Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday described Operation Sindoor as a reflection of how warfare is evolving with technology. Speaking at the North Tech Symposium in Prayagraj, he highlighted the role of advanced systems and the armed forces' ability to adapt to changing battlefield conditions.
"Operation Sindoor was itself an example of technological warfare. In this operation, advanced missile systems like AkashTeer, Akash, and BrahMos, along with many other new tools, were used. This proved that our armed forces not only understand changes but also use them confidently," News18 quoted him as saying.
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Call for proactive readiness
Singh stressed the importance of staying prepared in an unpredictable security environment. He said, "I have always told my armed forces and Defence experts, and I want to repeat it today, that we must not only stay active but also be proactive. We must be prepared for any situation."
Highlighting the armed forces' capabilities, he added, "Our forces and our industries have understood the changing times very well. Your preparation is always up to date and up to standard. Operation Sindoor is the biggest example of this," pointing to readiness and adaptability.
Remembering the operation
Recalling the operation a year later, Singh praised the response to terrorism. He said, "One year has passed since this operation. Whenever Operation Sindoor is mentioned, I remember the bravery of my armed forces.
The terrorists and their supporters got such a strong answer from our soldiers that the whole nation feels proud. It was good that, by showing restraint, we only neutralised the terrorists—otherwise, the world already knows what our armed forces can do."
He also underlined how warfare is becoming less predictable. "If we look at how unpredictable war has become, earlier we at least had some idea of what the other side could do. We could estimate their military power, their platforms, and their plans. But now, surprises keep coming up that we could never have imagined before. Things we thought were just part of normal life are now becoming dangerous weapons," he said.
Push for defence innovation and infrastructure
Singh linked infrastructure growth to national security, citing projects like the Ganga Expressway. He also spoke about initiatives aimed at boosting innovation, including iDEX, ADITI and the Technology Development Fund.
On research and industry collaboration, he said, "25 per cent of the Defence R&D budget has been given to industry, academia, and start-ups; and so far, about Rs 4,500 crore has been used by them."
He added that the Defence Research and Development Organisation has opened patents and testing facilities to support industry. “DRDO has also started a policy to give free access to its patents for Indian industries, which will make them stronger and more competitive globally. DRDO’s test facilities are now open to industries for a fee. Hundreds of industries use these every year and get R&D support," he said.
Future wars and research focus
Emphasising the role of innovation, Singh noted that future conflicts will depend on technological advancement. "Today, there is no alternative to research. The way wars will be fought in the future is being decided in today's labs.
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I am happy to say that the government has made defence research a top priority. Through DRDO, we are taking research to the next level. And importantly, DRDO is not doing this alone anymore. With the idea that if you want to go far, go together, DRDO is now moving forward with many industries," he said.
The North Tech Symposium, themed 'Raksha Triveni Sangam – Where Technology, Industry & Soldiering Converge', brings together 284 companies showcasing defence technologies, organised by the Indian Army's Northern and Central Commands along with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers.
