Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Friday underlined the critical importance of adopting modern technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI), to strengthen India’s defence preparedness.
Speaking at the East Tech Symposium 2025, organised by the Army’s Eastern Command at the Khelgaon complex in Ranchi, Chauhan said future wars will not only be fought with conventional weapons but also on new frontiers such as cyber and space. “We need to strengthen the foundation of defence manufacturing, keeping in mind the rapidly changing technology. AI and other innovations will play a decisive role in future battles,” he said.
Chauhan stressed that the selection and use of weapons in modern warfare must be guided by strategic foresight, with research and development aligned to evolving geopolitical and technological realities.
Admitting that India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing began late, the CDS said the country is now moving in a systematic direction, with the government working to develop indigenous capabilities to counter cyber and space warfare challenges.
Linking technological advancement to policy, he also cited the Centre’s Act East Policy, noting that its objectives can be achieved only if eastern states such as Jharkhand and West Bengal actively contribute to building a robust defence ecosystem.
“Warfare is both a science and an art. In today’s times, a warrior must be creative and innovative,” Chauhan said, urging defence experts, technologists and entrepreneurs to prioritise innovation to make India self-reliant and globally competitive in defence.
The three-day symposium, aimed at fostering collaboration between the armed forces, defence industry, startups and academia, was jointly inaugurated by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Soren noted that Jharkhand’s mineral resources, including uranium, give it the potential to contribute significantly to defence and nuclear development.
This is the fourth edition of the East Tech Symposium organised by the Eastern Command — the earlier editions were held in Kolkata (2022, 2024) and Guwahati (2023).
IANS