India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasised the need for India’s security apparatus to remain adaptive to emerging threats, including cyber warfare, hybrid warfare, space-based challenges, and transnational organised crime.
India’s internal security is not just about managing conventional threats like terrorism, separatist movements, and left-wing extremism but also about preparing for unconventional threats that can destabilise the nation’s economic and strategic interests.
He made these remarks while inaugurating the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) – Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Collaboration Conference-Cum-Exhibition on ‘Advanced Technologies for Internal Security and Disaster Relief Operations’ at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi.
Organised by the Directorate of Low Intensity Conflict (DLIC) under DRDO, the two-day conference aims to equip Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) officers with the latest technological advancements to enhance their operational effectiveness.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Singh highlighted the increasing complexities in global security and the growing overlap between internal and external threats. He stressed that India’s national security must be viewed holistically, requiring collaboration across security agencies and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
He noted that security challenges are evolving beyond conventional threats such as terrorism and separatism to include non-traditional threats like cyber-attacks, misinformation campaigns, and space-based espionage.
“The adversaries of today do not always come with traditional weapons; cyber-attacks, misinformation campaigns, and space-based espionage are emerging as new-age threats that require advanced solutions,” he stated.
Acknowledging DRDO’s contributions to India’s defence capabilities, he called for deeper collaboration between DRDO and MHA to develop and deploy scalable security solutions efficiently. He underscored the importance of equipping security forces with advanced tools such as small arms, surveillance equipment, and drone systems to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Minister Singh also emphasised the role of technology in disaster management and humanitarian relief. He cited the increasing frequency of natural disasters such as cyclones, avalanches, and earthquakes, highlighting the critical need for advanced rescue tools, including thermal imaging cameras, drone-based detection systems, and victim-locating devices.
Referring to the recent avalanche in Mana, Uttarakhand, he praised the use of advanced rescue equipment in minimising casualties and mitigating the disaster’s impact.
The Raksha Mantri stressed the need for public awareness and civil society’s involvement in disaster preparedness. He urged that disaster management should become an integral part of India’s security framework, with every citizen educated on crisis response measures.
To address region-specific security challenges, Minister Singh advocated for focused conferences tailored to the unique threats faced by different areas of the country, including insurgencies in the Northeast, Naxal-affected regions, and border security concerns.
“Security threats in India are not uniform. The issues faced in the Northeast due to insurgencies are different from those in Naxal-affected areas or border regions,” He acknowledged. “Similarly, urban security concerns are different from those in rural areas.”
During the event, DRDO transferred the technology for the ASMI 9x19mm Machine Pistol to Lokesh Machinery Tool, marking a step towards India’s self-reliance initiative, ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. Minster Singh also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing DRDO-designed technologies developed in collaboration with the Indian defence industry.
Additionally, three key documents were released to strengthen cooperation in internal security and disaster management:
- Compendium of DRDO Products for Internal Security
- Compendium of DRDO Products for Police Operations
- Compendium of DRDO Products for Disaster Relief Operations
The conference features seven technical sessions focusing on areas such as Left-Wing Extremism, border management, advanced weapon technologies, drone and counter-drone solutions, disaster management, policing and crowd control, and futuristic communication technologies.
Secretary DDR&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat noted that over 100 DRDO-developed technologies have been or will soon be inducted into various MHA agencies, benefiting both internal security and disaster relief operations.
