During the 62nd National Defence College (NDC) convocation ceremony in New Delhi on October 19, 2024, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the necessity for military leaders to adapt to emerging challenges by utilizing advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. Addressing the military officers, he urged them to develop strategic thinking skills to anticipate future conflicts, grasp global dynamics, and lead with intelligence and empathy.
“Warfare today operates in a multi-domain environment where cyber, space, and information warfare are as critical as conventional operations,” stated Shri Rajnath Singh, underscoring the evolving nature of conflict. He highlighted the growing dependence on tools like AI and autonomous systems, which necessitate critical thinking and adaptability from military leaders in response to technological progress.
The Defence Minister pointed out that modern threats extend beyond traditional battlefields, with cyber-attacks, disinformation, and economic warfare presenting significant risks. He called upon defence officers to explore how AI can transform military operations while also warning about the ethical dilemmas associated with machines making life-and-death decisions.
“Our officers must grasp technologies such as AI and learn to utilize them effectively, but we must also establish the boundaries within which AI can operate,” Singh noted, stressing the importance of human intervention in critical decision-making. He also highlighted the need to remain vigilant against adversaries who might weaponize everyday tools and technologies, urging institutions like the NDC to include case studies on unconventional warfare in their curricula to better prepare for future challenges.
Singh called for continuous education, recommending that the NDC introduce short-term, online modules to expand learning opportunities for a greater number of defence personnel. He emphasized the role of academic institutions like the NDC in equipping military leaders with the knowledge needed to navigate ethical dilemmas and complex geopolitical landscapes, ensuring that India’s Armed Forces stay technologically advanced and prepared for the future.
“From drones to AI and quantum computing, the technologies shaping modern warfare are evolving at an incredible pace. Our defence leaders must be ready to integrate these advancements while upholding a moral and ethical framework,” Singh added.
The event, which conferred MPhil degrees upon the officers of the 62nd NDC course, included military leaders from India and allied nations. Singh congratulated the officers, emphasizing that their shared challenges would enhance regional security and cooperation.