Rajnath Singh declared India is in fifth-generation warfare at the NDTV Defence Summit 2026 in Delhi, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s defence narrative. Singh’s address came amid rising global tensions and a growing need for advanced military capabilities. The statement was delivered in front of a packed auditorium, underscoring the government’s ambition to keep pace with rapid technological change.
The summit, a one‑day event organized by NDTV, gathered senior defence officials, industry leaders, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force. It also hosted the Chief of Defence Staff and other key personnel, making it a rare convergence of strategic minds. The gathering is part of NDTV’s annual flagship defence event, which attracts top military and industrial stakeholders.
Singh spoke of operational lessons from Operation Sindoor and the need to integrate AI, drones, space capabilities and autonomous systems into the armed forces. He emphasized Atmanirbharta in defence manufacturing and urged the services to deepen jointness. The minister framed the discussion around India’s new defence edge, a theme that resonated with participants across sectors.
The summit’s agenda includes fostering new global partnerships and technology alliances. Participants will debate how to translate the minister’s vision into actionable plans, covering everything from procurement to joint training exercises. The event also aims to solidify collaborations between the military and emerging defence firms.
In the coming weeks, the Ministry will release a detailed roadmap for AI and autonomous system integration, as promised during the keynote. The roadmap will outline timelines, budget allocations and key milestones, providing a concrete framework for India’s journey into fifth‑generation warfare.