Be prepared for asymmetric, hybrid warfare: Rajnath to Army

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said unconventional, asymmetric and hybrid war will be part of the future conventional wars and armed forces should keep these factors in mind in formulating their strategies. “Unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid war will be part of the future conventional wars. Cyber, information, communication, trade and finance have all become an inseparable part of future conflicts,” Rajnath said. The minister said that this situation necessitates that armed forces will have to keep all these facets in consideration while planning and formulating strategies. Rajnath Singh was addressing the Army Commanders’ Conference, an apex level biannual event, being held from April 18 to April 22 to comprehensively deliberate upon all aspects of existing security scenarios, situation along the borders, in the hinterland and challenges for the present security apparatus. Commenting on the current situation along the northern borders in Eastern Ladakh, the minister expressed full confidence that “while troops are standing firm, the ongoing talks for peaceful resolution will continue and disengagement and de-escalation, is the way forward.” Singh assured all possible help in ensuring availability of weapons and resources to forces braving the Chinese PLA in the area. “It is our Whole of Government approach to ensure availability of best weapons, equipment and clothing to our troops braving extreme weather and hostile forces to defend our territorial integrity,” he said. Singh complimented the synergized operations taking place in Jammu and Kashmir to root out the menace of terrorism in the region and said that the same “should continue”. “The synergised operations among Army, paramilitary and police in Jammu and Kashmir are contributing to increased stability in the region and the same should continue,” he said. The minister complimented the contributions made by the Army in military diplomacy to further our national security interests by creating sustainable cooperative relationships with foreign Armies. Rajnath said that the formalisation of Integrated Theatre Command is the need of hour and said, “I am happy with the progress being made towards the same. I have full confidence in the senior Military leadership.” During the five day event, the Indian Army also focussed on issues pertaining to organisational restructuring, logistics, administration, human resource management, modernisation through indigenisation, induction of Niche technologies and assessment of impact of the Russia – Ukraine war, Defence Ministry said.