When Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked the mythological Sudarshan Chakra on Independence Day, announcing India’s ambitious mission to deploy a comprehensive AI-powered missile defence system by 2035, he wasn’t merely drawing upon ancient symbolism. He was articulating a stark strategic reality: In an age where missiles can devastate nations within hours, absolute defence has become the cornerstone of sovereignty itself.

The urgency is unmistakable. Pakistan’s missiles tested Indian defences relentlessly during the 100-hour Operation Sindoor, while China’s expanding arsenal looms menacingly across our northern borders. The question isn’t whether India needs this protective umbrella — it’s whether we can build it fast enough before regional tensions explode into something catastrophic.

Link: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/in-times-of-changing-warfare-sudarshan-chakra-can-be-revolutionary-10212495/