Ranchi, Secretary of Defense Staff (CDS), September 19 (IANS), General Anil Chauhan, said on Friday that the adoption of modern technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is extremely important in strengthening India's defence preparations.
Future wars will not only be fought with traditional weapons, but also new frontiers such as cyber and space, and India must be fully prepared for these challenges, the CD says.
General Chauhan said in his speech at the East Tech Symposium 2025, organized by the Army Eastern Command at the Kelgaon Complex in ranchi, “We need to strengthen the foundations of defence manufacturing with fast-changing technologies in mind. AI and other innovations will play a crucial role in future battles.”
He emphasized that the selection and use of weapons in modern warfare must be guided by strategic thinking and foresight. For this reason, research and development (R&D) must be consistent with evolving geopolitical and technical scenarios.
He acknowledged that India's journey towards the general's independence began late, General Chauhan said the country is now taking a solid and systematic step in the right direction.
He noted that the government is consistently working to develop Indigenous peoples' capabilities to combat new challenges, particularly in the realm of cyber warfare and space warfare.
By linking technological advances to national policy, the CDS also mentioned the central government's Law East policy. He said that its objectives can only be achieved if eastern states like Jharkhand and West Bengal are actively contributing to the creation of a robust defence ecosystem.
Speaking about the evolving nature of war, he said: “War is both science and art. In today's age, warriors must be creative and innovative.”
He urged defense experts, engineers and entrepreneurs attending the symposium to prioritize innovation so that India can become independent in defense and appear as a global competitor.
The three-day East Tech Symposium aimed at promoting collaboration between the military, defense industry, startups and academia was jointly launched by Governor Jharkhand, Santosh Gangwar and Prime Minister Hemanto Soren.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Jharkhand, which is blessed with wealth of minerals including uranium, can play a pivotal role in contributing to defense and nuclear development.
Minister of Defense Sanjay Seth attended the event as a special guest.
This is the fourth edition of the East Tech Symposium, hosted by the Army's Eastern Command. The first edition was held in Kolkata in 2022, with Guwahati in 2023 and Kolkata in 2024 again.
– Anne
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