Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reiterated India’s long-standing position of being a peace-seeking nation while making it clear that any provocation or challenge will be met with decisive strength. Speaking at the ‘Ran-Samwad 2025’ Tri-Service Seminar at the Army War College in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, Singh underlined the importance of defence preparedness in the face of evolving security challenges.

Explaining the theme of the seminar, Singh highlighted that the term Ran-Samwad combines two seemingly opposite concepts — Ran (battle) and Samwad (dialogue). Drawing from the Mahabharata, he said the name reflects a profound truth: while conflict and dialogue may appear contradictory, both coexist in today’s complex geopolitical landscape.

The Defence Minister emphasized that India has never initiated aggression nor sought war. However, he cautioned that in the present global scenario, even a peace-oriented nation must be ready to act firmly if provoked. “If someone challenges us, it becomes imperative that we respond with strength,” Singh declared, stressing that constant advancement in training, technology, and international partnerships is essential for national security.

Highlighting the changing face of warfare, Singh pointed out that modern conflicts are no longer determined by the sheer size of armies or stockpiles of weapons. Instead, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles, precision-guided weapons, satellite-based surveillance, and real-time intelligence are shaping the battlegrounds of the future. He added that wars are no longer restricted to land, air, and sea but extend to outer space and cyberspace, where anti-satellite weapons and space command centres are emerging as powerful tools.

According to Singh, future wars will not only be fought with weapons but will be defined by the combined influence of technology, intelligence, economy, and diplomacy. He asserted that nations capable of mastering the triangle of technology, strategy, and adaptability will emerge as true global powers. “This is the time to learn from history and shape the future,” Singh said, calling for a proactive defence strategy that anticipates challenges and strengthens India’s preparedness on every front.

The event also witnessed the participation of top military leaders, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, and Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who joined deliberations on the role of technology in modern warfare.