Hyderabad: Emerging technologies and strategic partnerships are reshaping the very definition of warfare, marking a transformational shift in national security, said President Droupadi Murmu as she presented the President’s Colours to the College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad, on Friday.
The President's Colours is the highest honour that can be awarded to any military unit, training establishment or the state or Union Territory police. The event marked a historic milestone for CDM, established in 1970 and widely regarded as a cornerstone of India’s professional military education system.
“The technological advancements are challenging traditional definitions of warfare and demanding adaptability,” she noted, addressing an audience of senior officers, dignitaries and international participants. She urged the armed forces to embrace initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat to enhance self-reliance, leveraging Indigenous defence production and cutting-edge technologies to bolster global competitiveness.
The President praised the increasing participation of women officers in defence leadership training, calling them an inspiration for future generations. “You are breaking barriers and making a mark in diverse domains. Your achievements motivate young girls to dream big and contribute to national security,” she said during her interaction with the officers.
President Murmu also released a commemorative medallion and a revised edition of ‘Pearls of Ancient Indian Wisdom’, a compilation reflecting on ancient strategic thought. She also inaugurated a monumental National Flag on the CDM campus, symbolising the institution’s enduring commitment to unity and excellence.
The CDM has trained officers from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as participants from friendly foreign nations, furthering India’s defence diplomacy and international partnerships.
President Murmu highlighted the institution’s integration of modern warfare strategies, such as psychological and grey-zone warfare, into its curriculum. “Wars today extend beyond battlefields. Psychological warfare and hybrid strategies are the new frontiers and institutions like CDM play a crucial role in preparing leaders for these challenges,” she said.
The President also stressed the importance of adapting to disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence, drones and cyber capabilities, which are increasingly defining modern defence strategies. Calling for holistic modernisation, she said, “India’s senior strategic leadership must position the nation as a global defence powerhouse while contributing to international peace and stability.”
