India declares 2025 as the "year of reforms" to modernise armed forces

India’s Ministry of Defence has announced 2025 as the “Year of Reforms,” a transformative initiative aimed at modernising its armed forces and enhancing their preparedness for future conflicts. The ambitious plan focuses on promoting joint operations across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and strengthening overall combat readiness to address evolving security challenges.

Modernising for Multi-Domain Warfare

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who led the meeting announcing the reforms, stated that the initiative would be a cornerstone of India’s defence modernisation journey. He emphasised the importance of preparing the armed forces for 21st-century threats by building technological prowess and fostering seamless inter-service cooperation.

Singh remarked, "The 'Year of Reforms' will bring unparalleled advancements in defence preparedness, ensuring the nation’s security and sovereignty amid modern challenges."

Key Focus Areas of Reform

The Ministry of Defence has outlined several priorities for 2025, including:

Integrated Theatre Commands: Plans to establish Integrated Theatre Commands aim to streamline operations and improve coordination between the three armed services, enabling rapid responses to complex security threats. Adopting Emerging Technologies: The focus on artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, hypersonic technology, and robotics will enable the development of advanced military strategies, especially in critical domains such as cyber and space. Enhancing Joint Operations: Strengthened collaboration between services will be achieved through shared training programs and operational planning, fostering synergy for multi-domain missions. Streamlining Procurement Processes: To expedite the acquisition of modern equipment and technologies, the Ministry will simplify and accelerate procurement procedures. Encouraging Public-Private Collaboration: By boosting partnerships between defence organisations and private enterprises, the government aims to foster innovation and improve technology transfer, thus driving modernisation. Defence Exports and R&D: Enhanced research and development capabilities, along with collaborations with global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), are set to position India as a credible exporter of defence products. Veteran Welfare: In recognition of the contributions of former service members, the Ministry plans to optimise welfare measures and utilise their expertise in shaping reforms. Cultural and Indigenous Development: Emphasising cultural pride, the Ministry seeks to balance the adoption of global best practices with the development of indigenous technologies tailored to India’s needs.

The high-level meeting that established 2025 as the “Year of Reforms” was attended by key officials, including Defence Ministry secretaries. During the meeting, Singh reviewed ongoing projects and discussed strategies to accelerate future reforms. As India advances its defence goals, the initiative aims to transform the armed forces into a modern, technology-driven institution capable of tackling multi-domain challenges.