The second Army Commanders’ Conference of 2024 commenced on 10 October in a hybrid format at a forward location in Gangtok, emphasizing the Indian Army's commitment to addressing ground realities. The conference brought together the apex leadership of the Army to discuss various aspects of current security scenarios, border situations, and organizational challenges.
Due to inclement weather, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh delivered his address virtually from Sukhna, where he reaffirmed the nation's trust in the Indian Army, recognizing it as one of the country’s most respected institutions. He acknowledged the critical role the Army plays in safeguarding borders, combating terrorism, and supporting civil administration during crises. The Raksha Mantri paid tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation and commended the Army leadership for advancing the government's defense and security vision.
In his address, Shri Rajnath Singh underscored the complex global security environment, noting the rise of unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid conflicts. He urged the Armed Forces to consider these evolving threats while strategizing and planning, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning from both contemporary and historical incidents to enhance preparedness and modernization.
Focusing on the Northern borders, the Raksha Mantri expressed confidence in the Army's readiness for any contingencies, despite ongoing peaceful resolution talks. He praised the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for its remarkable efforts in improving road communication in challenging conditions along the Western and Northern borders.
Regarding the situation along the Western borders, he commended the Army's effective response to cross-border terrorism and highlighted the synergy between the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), police, and the Army in addressing the challenges of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. This collaboration has contributed to increased stability in the region, as evidenced by the successful recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Raksha Mantri praised the Army for its operational preparedness and capabilities, which he has observed during visits to forward areas. He also recognized the Army's contributions to military diplomacy, fostering cooperative relationships with foreign militaries. Additionally, he celebrated the achievements of Indian Army sportspersons in the recent Olympic Games and commended their commitment to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, encouraging others to emulate this dedication.
Highlighting the importance of technological advancements, Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the Armed Forces for their integration of cutting-edge technology and their collaboration with civil industries and educational institutions to achieve indigenization. He reaffirmed the government’s focus on modernizing weapons and capabilities through ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) and expressed full support for the Army's modernization efforts.
In conclusion, the Raksha Mantri emphasized the need for continuous contemplation of defense diplomacy, indigenization, information warfare, infrastructure development, and force modernization during such conferences. He stressed that preparedness for unpredictable situations must remain a priority, and the nation takes immense pride in its Army. The government is committed to supporting the Army in its pursuit of reforms and capability enhancement, ensuring they remain ready to respond to any challenges that may arise. (PR)