Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber technologies in enhancing India’s defense capabilities during the East Tech Symposium 2025 in Ranchi. He asserted that future conflicts will extend beyond conventional warfare, necessitating a robust focus on cyber and space domains. General Chauhan acknowledged India’s late start in achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing but noted significant advancements are underway, driven by government initiatives to foster indigenous capabilities. He called for innovation and strategic foresight in weapon selection and urged collaboration among defense experts, technologists, and entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of eastern states in building a resilient defense ecosystem. This focus on modern warfare technologies underscores India’s commitment to becoming a formidable player on the global defense stage.