Ranchi — Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Friday underscored the importance of adopting modern technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance India’s defence preparedness.
Speaking at the East Tech Symposium 2025, organised by the Army’s Eastern Command in Ranchi, he noted that future wars would extend beyond conventional domains into cyber and space, requiring India to remain fully prepared.
“We must strengthen the base of defence manufacturing with a focus on rapidly evolving technologies. AI and other innovations will play a decisive role in tomorrow’s conflicts,” General Chauhan said.
He added that modern warfare demands strategic foresight in weapon selection and stressed aligning research and development with changing geopolitical and technological realities.
While acknowledging India’s late start in defence self-reliance, he said the nation is now moving forward with systematic efforts. The government, he pointed out, is actively building indigenous capabilities, especially to counter threats in cyber and space domains.
He also linked technological development to the government’s Act East Policy, saying eastern states such as Jharkhand and West Bengal must contribute significantly to creating a strong defence ecosystem.
“Warfare is both a science and an art. In today’s context, warriors must be creative and innovative,” he remarked, urging defence experts, technologists, and entrepreneurs to prioritise innovation to make India a global competitor.
The three-day symposium was inaugurated by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth was present as the special guest.
With inputs from IANS