Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses during DRDO-MHA
collaboration conference, in New Delhi, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. (PTI
Photo/Vijay Verma)
NEW DELHI — India's security apparatus must remain adaptive to emerging threats
such as cyber and hybrid warfare as well as "space-based espionage",
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday.
He said internal security is not just about managing
conventional threats like terrorism, separatist movements, and left-wing
extremism but it is also about preparing for unconventional threats that can
destabilise the nation's economic and strategic interests.
"The adversaries of today do not always come with
traditional weapons; cyber-attacks, misinformation campaigns, and space-based
espionage are emerging as new-age threats that require advanced
solutions," he said.
The defence minister was speaking at a conference on
'Advanced Technologies for Internal Security and Disaster Relief Operations'
organised jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
In his address, Singh highlighted the growing
complexities in global security and the increasing overlap between internal and
external threats.
"Security challenges in the modern world are
evolving rapidly, and the overlap between internal and external security is
increasing," he said.
"It is imperative that our institutions break silos
and work collaboratively to ensure a strong, secure, and self-reliant
India."
The defence minister said India's national security must
be viewed holistically, integrating efforts across different security agencies
and leveraging the latest technological advancements.
"The DRDO has played a pivotal role in enhancing
India's defence capabilities, and its contributions to internal security are
equally commendable," he said.
"From small arms and bulletproof jackets to
surveillance and communication systems, DRDO's innovations are empowering our
security forces," he underlined.
Singh urged DRDO and MHA to work together to create a
common list of scalable products that can be jointly developed and deployed in
a time-bound manner.
"Our security forces require the best tools and
technologies to remain ahead of the curve," he said.
It is encouraging to see DRDO's focus on modernisation,
with products like small arms, surveillance equipment and drone systems either
inducted or undergoing evaluation for deployment in internal security
agencies," he highlighted.
Singh recalled his tenure as the home minister,
highlighting how the collaboration between security agencies and scientific
institutions led to significant technological advancements.
He cited examples of DRDO-developed technologies such as
the corner shot weapon system, INSAS rifles, IED (Improvised Explosive Device)
jammer vehicles and riot control vehicles, which were effectively integrated
into the operations of Central Armed Police Forces.
Singh also spoke about the importance of leveraging
technology not just for security but also for disaster management and
humanitarian relief.
"The role of technology is not just in defence but
also in ensuring peace and social welfare. Advanced systems like bulletproof
jackets, drones, surveillance equipment and anti-drone technologies must be
leveraged not only for security operations but also for disaster management and
humanitarian relief," he said.
Singh said the increasing frequency of natural calamities
like cyclones, avalanches, earthquakes and cloud bursts underscored the
critical need for advanced rescue tools.
He mentioned that the use of technologies such as thermal
imaging cameras, drone-based detection systems, and victim locating devices can
significantly reduce casualties and damage.
Referring to the recent avalanche at Mana in Uttarakhand,
the defence minister lauded the use of advanced rescue equipment in saving lives
and reducing the impact of the disaster.
He said the impact of disasters can be minimised with the
use of advanced technology.
"Today, India is a prospering nation, and disaster
management must become an integral part of our preparedness." "It is
not enough for security agencies and technology developers to take the lead; we
must also educate the general public. Every citizen should know how to respond
in times of crisis," he said.
Singh also talked about varied security threats facing
different regions of the country.
"Security threats in India are not uniform. The
issues faced in the Northeast due to insurgencies are different from those in
Naxal-affected areas or border regions." "Similarly, urban security
concerns are different from those in rural areas. We need to organise dedicated
conferences that focus on region-specific challenges and solutions," he
said.
