Full scale wars rare, be ready for invisible threats: PM

He was speaking during his first interaction collectively with top commanders of the three defence services

Prime Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said full- scale wars may become rare and military strength will remain an instrument of deterrence.

Addressing the annual combined commanders conference, he said “force” will influence behaviour of others towards India.

“Full scale wars may become rare, but force will remain an instrument of deterrence and influencing behaviour, and the duration of conflicts will be shorter,” Modi said. “The threats may be known, but the enemy may be invisible,” he said.

The PM’s observation came against the backdrop of recent cross-border violations by Pakistan and tensions on the Line of Control and international border, as well as Chinese incursions in Ladakh.

“Beyond the immediate, we are facing a future where security challenges will be less predictable; situations will evolve and change swiftly; and, technological changes will make responses more difficult to keep pace with,” Modi said. pti

Modi emphasised that an atmosphere of peace and security was essential to enable India achieve its goals of economic development and that his government has focused on creating a favourable external environment and strengthening India’s security.

Outlining his strategic vision, he observed that in addition to the familiar challenges, India has to be prepared for a changing world, which demanded new thinking on our part with regard to economic, diplomatic and security policies.

He underlined that domination of cyber space will become increasingly important and control of space may become as critical as that of land, air and sea.

Feeling the need for transforming India's defence forces, he assured them of his commitment to provide adequate resources to ensure full defence preparedness, overcome shortages and meet modernisation needs.

"We should remember that what matters is capability of the force," he said.