“The threats may be known, but the enemy may be invisible. Domination of cyber space will become increasingly important”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asked the armed forces to be ready for “less predictable” security challenges as technological challenges would make responses more difficult to keep pace with.

Addressing the Combined Commanders’ Conference, Mr. Modi said: “The threats may be known, but the enemy may be invisible. Domination of cyber space will become increasingly important. Control of [cyber] space may become as critical as that of land, air and sea. and influencing behaviour, and the duration of conflicts will be shorter.”

Outlining India’s key strategic and security and priorities, Mr. Modi told the top military commanders that India had to be prepared for a changing world, which demanded new thinking with regard to economic, diplomatic and security policies.

In his half-an-hour speech delivered extempore, the Prime Minister addressed the commanders in Hindi, citing examples to make his points and asked them to achieve a greater synergy among the three wings of armed forces. He also suggested that such conferences could be held either in forward Army camps, at air bases or on board a Navy ship.

He emphasised that an atmosphere of peace and security was essential to enable India to achieve its goals of economic development. He said his government was focussed on creating a favourable external environment and on strengthening India’s security.

Anchors for security

The Prime Minister noted that the world was looking at India with renewed interest, confidence and excitement and there was expectation from India to emerge not only as one of the poles of the global economy but also as one of the anchors of regional and global security.

Stressing the need for transforming India’s defence forces, he assured them of his government’s commitment to providing adequate resources to ensure full defence preparedness, overcome shortages and meet modernisation needs.

He also asked the defence establishment, including the armed forces, to reform procurement processes.