Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing challenges posed by unconventional tools of warfare in contemporary times during his address to officers at the Army War College in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. He emphasised the significance of emerging threats such as information warfare, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven warfare, proxy warfare, electromagnetic warfare, space warfare and cyberattacks, which demand a strategic and robust response to ensure national security.

“Today, conflicts are on in many places in the world. Also, the possibility of conflict is being seen in many new places. There is an atmosphere of uncertainty all around. Big dynamic changes are taking place in international relations too. Radical changes are being seen in the methods of warfare as well,” Singh said elaborating on the prevailing global uncertainty.

The Defence Minister underscored the importance of the armed forces being well-trained and adequately equipped to address these evolving challenges. He commended the training centres in Mhow for their significant contribution to preparing personnel for such complex scenarios. Additionally, Singh stressed the need for the armed forces to adopt frontier technologies to enhance their capabilities and maintain a strategic edge.

“Mastering frontier technologies in today’s constantly evolving times is the need of the hour, and the military training centres are playing a crucial role in equipping and readying our soldiers to deal with future challenges,” he said.

The Defence Minister also highlighted other pressing challenges, including the dominance of certain nations in the production of electronic chips and rare earth minerals. He reiterated concerns he had raised earlier in October about efforts in "certain pockets" to monopolise and weaponise critical resources, such as rare minerals, internet and data, for strategic purposes. Singh noted that this issue is particularly significant given that China controls a major share of the world's rare earth mineral production, posing a potential threat to global security and supply chains.