Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday (October 23, 2026) called on the Army’s senior leadership to develop a long-term strategic vision for the next 20-30 years while remaining prepared to respond to immediate and emerging security challenges amid a changing geopolitical and regional environment.
Stressing the need for multi-domain capabilities, Mr. The Defence Minister also underscored the importance of self-reliance in defence, citing the growth in domestic production and exports. Defence production reached a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in the financial year 2025-26, while defence exports touched an all-time high of approximately ₹38,000 crore, he said.
Commending the armed forces for adapting to changing operational requirements, the Defence Minister said innovative thinking, enhanced synergy, improved coordination, and advanced weaponry had contributed to the success of Operation Sindoor. The operation had sent a clear message that India would not hesitate to take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests, he said. Singh said success in future conflicts would depend on seamless coordination in joint operations and the ability to integrate capabilities across different domains.
He urged Army commanders to drive reforms across their respective domains and ensure that they translated into tangible improvements in operational capabilities. He credited the armed forces’ valour, discipline, preparedness, and restraint, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and diplomatic efforts, with strengthening India’s global standing. Referring to the government’s ‘Year of Reforms – 2025’ initiative, Mr.
Singh said reforms were a continuous process whose success depended on effective implementation.
