Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande has appealed to citizens, scientists, and innovators across the country to actively contribute towards strengthening India’s defence. Speaking at a national security and technology seminar in New Delhi on Monday, he said that safeguarding the nation is a shared responsibility and not the duty of soldiers alone.
General Pande stressed that warfare today is very different from the past. Battles are no longer fought only on land, air, or sea, but also in cyberspace and through advanced technologies like drones and artificial intelligence. “We must be ready for these new challenges. Relying only on foreign technology is risky. India must develop its own solutions,” he said.
He urged scientists, researchers, engineers, and startups to focus their efforts on creating cutting-edge defence technologies — such as smart weapons, secure communication systems, surveillance tools, and advanced protective gear for soldiers. He encouraged universities and research centres to work closely with the armed forces so that innovations can move quickly from the lab to the battlefield.
“Our nation has some of the brightest minds in science and engineering. If we channel this talent towards defence, we can become self-reliant and far stronger,” he added.
General Pande also addressed the role of ordinary citizens. He said that people can contribute in many ways — by joining the armed forces, volunteering in civil defence, staying informed about security issues, or helping spread awareness about national threats.
His appeal aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission, which aims to reduce dependence on foreign defence imports. In recent years, India has made progress in producing indigenous fighter jets, missiles, warships, and other military equipment.
Concluding his speech, General Pande said, “Our soldiers protect the borders in extreme conditions. Let us all, in our own ways, stand guard for our nation. Together, we can ensure India remains secure and respected.”
Defence experts praised his remarks, saying that closer cooperation between the military, scientific community, and citizens could help India emerge as a global leader in defence technology.
