NEW DELHI — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday warned that India must be ready for wars that could stretch from weeks to as long as five years, while also stressing the importance of dialogue and adapting rapidly to new technologies.
Speaking at Ran Samvad, a tri-service seminar held in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, Singh said modern warfare is unpredictable and evolving at an unprecedented pace. “We must be prepared for every situation — whether a conflict lasts two months, four months, a year, two years, or even five years,” he said.
He noted that sheer troop numbers and weapons stockpiles are no longer sufficient. Instead, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, drones, real-time intelligence, and satellite surveillance have become decisive factors. Drawing lessons from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, he highlighted how conventional fighting with tanks and artillery quickly shifted to drone warfare, sensor-based weapons, and precision-guided munitions.
Operation Sindoor, he said, underscored the growing role of cyber and information warfare, while also proving the strength of India’s indigenous weapons and platforms. “Self-reliance is no longer optional — it is a necessity,” Singh asserted, adding that India must continually modernize its capabilities while preparing for technological surprises.
Singh emphasized that while technology and military strength are vital, dialogue remains essential even in times of conflict. “Wars today are sudden, uncertain and without a permanent form. Our best defence is to stay prepared, adaptive, and resilient,” he said.