India’s defence sector has achieved a remarkable milestone, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced during his visit to the Army War College (AWC) in the historic Mhow Cantonment, Madhya Pradesh, on December 30, 2024. Addressing senior military officers and trainees, Singh revealed that India’s defence exports have surged to an unprecedented ₹21,000 crore, a tenfold increase from ₹2,000 crore recorded a decade ago.

Strengthening India’s Defence Ecosystem

Rajnath Singh underscored the government’s commitment to advancing India’s defence capabilities and global standing. “We have set an ambitious target to achieve defence exports worth ₹50,000 crore by 2029,” he stated. Highlighting India’s indigenous advancements, Singh said, “Our Made-in-India defence equipment is now being exported to multiple nations, reflecting the growing trust in our technological prowess.”

Acknowledging the rapidly changing nature of warfare, Singh emphasized the importance of adapting to frontier technologies. He identified challenges posed by unconventional tactics, including: Information warfare, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based warfare, Proxy warfare, Electromagnetic warfare, Space warfare, Cyber-attacks.

“To counter these evolving threats, our armed forces must remain well-trained and equipped,” Singh remarked, commending the Army War College and other training centers in Mhow for their cutting-edge contributions.

During his address, Singh lauded the Mhow Cantonment’s training institutions for their dynamic curricula, designed to keep pace with the changing nature of global conflicts. These institutions include:

Infantry School: Specializing in weapons training Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE): Advancing AI and communication technologies Army War College (AWC): Focusing on leadership and command training He encouraged officers to foster integration through collaborative training programs and technological advancements, ensuring that India’s armed forces remain robust and unified. Reiterating the government’s dedication to inter-service synergy, Singh said, “The Modi government is resolute in enhancing integration and jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Together, our forces will tackle challenges more effectively and efficiently.”

India’s Global Military Diplomacy and Self-Reliance

The Defence Minister also highlighted India’s strides in military diplomacy through international training programs. Officers from friendly nations regularly train at Mhow, fostering goodwill and enhancing India’s global military footprint. He urged future defence attaches to align with the vision of ‘aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), stating, “Through self-reliance, India can bolster its defence capabilities and command greater respect on the world stage.”

Linking economic growth with national security, Singh stressed the interdependence of the two pillars. “Economic prosperity is achievable only with a robust security framework. Similarly, a strong economy is essential to maintaining a resilient defence system,” he explained. Singh praised the armed forces for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding India’s borders and their role as first responders during natural disasters. “Your dedication to protecting the nation and adapting to a constantly changing world sets us apart and ensures our global leadership,” he stated.

At the Army War College, Lt. General H. S. Sahi, the commandant, briefed Singh on the institution’s pivotal role in empowering military leaders. The briefing covered: Joint training methodologies for multi-domain operations, Integration of technology in training, Collaborative programs with academia and industries, Training initiatives for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Mr Rajnath Singh was also apprised of the institute’s contributions to international military diplomacy, including training officers from allied nations.

Earlier, Singh paid homage to fallen soldiers at the Infantry Memorial, honoring their supreme sacrifices for the nation. He also visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Mhow underlined India’s unwavering focus on enhancing its defence capabilities and global stature. From setting ambitious export targets to promoting frontier technologies and fostering inter-service integration, the government is steadfast in its mission to make India a global military and economic powerhouse. Singh’s call for self-reliance and innovation resonates as a clarion call for a secure and prosperous future.