"Ran Samvad is self-contradictory, yet most relevant truth": Rajnath Singh at event in Mhow

Addressing the "Ran Samvad 2025" event in Mhow on Wednesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted how the very name of the programme was "self-contradictory", yet captured "one of the most relevant truths of our times." 

The two-day Ran Samvad event was held at Army College, Mhow (officially known as Dr Ambedkar Nagar) in Indore district with a tri-service seminar. "Ran" means battle, while "Samvad" translates to dialogue in Hindi.  

Singh said, "The very title of the programme, 'Ran Samvad', strikes me as quite interesting. At first glance, the two words seem contradictory. Where there is a war, how can there be a discussion, and where discussion is taking place, how can there be a war? But if you look deeper, this very name embodies one of the most relevant truths of our times." 

Drawing reference from the Mahabharata, the senior BJP leader stated, "In our culture, dialogue is never separate from battle - it precedes it, accompanies it, and continues even after it. Take the Mahabharata, for instance. To prevent war, Lord Krishna went as a messenger of peace, seeking dialogue to avert conflict. When Duryodhan refused, war became inevitable." 

In his address, Singh said that India has never sought a war or initiated any kind of aggression, also asserting that if challenged, it becomes imperative for the nation to respond with strength. 

Singh underscored the importance of technological advancement and intelligence, along with sustained dialogue with partners worldwide. 

He added, "Future wars will not merely be fought with weapons; they will be shaped by the interplay of technology, intelligence, economy, and diplomacy. In the times ahead, the nation that masters the triangle of technology, strategy, and adaptability will emerge as the true global power." 

On Operation Sindoor

Talking about the success of the Indian Army's Operation Sindoor, Rajnath Singh called it a "striking demonstration of technology-driven warfare." 

Lauding the operation, he said, "The success of Operation Sindoor is a perfect example in itself. I believe that every war leaves us with important lessons. In the course of battle, we are able to realistically assess our level of preparedness. Operation Sindoor was indeed a remarkable display of technology-driven warfare."