Rajnath Singh, CDS to attend tri-services seminar at Army War College, Mhow; Operation Sindoor on the table
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
Military officers will share "hard-earned lessons" from India's operational frontlines, the Operation Sindoor experience, and engage in discussions on August 26-27 on enhancing jointness in the armed forces as part of a pioneering tri-services seminar themed on the impact of technology on warfare.Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Triparthi are scheduled to attend 'Ransamwad 2025' to be held at Army War College, Mhow, in Madhya Pradesh, officials said on Wednesday.Three joint doctrines on multi-domain operations, special forces operations, and airborne and heliborne operations will also be released during the event, a senior official said, adding that the one on multi-domain operations will be released by Singh while the remaining two by the CDS.Singh will also release the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR).In a video message for the event shared on Wednesday on the X handle of HQ IDS, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt General Pushpendra Pal Singh, said serving officers will share operational insights into modern warfighting at 'Ransamwad'."Today, India's security environment is complex. We operate across two active borders in high-altitude, urban, jungle and desert terrains, while simultaneously responding to cyber, information and grey zone threats. From the sustained counter-insurgency operations in the northeast and Jammu and Kashmir to Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army has evolved into a multi-domain, all-terrain force," he said.He said India's defence preparedness rests on jointness."The Indian Army is implementing transformative reforms, agile integrated battle groups, digitised command and control theaterisations to ensure that we are suitably prepared for protracted, sharp and high-tempo conflicts of the future," he added.The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff on Wednesday held a curtain-raiser briefing at the Manekshaw Centre at Delhi Cantonment on the upcoming event to be hosted by HQ ARTRAC (Army Training Command) under the aegis of HQ IDS."India needs to lead the strategic debate on future war -- we were a 'Vishwa Guru' once and we need to reclaim that space, and to be more adept at fighting future warfare," a senior official said.Lt Gen Vipul Shinghal, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation and Training), shared the broader details of the two-day seminar, which is themed Impact of Technology on Warfare, and looks at the convergence of ideas on strategy, innovation and national security.The two sub-themes of the seminar are Emerging Technologies and Impact on Future Warfare, and Reforms in Institutionalised Training to Catalyse Technological Enablement, he said.Defence Minister Singh will attend the event on August 27, Lt Gen Shinghal said.The key seminar on war, warfare and warfighting is taking place three-and-a-half months after India's Operation Sindoor.Asked if the event was planned before or after the military action in May, a senior official said planning for Ransamwad 2025 predates Operation Sindoor.He added that the Operation Sindoor experience will figure in the discussions.In a video message for the event shared a day earlier on the X handle of HQ IDS, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit said "in an era where speed of decision is itself a weapon, we must think, train and fight as one force"."Ransamwad is not just a seminar, it is a strategic dialogue where our officers share hard-earned lessons from India's operational frontlines. From contested borders to cyber battlegrounds , India's security environment is multi-dimensional and dynamic. This makes jointness no longer optional; it is mission-critical. Successful Operation Sindoor is a testimony to this," he said."Our armed forces are undergoing rapid integration, joint structures are being shaped, tri-service modes are operational, and defence, cyber and space agencies are active. AI, autonomous and quantum systems are now part of military planning. Ransamvad anchors these changes in operational reality," the CISC said in his message.The CISC, in his message, welcomed the hosting of the seminar steered by HQ ARTRAC, and said the Air Force and Navy will carry the torch forward in the coming years."The Integrated Defence Staff sees this not just as a seminar, but as a doctrinal crucible for India's future force. Ransamvad is where India's integrated future takes shape," he asserted.Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, GOC-in-C, ARTRAC, in his video message hosted on the X handle of HQ IDS, said the Army, Navy and IAF officers will share their thoughts on recent conflicts, emerging technologies, niche and disruptive warfighting technologies, the Operation Sindoor experience, integration of space and warfighting, and training for operations.Under Operation Sindoor, India took a decisive military action in May on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack."Let Ransamvad be the forum, where we not only discuss warfighting but also define its very course," he said.The HQ IDS said the forum will allow delegates to explore cutting-edge innovations, integrated combat strategies and modernised training frameworks that will equip the Indian armed forces for "future operational challenges", supporting the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
23 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Former Auroville chairman reviews progress of development projects in international township
Karan Singh, former chairman of the Auroville Foundation, has commended the progress made on the Crown Road project and the Matrimandir lake redevelopment during a recent visit to the international township. According to a press note from Auroville, Mr. Singh during his visit noted that these developments were 'milestones in Auroville's continued evolution' in the tenure of Jayanti S. Ravi, Secretary, Auroville Foundation and Gujarat Additional Chief Secretary. The former chairman also held meetings with a range of key stakeholders during which Ms. Ravi elaborated on the efforts taken to strengthen the relationship between Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram through the newly-introduced 'Honorary Aurovillians' programme. Currently, four individuals from Sri Aurobindo Ashram have been inducted, with plans to expand the initiative in the months ahead. The gathering featured meaningful discussions centered on Sri Aurobindo's philosophy, with participants sharing insights through question-and-answer sessions. In his message to the youth of Auroville and the bio-region, Mr. Singh urged them to move beyond enjoyment of freedom to take up active responsibility in nation-building. As a goodwill gesture, Mr. Singh presented a book to the Auroville Foundation Secretary. The meeting also included readings from 'Savitri,' Sri Aurobindo's epic spiritual poem, fostering deeper connections between Auroville's mission and its foundational principles. G. Seetharaman, OSD (Officer on Special Duty), Auroville Foundation, Lalit Verma, founder of Aurodhan art gallery, members of Auroville bodies and devotees from Sri Aurobindo Ashram participated, the press note said.
