Modernization of India’s armed forces is being spearheaded by the MoD, which has designated 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms.’ The overarching objective of this measure is to simplify the Indian military’s structure, enhance national security, and prepare India for contemporary warfare. These reforms are centered on three main pillars: the establishment of integrated theatre commands, the modernization of defense procurement procedures and improving technological capabilities across all services.
This has led the MoD to focus on integrating theatre commands as one of its key priorities. These commands will facilitate better joint efforts among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, leading to increased operational efficiency and resource utilization. The aim of the reform is to break down traditional divisions between services and promote collaboration in operations, which is crucial for a successful multi-domain war. The armed forces will be given new commands that are in line with India’s strategic priorities, helping them to remain responsive and resilient against potential threats. It has been reported by Times of India that the creation and timing of these theatre commands is a result of long-term thinking, with one final goal being to reduce areas of overlap and enhance the synergy among Indian Armed Forces.
Additionally, the Defence Ministry is taking steps to streamline and expedite the procurement process. The Indian defense procurement system has been criticized for its inefficiency and slow progress in procuring vital equipment over the years. The MoD is addressing the issue by prioritizing the improvement of procurement process digitization, increasing transparency, and expediting acquisition completion. The government has accepted that a more systematic system requires increasing autonomy. The push for an expedited procurement system is part of broader “defence reforms” to close gaps in the equipment supply chain, which would also “enhance the operational readiness” of the armed forces.
The reforms are also characterized by technological advancements.’ India is also looking to move in cyber warfare and space technology, as well as new fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), hypersonic technology and robotics. These advancements will equip India’s military forces with the necessary tools to engage in modern warfare, where technological progress is often the determining factor. This vision includes the development of next-generation technologies that will complement traditional military assets, as stated by the Defence Ministry. The Mint report highlights that India’s efforts to enhance its security on the global platform are centered on improving cyber capabilities and AI.
The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, declared that India must prepare for the military ahead of time in 2025. He emphasized this year’s “Year of Reforms” as it will provide an unprecedented level of defense preparedness and safeguard India’S security and sovereignty against global threats. Those reforms, as Singh put it, would “give the armed forces greater strength and readiness to face even more complex security challenges.”
India’s defense strategies have been extensively reviewed, and the MoD is committed to implementing these reforms as soon as possible. India’s department has a strategy to transform tactics, techniques, and procedures in modern warfare by improving training programs, maximizing resources,and increasing the overall readiness of its defense forces. This is outlined in the roadmap.
As India grapples with mounting security concerns, an ambitious reform agenda has been introduced. With ongoing regional instability in neighboring countries, such as tensions between India and China on the Indian Ocean, it is viewed as crucial to modernize its defense capabilities and streamline processes for national security. The reforms also will strengthen India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, in line with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat programme, which aims to reduce dependence on foreign imports for defence equipment.
BY – NIKITA
