New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday called upon the military leaders to think critically, adapt to unforeseen circumstances and leverage latest technological advancements to gain a strategic advantage in today’s ever-evolving geopolitical landscape.
Addressing the MPhil Convocation ceremony of 62nd National Defence College (NDC) course (2022 batch) here, he urged the officers to become strategic thinkers who are capable of anticipating future conflicts, understanding global political dynamics and leading with both intelligence and empathy, an official statement said.
“Warfare, today, has surpassed the traditional battlefields and now operates in a multi-domain environment where cyber, space and information warfare are as critical as conventional operations. Cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns and economic warfare have become tools that can destabilise a whole nation without a single shot being fired. There is a need for military leaders to possess the ability to analyse complex problems and devise innovative solutions,” the Minister said.
Rajnath described the rapid technological advancements in today’s times as the most crucial force which drives the evolution of a future-ready military.
“From drones and autonomous vehicles to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, the technologies shaping modern warfare are evolving at a breath-taking pace. Our officers must understand these technologies and be able to harness them,” he stated.
The Defence Minister exhorted the defence officers to carry-out in-depth analysis on how best to leverage niche technologies, such as AI, which has the potential to revolutionise military operations.
Singh also stressed on the need to decide on the threshold level of the decisions AI is allowed to take, highlighting the importance of human intervention. Increasing reliance on AI in decision-making processes can raise concerns about accountability and the potential for unintended consequences, he said.
Underlining the need to stay prepared to tackle the possibility of adversaries weaponising the tools and technologies used by people on a daily basis, Rajnath said, “The mere thought that our adversaries exploiting the tools serves as a reminder of the urgency with which we must prepare for these threats. Institutions like NDC must evolve their course curriculum to not only incorporate case studies on such unconventional warfare but also to drive strategic innovation. The ability to anticipate, adapt & respond will define our readiness in the face of ever-evolving challenges”.
On the aspect of ethical dilemma faced by military leaders about the extent to which machines should make life-and-death decisions, the Defence Minister said academic learning in ethics, philosophy and military history will provide officers with the tools to handle the sensitive subject and make sound decisions.
He highlighted the critical role played by defence academic institutions, such as NDC, in instilling the moral framework in future leaders to deal with the challenges of present-day warfare.
Singh urged the officers to have a firm grasp of geopolitics, international relations and the complexities of global security alliances, as the decisions made by them can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the battlefield and into the realm of diplomacy, economics and international law.
Rajnath also voiced the Government’s resolve of developing a technologically-advanced and agile military, capable of responding to emerging threats and safeguarding national security.
He asserted that while efforts are being made to ensure that the Armed Forces remain future-ready and resilient, defence institutions like NDC play a pivotal role in shaping the perspectives of military leaders and equipping them with the expertise necessary to handle the complexities of modern-day warfare.
The Minister further added that the curriculum of academic institutions must remain dynamic and adaptable to ensure its relevance to practitioners in the field.
Singh congratulated the officers of the 62nd NDC Course who were awarded the MPhil degree, especially those from friendly countries.
Defence Secretary-designate RK Singh, Commandant NDC Air Marshal Hardeep Bains, Registrar, University of Madras Professor S Elumalai, senior officers were present on the occasion.
UNI
