India will respond with strength if challenged, says Rajnath Singh

Mhow: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reiterated that India has never sought war or initiated aggression but stressed that the country will respond firmly to any provocation.

Addressing the 'Ran-Samwad 2025' Tri-Service Seminar at the Army War College in Mhow, Singh underlined the need to continually strengthen defense capabilities to counter emerging threats. He said the theme of the seminar, combining the ideas of conflict and dialogue, reflected the realities of modern times.

The seminar, the first of its kind, brought together the three armed services to deliberate on technology’s impact on contemporary warfare. Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi were also present.

Singh said India has never harbored aggressive intent but warned that challenges to the country’s security would be met with decisive strength. He highlighted the importance of training, technological innovation and strategic partnerships in ensuring readiness.

Emphasizing the changing nature of conflict, the Defense Minister said wars are no longer defined by the size of armies or weapon stockpiles but by advanced technologies such as cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, drones and satellite-based systems. He noted that modern conflicts extend beyond land, sea and air into space and cyberspace, with anti-satellite weapons and space command centers emerging as critical assets.

Singh called for a proactive approach, pointing out that future wars will be shaped not just by weapons but by the interplay of technology, intelligence, economy and diplomacy. He said nations that master the balance of technology, strategy and adaptability will emerge as global powers.

“This is the moment to learn from history and write a new one,” he said, urging sustained efforts to strengthen India’s defense posture.