Rajnath Singh Flags Global Disorder

Context:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the convocation of the 80th Defence Services Staff College course in Wellington, Nilgiris. Warned that the weaponisation of trade and finance, supply chain dependencies, monopolies in disruptive tech, and opaque data flows are eroding global institutions. Highlighted a shift toward unilateralism and self-reliance, signifying the decline of the global order.

Complex Geopolitical Landscape

• The world is in geopolitical flux, marked by:
  • De-globalisation
  • Intense nationalism
  • Resource scarcity
  • Human migration
  • Food insecurity
  • Climate change
  • Global pandemics

Technological Disruption in Warfare

• Singh emphasized the transformative role of:
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Robotics
  • Military autonomy
  • Drones (Dronery)
  • Quantum and blockchain technologies
• He cited the Ukraine-Russia war as a case where drone warfare reshaped battlefield dynamics, overtaking traditional artillery and armor in impact.
• Low Earth Orbit space assets are revolutionizing military intelligence via surveillance, positioning, and real-time communication.

Future of Warfare: Multi-Domain Integration

• Warfare is expanding beyond land, sea, and air to include:
  • Space
  • Cyberspace
  • Undersea warfare
  • Information and economic warfare
• Cyberattacks, disinformation, and economic coercion have become effective tools for achieving military and political objectives without direct conflict.

India’s Strategic Challenges

• Singh highlighted persistent threats along India’s northern and western borders, worsened by proxy wars and cross-border terrorism.
• Stressed the importance of strategic foresight among officers, urging them to become critical thinkers, attuned to tech trends and security demands.

2025: Year of Reforms in Defence

• The Defence Ministry declared 2025 as the “Year of Reforms”, aiming to modernize the armed forces.
• Focus areas include:
  • Technological upgrades
  • Integrated multi-domain operations
  • Reform of defence acquisition processes
• Singh reported notable progress in modernisation goals across nine identified sectors.