firm, the ongoing talks for peaceful resolution will continue and disengagement and de-escalation, is the way forward.
He complimented the efforts of BRO, which has led to the quantum improvement of road communication in the borders both Western and Northern, while working under difficult conditions.
Referring to the situation along the Western borders, the Minister complimented the Indian Army’s response to cross border terrorism, however the proxy war by the adversary continues, an official statement said.
He said, “I compliment the excellent synergy between the CAPF, police forces and the Army in tackling the menace of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The synergised operations in the Union Territory are contributing to increased stability in the region and the same should continue”.
Singh also remarked, “The Army is present in every domain from security, HADR, medical assistance to maintaining the stable internal situation in the country. The role of Indian Army is very important in Nation building as also in the overall national development”.
The Defence Minister complimented the forces for the high standard of operational preparedness and capabilities which he has always been experiencing first hand during his visits to forward areas.
He also paid tributes to all the brave hearts for making the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the motherland and complimented the significant contributions made by the Army in military diplomacy to further the country’s national security interests by creating sustainable cooperative relationships with foreign Armies.
Rajnath stressed upon the technological advancement taking place in every sphere and applauded the Armed Forces for aptly incorporating them.
He appreciated the Army’s efforts to develop niche technologies in collaboration with civil industries, including premier educational institutions and thereby progressing towards the aim of ‘Modernisation through Indigenisation’ or ‘Atamnirbharta’. He emphasised that a regular interface of Armed Forces with the emerging technologies is a must.
Singh said that issues related to “Defence diplomacy, indigenisation, information warfare, defence infrastructure and force modernisation should always be deliberated upon in such a forum”.
“Doctrinal changes whenever required should be made to make the Armed Forces future ready. The recommendation and suggestions made by the senior leadership in such forum as Commanders Conference should be deliberated upon and be taken to a logical conclusion with midcourse review and modification if required. The Nation is proud of its Army and the Government is committed to facilitate the Army in their forward movement, on the road to reforms and capability modernization,” the Defence Minister said.
The Army Commanders’ Conference, an apex level biannual event, is being held here and was conducted in virtual mode on March 28th and thereafter in physical mode on April 1 and 2. During the event, Indian Army’s apex leadership comprehensively deliberated upon all aspects of existing security scenarios, situation along the borders, in the hinterland and challenges for the present security apparatus.