The Defence Ministry has declared 2025 as the “Year of Reforms,” aiming to transform the armed forces into a technologically advanced, combat-ready force capable of executing multi-domain integrated operations.
The decision was made on Tuesday during a high-level meeting of all Secretaries of the Ministry of Defence, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of various ongoing schemes, projects, and reforms.
The reforms are set to focus on several key areas, with particular attention given to strengthening jointness and integration within the military. This includes facilitating the establishment of Integrated Theatre Commands to enhance coordination and operational efficiency across the Armed Forces.
Additionally, the Defence Ministry is prioritizing new domains such as Cyber and Space, alongside emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Hypersonics, and Robotics. The Ministry also plans to develop advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to meet the challenges of modern warfare.
Efforts will be made to foster a shared understanding of operational requirements through increased inter-service cooperation and joint training exercises. In an effort to accelerate capability development, the Ministry aims to simplify acquisition procedures, making them more time-sensitive and streamlined.
Public-private partnerships will also be emphasized, with the MoD working towards enhancing technology transfer and knowledge sharing between the defence sector and civilian industries. Improving ease of doing business within the sector will be a key part of this initiative.
The Defence Ministry also highlighted the importance of breaking down silos and improving collaboration across various stakeholders in the defence ecosystem. Effective civil-military coordination will be pursued to eliminate inefficiencies and optimize resource use.
Further, positioning India as a credible exporter of defence products will be a priority. The Ministry plans to foster research and development (R&D) collaborations between Indian industries and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to strengthen India’s position in the global defence market.
The welfare of veterans will continue to be a focal point, with steps being taken to improve welfare measures and tap into the expertise of veterans across various sectors.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that the ‘Year of Reforms’ would mark a significant step in the modernization journey of the Indian Armed Forces. He said, “This initiative will lay the foundation for unprecedented advancements in the country’s defence preparedness, ensuring the security and sovereignty of the nation amidst the challenges of the 21st century.”