Cyberspace, and outer space are challenging traditional notions of sovereignty, and reshaping the boundaries of national security and strategic dominance, said Rajnath Singh, Defence Minster of India.
Speaking at the Aero India Defence Ministers’ Conclave, the minister emphasised how the notion of the front line is evolving in response to emerging technological, geopolitical, and security challenges.
Global security challenges demand collective response
Singh highlighted that the security challenges which arises from terrorism, cybercrime, humanitarian crises, and climate-induced disasters transcend borders, and demand a unified response.
“The increasing number of conflicts is making the world more unpredictable, demanding innovative approaches and stronger partnerships,” he noted. To address this, India is transforming its defence capabilities by fostering a policy framework that encourages innovation. The country’s aerospace and defence sectors, backed by a robust R&D ecosystem and entrepreneurial spirit, present unparalleled opportunities for global collaboration. “Our thriving defence startup ecosystem and skilled workforce allow us to produce at highly competitive costs, further enhancing India’s position as a reliable defence partner,” he added.
India’s defence diplomacy
Elaborating on Singh noted that India’s defence diplomacy reflects its dedication to fostering strong bilateral and multilateral relationships, emphasising mutual capacity building, prosperity, and security. Singh stated that India’s global engagements are driven by its commitment to peace, security, and inclusive development.
“India has long championed a vision of peace, security, and growth for all, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dynamic five ‘S’ approach: Samman (respect), Samvaad (dialogue), Sahyog (cooperation), Shanti (peace), and Samriddhi (prosperity),” he said.
Unlike transactional partnerships, India’s approach is not prescriptive, Singh stressed. “We do not impose solutions but empower our partners to chart their own paths through support that aligns with their national priorities.”
Singh also pointed out that the evolving nature of warfare is disrupting and making world order more fragile. “New power plays, disruptive technologies, non-state actors, and the weaponisation of emerging domains are blurring the lines between traditional security and internal stability,” he observed. He further emphasised that hybrid warfare poses a growing threat by targeting critical national infrastructure even during peacetime. As security challenges become increasingly complex and borderless, Singh reiterated the need for nations to build resilient defence strategies through innovation, collaboration, and shared responsibility.