Speaking at a seminar organized by the Indian Air Force in New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared that unified action among India’s Armed Forces is no longer a strategic option but a fundamental requirement in the evolving global security landscape.
He underscored this crucial message during a seminar focused on ‘Fostering Greater Jointness – Synergy through Shared Learning in the Domain of Inspection and Audits, Aviation Standards and Aerospace Safety’ on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
Highlighting the success of Operation Sindoor, Mr. Singh noted that the combined synergy of the tri-services during this exercise created a singular, real-time operational picture. This empowered commanders with the ability to make timely decisions, significantly boosting situational awareness and reducing the risk of accidental friendly fire. He hailed Operation Sindoor as the new standard for all future military endeavors.
The Minister specifically pointed out the pivotal roles played by the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), the Army’s Akashteer, and the Navy’s Trigun in forming a cohesive operational backbone throughout the operation.
Mr. Singh reiterated that the interconnectedness of land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace necessitates deeper collaboration across all military branches. He stated, “Jointness has become a fundamental requirement for our national security and operational effectiveness today,” echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent call for integration at the Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kolkata.
Furthermore, the Defence Minister affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to developing future-ready defense systems. He stressed, “Our objective is to further promote jointness and integration among the Tri-Services. This is not only a matter of policy but of survival in the fast-changing security environment.”
Progress in the digital sphere was also acknowledged, with Mr. Singh commending the Army’s Computerised Inventory Control Group (CICG), the IAF’s Integrated Materials Management Online System (IMMOLS), and the Navy’s Integrated Logistics Management System. He revealed that a Tri-Services Logistics Application is now under development, aiming to unify these platforms for shared stock visibility, optimized resource allocation, and minimized redundant procurement.
While advocating for integration, Mr. Singh emphasized the importance of respecting the distinct operational experiences and challenges faced by each service. “The cold of the Himalayas is not the same as the heat of the desert. The Navy faces challenges different from the Army and the Air Force. We cannot impose uniformity where it does not fit,” he wisely observed.
He concluded by urging the Services to draw insights from international best practices, but to always tailor them to India’s unique circumstances. “We can learn from others, but our answers must be Indian answers shaped by our geography, our needs and our culture,” Mr. Singh affirmed.