Rajnath Singh calls for closer integration between military, civilian wings of defence ministry

New Delhi: The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, called for closer coordination between the military and civilian wings of the ministry of defence, saying greater integration would help India respond better to emerging security and technological challenges. He said this on Monday while speaking at the 85th Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) Civilian Services Day celebrations in New Delhi.

Singh said both civilian and military personnel work towards the same goal of putting the nation first. He stressed that as the armed forces move towards greater jointness, the civilian and military sides of the defence establishment must also work more closely.

Singh said civilian officials can provide continuity in administration, policymaking, financial processes and institutional knowledge, while military officers bring operational and command experience. He suggested greater cross-training and joint assignments so that officers from both sides can understand each other’s roles and expertise.

He also called on the AFHQ Civilian Services to play a larger role in areas such as cyber warfare, military history and strategic research. Singh said civilian officers with specialized knowledge could help develop defence-specific cyber tools and contribute new perspectives to the study of military affairs.

Describing the AFHQ Civilian Services as an important support system for the armed forces, Singh said the cadre should develop a broader understanding of defence matters and contribute to strategic decision-making. He added that modern warfare is increasingly shaped by technology and requires expertise beyond routine administrative responsibilities.

During the event, Singh launched several digital initiatives of the joint secretary and chief administrative officer (JS & CAO) office, including an online accommodation management system and new digital systems for processing claims, pay and allowances. The office was also onboarded onto the SPARROW portal for online performance appraisal.

Singh also released the 34th edition of Samvad, a magazine featuring articles, poems, essays and travelogues written by personnel working at service headquarters and inter-service organisations. Awards were also presented to AFHQ personnel and children of employees for achievements in sports and academics.

The chief of defence staff, General NS Raja Subramnani; chief of the naval staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan; chief of the Army staff, General Dhiraj Seth; defence secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh; and other senior officials attended the event.

AFHQ Day is observed every year to recognize civilian personnel who work alongside the armed forces at the three Integrated Service Headquarters, Headquarters integrated defence staff and various inter-service organizations under the Ministry of Defence.