Indian Express
23 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Stormy Monsoon session ends: No SIR discussion, low productivity
Sloganeering, displaying placards and planned deadlock are not in accordance with the dignity of Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said Thursday as the turbulent Monsoon session came to an end. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned sine die Thursday. In his valedictory address at the conclusion of the fifth session of the 18th Lok Sabha, Birla said: 'The public has great expectations that we have serious and meaningful discussions on their problems and issues of wider public interest, on important Bills, in accordance with the decorum of Parliament. It is the responsibility of all of us to cooperate in building healthy traditions in the House. In this dignified House, we should avoid sloganeering and disruption and take forward serious and meaningful discussions.' The Monsoon Session, which commenced on July 21, saw the introduction of 14 Bills and the passing of 12 of them. The first day of the session also saw the surprise resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as Vice-President. For large parts of the session, the Opposition held vociferous protests demanding a discussion on the special intensive revision of rolls (SIR) in Bihar. However, the government maintained that the House cannot discuss matters related to the Election Commission, citing a previous ruling by the Chair. A special discussion was held on Operation Sindoor on July 28 and 29. This was the only full fledged-discussion in the House which saw the participation of the Opposition. Another special discussion, on the achievements of India's space programme on August 18, ended abruptly amid Opposition protests. Thursday was no different as Opposition members raised slogans during Birla's address. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present in the House. 'In this session, 419 starred questions were included in the agenda, but due to continuous planned disruptions, only 55 questions could be taken up for oral answer. We had all decided at the beginning of the session that we would have 120 hours of discussion and dialogue. The Business Advisory Committee also agreed to this. But due to continuous deadlock and planned disruptions, we could barely work for 37 hours in this session,' Birla said. 'Agreement and disagreement are a natural process of democracy, but our collective effort should be that the House runs with dignity, decorum and decency. We have to think about what message we are sending to the citizens through the country's highest democratic institution,' he said. Birla later adjourned the House sine die. He had initially adjourned the House till noon, soon after it assembled at 11 am, following protests by the Opposition members over the SIR exercise. In Rajya Sabha, Deputy Chairman Harivansh said the disruptions had brought down the productivity of the House. 'Overall, the House functioned for only 41 hours and 15 minutes. The productivity of this Session stood at a disappointing 38.88 per cent, something that calls for serious introspection. Members had the opportunity to raise 285 Questions, 285 Zero Hour submissions, and 285 Special Mentions. However, only 14 Questions, 7 Zero Hour submissions, and 61 Special Mentions could actually be taken up,' he said. 'While these contributions are of value, they represent only a fraction of what this august House is capable of achieving when it functions to its full potential,' the Deputy Chairman said. The Deputy Chairman informed the House that 15 Government Bills were passed or returned during the session. Sixty-four members participated in the two-day discussion on Operation Sindoor, Harivansh said. 'The House also benefited from a suo motu statement by the Minister of Commerce and Industry on India–US Bilateral Trade, which provided valuable insights into India's expanding economic engagement. In addition, the House was duly apprised of the vacancy in the office of the Hon'ble Vice-President of India,' he said. The Deputy Chairman later adjourned Rajya Sabha sine die.
