During the inaugural Joint Commanders' Conference in Lucknow, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged India's military leadership to analyze ongoing global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas situations, as well as regional instability in Bangladesh, to prepare for unforeseen challenges. He emphasized the necessity for a 'synergized, swift, and proportionate' response to provocations, particularly amid the ongoing border tensions with China. Singh highlighted the importance of evolving a joint military vision and integrating both traditional and modern military capabilities into India's defence strategy. Acknowledging India as a peace-loving nation, he stressed that the armed forces must be ready for war to maintain peace and stability. The conference aimed to reinforce the military's role in achieving strategic autonomy and improving operational readiness amid rising regional challenges. Singh also commended the armed forces for their contributions to national security and the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.