Rajnath Singh: Prepare for Wars Lasting Months—or Years; Self-Reliance No Longer Optional
In a direct address to India’s top military leadership, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the urgent need to prepare for wars that are increasingly unpredictable in nature, duration, and domain.
Speaking at the Combined Commanders’ Conference 2025 in Kolkata on September 16, he stated, “Wars of today are so sudden and unpredictable… It can be two months, a year, or even five years. We need to ensure that our surge capacity remains sufficient.”
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| Combined Commanders’ Conference 2025 in Kolkata |
He asserted that a “technology-friendly” and “self-reliant” defence architecture is essential for India’s long-term strategic autonomy.
Rajnath Singh underlined the strategic priority of self-reliance in defence, calling it “a necessity, not a slogan.” He credited indigenous platforms and systems--backed by Operation Sindoor--as proof of India’s growing capability to meet modern military challenges.
“This is the real strength of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
The Minister reiterated the importance of Tri-Service jointness and deeper civil-military fusion. He highlighted the establishment of Tri-Service Logistics Nodes and management systems as concrete steps toward better integration and operational synergy.
Singh also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the mantra of “JAI”--Jointness, Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), and Innovation--coined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the conference.
Calling for a long-term strategic vision, Singh proposed the creation of five-year and ten-year actionable plans to advance the Sudarshan Chakra concept--envisioned by PM Modi--as a symbol of India's next-generation military capability.
A special committee has already been formed to develop the framework.
He also announced the approval of the Defence Procurement Manual 2025, designed to streamline procurement and reduce delays.
The Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 is also under revision, with a focus on simplifying and accelerating processes to enhance operational readiness.
Singh urged the Armed Forces to engage more closely with Indian industry and academia to develop future-ready technologies and fuel the domestic defence innovation ecosystem. He reaffirmed the central role of the private sector in building a globally competitive defence manufacturing base.
The session was attended by top military and defence officials, including CDS General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, and key bureaucrats from the Ministry of Defence.