Ministry of Defence declares 2025 as “Year of Reforms”

New Delhi, Jan 01: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced 2025 as the “Year of Reforms” to accelerate the modernization of Armed Forces. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while chairing a meeting with top defence officials on New Year’s Eve, said, “This initiative will lay the foundation for unprecedented advancements in defence preparedness, ensuring India’s security and sovereignty amidst the challenges of the 21st century.”

The massive move of speedy reforms aims to transform the Armed Forces into a technologically advanced, combat-ready force capable of handling multi-domain operations. Key focus areas include cyber and space warfare, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, and hypersonic technology. “Reforms will bolster jointness and integration, facilitate the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands, and develop tactics and techniques required to win future wars,” Singh said.

Streamlining acquisition processes is also a priority to enable faster capability development. “Procedures need to be made simpler and time-sensitive to ensure swift and robust development,” the defence minister stated. Additionally, the reforms aim to enhance collaboration between the defence sector and civilian industries. “We must promote public-private partnerships and improve the ease of doing business,” Singh added.

The Ministry of defence also aims to position India as a credible exporter of defence products. “From exporting equipment worth ₹2,000 crore a decade ago, we have surpassed ₹21,000 crore today. Our target is ₹50,000 crore by 2029,” Rajnath Singh noted, emphasizing the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Veterans’ welfare will also be a key area of focus. “Efforts will be made to optimize welfare measures for veterans while leveraging their expertise,” Singh said. He added that reforms would foster pride in Indian culture and indigenous capabilities while adopting best practices from global militaries.

Preparing for Future Challenges

On december 30, addressing officers at the Army War College (AWC) in Mhow, Rajnath Singh highlighted evolving threats such as cyberattacks, information warfare, and AI-based tactics. “The nature of warfare is changing. Training centers like AWC are critical in preparing our soldiers to tackle these challenges,” he said, commending the institution for its emphasis on modern warfare preparedness.

Singh also stressed the importance of integrating new technologies in military training. “The Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) and AWC should focus on AI and communication technologies to strengthen leadership and operational readiness,” he added.

The Defence Minister expressed confidence that the reforms would bring India closer to its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. “This is a transition phase, and India’s rise as a global manufacturing hub and defence power is evident,” Singh said.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, Singh said, “Integration among the three services is essential for enhanced efficiency and future preparedness.”