DefenceCommittee – Parliamentary Panel to Review Indian Army’s Role in National Security
DefenceCommittee – The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence is scheduled to meet on Wednesday afternoon at the Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi to examine issues related to the Indian Army’s contribution to safeguarding the nation. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence are expected to appear before the panel and provide detailed briefings on the subject.
Defence Ministry Officials to Brief Panel
During the meeting, representatives of the Defence Ministry will present oral evidence before committee members on the Army’s role in maintaining the country’s defence preparedness. The discussion is expected to cover operational capabilities, strategic challenges, and ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening national security.
The committee is headed by BJP Member of Parliament Radha Mohan Singh, who oversees the panel’s work on a wide range of defence-related matters.
Focus on Key Defence Issues
In recent months, the committee has examined several important areas linked to defence administration and infrastructure. In May, members reviewed matters concerning the consolidation of defence land holdings by the Defence Estates Organisation as well as the functioning of Cantonment Boards across the country.
Prior to that, in April, the panel assessed the performance of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), particularly its efforts to build and upgrade infrastructure in strategically important locations and border regions. These projects are considered vital for improving connectivity and military logistics in sensitive areas.
Emphasis on Future Warfare Capabilities
Earlier this year, the committee highlighted the growing importance of preparing the armed forces for evolving forms of warfare. In a report submitted to Parliament in March, the panel urged the Defence Ministry to intensify efforts toward developing advanced military capabilities that can address emerging security threats.
The committee stressed the need to explore a broad range of technologies and operational approaches, including kinetic, non-kinetic and hybrid warfare systems. According to the panel, strengthening these capabilities will be essential for enhancing India’s ability to respond effectively to future conflict situations.
Hybrid Warfare Seen as Strategic Necessity
The report observed that modern battlefields are rapidly changing and increasingly involve a combination of conventional and unconventional methods. As a result, the committee noted that readiness for hybrid warfare has become a critical requirement for maintaining a strong defence posture.
Members pointed out that technological developments across the world are reshaping military operations and creating new challenges for armed forces. The panel therefore recommended continued investment in advanced defence technologies and modern combat systems.
Call for Next-Generation Air Power Planning
The committee also drew attention to the need for upgrading India’s military aviation capabilities. It noted that rapid advancements in fighter aircraft technology globally require continuous modernisation to ensure that combat platforms remain effective in meeting present and future security demands.
To address these challenges, the panel recommended that the Defence Ministry begin long-term planning for the development and acquisition of sixth-generation fighter aircraft. Such platforms are expected to play a significant role in enhancing India’s air power and strengthening its position in an increasingly technology-driven security environment.
The committee believes that early planning and sustained investment in next-generation defence systems will be crucial for maintaining operational readiness and ensuring the country’s security interests in the years ahead