New Delhi, Oct 23: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has exhorted the Army Commanders to closely monitor geopolitical as well as regional developments and remain prepared for future challenges. Addressing the Army Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on October 23, 2026, he emphasised the need for a long-term strategic vision spanning the next 20-30 years, and called upon the senior leadership of the Indian Army to remain equally prepared to respond to immediate and emerging challenges. He stressed that strategies must remain dynamic and flexible, enabling timely adjustments to changing circumstances.

Commending the Defence Forces for adapting to evolving operational circumstances, Rajnath Singh highlighted that innovative thinking, enhanced synergy and superior coordination, complemented by advanced weaponry, contributed to the success of Operation Sindoor. The operation sent a clear message that India would not hesitate to take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests, he said.

Defence Minister appreciated the military’s restructuring efforts, with a special focus on the use of drones and modern technology. He stressed the need to strengthen capabilities, continuously assess performance, and implement necessary improvements in line with evolving circumstances. He underscored the importance of accelerating efforts in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, data analytics, cybersecurity, and secure communication networks.

Rajnath Singh emphasised that despite growing significance of challenges across the air, maritime, space and cyber domains, land warfare and ground forces would remain indispensable. He called for an integrated approach to modern warfare, stressing that success would depend on multi-domain capabilities and seamless coordination in joint operations.

Defence Minister acknowledged the self-reliance efforts of the defence forces, stating that India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities are a result of concerted efforts of all stakeholders. “Amidst the changing global landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government is prioritising Aatmanirbharta in defence. In the financial year 2025-26, defence production surged to a record Rs 1.78 lakh crore, with defence exports reaching an all-time high of approx. Rs 38,000 crore,” he said.

Referring to the ‘Year of Reforms – 2025’, Rajnath Singh stated that reform is a continuous process, the success of which depends on effective implementation. He urged the Commanders to drive these reforms forward within their respective commands and echelons, while ensuring that they translate into tangible benefits for operational capabilities.

Defence Minister credited the valour, discipline, preparedness and restraint of the Defence Forces, along with the dynamic leadership and diplomatic efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for strengthening India’s global standing. He urged the Defence Forces to maintain their focus on self-reliance, effective implementation of reforms, improved manpower management, greater participation of women and an integrated approach to national security.

On the occasion, Defence Minister released the Land Warfare Doctrine, which provides an overarching framework to prepare the Indian Army to meet the challenges posed by the evolving character of warfare and future conflicts. He also unveiled the annual United Nations Journal and felicitated Indian Army personnel who have made notable contributions while serving as United Nations peacekeepers, recognising their exemplary service, professionalism and contribution to international peace and security.

MoS Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials were present on the occasion.  

With its comprehensive agenda, the conference has been organised to provide an important forum for the senior leadership of the Indian Army to review ongoing initiatives, identify future thrust areas and formulate appropriate policy directions towards building a progressive, adaptive, technologically enabled and future-ready Indian Army.

Dubai, Oct 23: Indian airline IndiGo has extended the cancellation of its flights to Saudi Arabia amid security concerns in the region, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed on Friday.

“IndiGo flights to and from Riyadh will remain cancelled until 31 October 2026 (inclusive), while flights to and from Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah will remain cancelled until 27 October 2026 (inclusive),” the mission said in a post on X.

The flight disruptions come amid escalating drone and missile strikes targeting Saudi Arabia’s airports, energy installations and other critical infrastructure, with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis having been involved in a prolonged campaign against the country.

The latest extension of flight cancellations comes after an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Wednesday killed an Indian national and injured two others. Another Indian national was injured in a separate attack at Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield on the same day.

Other Indian carriers have also earlier extended similar suspensions of flights to and from Saudi Arabia. Air India and Air India Express have suspended flights until October 24 on all routes, while Akasa Air has suspended flights until October 27 on all routes.

“Indian nationals requiring urgent departure may consider transiting via Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar, subject to obtaining the necessary visas,” the Indian mission said earlier.

The flight disruptions have also affected Indian Umrah pilgrims, prompting the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to coordinate with airlines and tour operators to facilitate their early return.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah were engaging with airlines and tour operators to arrange the return of the remaining affected pilgrims at the earliest.

The missions, supported by community volunteers, are providing welfare assistance and have established 24-hour control rooms to help Indian nationals. They are also issuing regular advisories in view of the prevailing security situation.

An earlier attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on October 10 killed an Indian national and injured several others, prompting the Indian Embassy to issue safety advisories for the Indian community.

The embassy has urged Indian nationals to remain alert, follow instructions issued by Saudi authorities and move to a safe place inside a building in the event of an aerial attack.

It has also warned them against filming or sharing images and videos of interceptions or impact sites, citing possible legal consequences under Saudi law.

Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 2.74 million Indian nationals, who work across various sectors and form an important link between the two countries.