Economic Times
an hour ago
- Economic Times
Pakistan-based JeM launches Rs 3.91 billion fundraising drive after losses during Operation Sindoor
ANI Terrorist infrastructure was targeted during Operation Sindoor After suffering severe setbacks during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit has launched a massive fundraising drive in that country under the garb of building over 300 mosques to replicate Lashkar-e-Taiba's decentralization policy, security officials said. The JeM has come out with a new mechanism with the support of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to collect funds. It is using digital wallets like 'EasyPaisa' and 'Sadapay' controlled by its founder and most wanted terrorist Masood Azhar's family members to bypass scrutiny by global agencies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the officials said citing inputs from across the border. The Rs 3.91 billion fundraising drive would secure JeM's operational and weapons financing for at least a decade, they armed forces carried out missile strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7 in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan retaliated and the intense border skirmishes continued till May 10 before the two countries reached an understanding to end the officials said the JeM's headquarters 'Markaz Subhanallah', along with four other training camps -- Markaz Bilal, Markaz Abbas, Mahmona Joya, and the Sargal training camp - were destroyed during the Operation Sindoor. While Pakistan's government has announced funding to rebuild these destroyed facilities, the JeM has launched an online fundraising campaign through digital wallets to collect Rs 3.91 billion for constructing 313 new markaz buildings under the garb of constructing mosques across Pakistan, the officials said. On social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, JeM-linked proxy accounts and those used by JeM commanders have posted posters, videos, and a letter from Masood Azhar, urging supporters to donate wholeheartedly as each mosque requires Rs 12.5 million (Rs 1.25 crore) for construction and smooth running, they said. According to the officials, several of the digital wallet accounts were found linked to the mobile number of Azhar's brother Talha Al Saif (Talha Gulzar) and JeM Haripur district commander Aftab Ahmad based in Khala Batt Township. They said another fundraising channel was linked to a mobile number run by Azhar's son Abdullah Azhar (Abdullah Khan) while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, JeM commander Syed Safdar Shah is collecting donations for the organization's markaz via a number registered near Melwarah post office, Oghi, Mansehra district. In addition to these three accounts, over 250 EasyPaisa wallets are reportedly being used to raise funds for the JeM's fundraising campaign. Alongside social media appeals, the terror outfit circulated an audio recording of Azhar's brother, Al Saif, via its official propaganda channel, MSTD Official, urging supporters to contribute Rs 21,000 per person, the officials said. The speech was delivered at a gathering at Markaz Usman-o-Ali during a Friday congregation on August 15. In the audio clip, Al Saif also instructed the establishment of 20 new markaz this year, as part of JeM's overall target of 313 centres, the officials said citing JeM's organizational posters and videos. To build these mosques, the officials said the JeM may have two key motives -- first, to replicate LeT's vast markaz network, decentralising its training camps so that future Indian strikes would have minimal impact on its terror infrastructure in Pakistan. Second, to establish secure, lavish safe houses for Azhar and his family to allow Pakistan to maintain plausible deniability about their whereabouts, the officials said. Under this plan, three-four large markaz centres would function as safe houses, medium-sized facilities would serve as training camps, and the remainder would handle logistics, allowing JeM to operate nationwide while Pakistan's government continues to deny Azhar's presence, they said. While JeM claims each markaz will cost Rs 12.5 million, estimates suggest a Markaz Bilal-sized facility costs only Rs 4-5 million. Larger markaz like Subhanallah or Usman-o-Ali may cost around Rs 100 million, but it is unlikely all 313 will be this large. If built, with three large markaz and 310 smaller ones, the total construction cost would be about Rs 1.23 billion (Rs 123 crore) leaving a large surplus for weapons purchases, the officials said. Given JeM-Hamas-TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban) connections and leadership meetings, the officials said the surplus could be used to acquire advanced weaponry and maybe attack drones or quadcopters used by TTP. It is widely known that Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI helps JeM procure arms cheaply from the black market, the officials said. "Today, JeM's arsenal already includes machine guns, rocket launchers, and mortars. Thus this Rs 3.91 billion campaign could heavily bolster its arms stockpile," an official said. In 2019, Pakistan was placed in grey list by the international watchdog working on blocking terror financing and accordingly, the Pakistani Government implemented the National Action Plan and presented to FATF that it had curbed JeM by taking its markaz under government control and placing JeM chief and his brother's bank accounts under official watch, the officials said. It also banned cash transactions, animal hide donations, and other forms of fundraising which resulted in Pakistan getting formally removed from FATF's grey list in 2022. Now, instead of donations going into bank accounts, the money is being transferred to the digital wallets used by Azhar's family members and this way, Pakistan could falsely claim to FATF by showing only bank account details that JeM's funding had been cut off, the officials said.
