Defence Ministry declares 2025 as ‘Year of Reforms’
North News
New Delhi, January 1
The Ministry of Defence has announced that 2025 will be observed as the ‘Year of Reforms’ to accelerate the transformation of India’s Armed Forces into a technologically advanced, combat-ready force. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, involving all ministry secretaries, to review ongoing schemes, projects, and reforms.
Defence Minister Singh said that the reforms aim to bolster jointness and integration across the Armed Forces while facilitating the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands. These initiatives are designed to enable the military to conduct multi-domain integrated operations effectively. Rajnath Singh emphasised that this endeavour would give a significant push to ongoing reforms and set the stage for future advancements.
Key focus areas identified for intervention include the development of capabilities in emerging domains such as cyber and space, alongside technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, hypersonics, and robotics. The ministry also plans to refine associated tactics, techniques, and procedures to prepare the Armed Forces for future conflicts.
The reforms will prioritise inter-service cooperation and training to build a shared understanding of operational requirements and joint capabilities. Acquisition procedures will be simplified and made time-sensitive to ensure faster development of robust capabilities. The ministry also aims to foster technology transfer and collaboration between the defence sector and civil industries, promoting public-private partnerships and encouraging innovation within the defence ecosystem.
Breaking silos through effective civil-military coordination is another critical objective, aiming to eliminate inefficiencies and optimise resources. The ministry also seeks to position India as a credible exporter of defence products by fostering research and development (R&D) and partnerships between Indian industries and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for knowledge sharing and resource integration.
Additionally, the welfare of veterans will be prioritised, with efforts focused on optimising welfare measures and leveraging their expertise. The ministry also aims to instill a sense of pride in Indian culture and ideas while adopting best practices from modern militaries that align with national conditions.
Expressing confidence in the initiative, the Defence Ministry highlighted that the ‘Year of Reforms’ would be a significant step toward modernising the Armed Forces. It is expected to lay the foundation for unprecedented advancements in defence preparedness, ensuring the security and sovereignty of the nation amidst the challenges of the 21st century.
