Defence Ministry to host first global ‘Ran Samwaad’ on war and warfare at Mhow

On the lines of the Raisina Dialogue, the Ministry of Defence will host its own global event, “Ran Samwaad – Conversation on War, Warfare and Warfighting”, at the Army War College in Mhow on August 26–27.

The two-day seminar will bring together defence attachés from 17 countries, senior officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force, along with scholars and academicians.

Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Vipul Singhal said on Wednesday (August 20, 2025) that while most seminars focus on geopolitics and geoeconomics, Ran Samwaad will deal exclusively with the practical aspects of war, warfare and warfighting.

“Officers of various ranks who are actually engaged in the subject will share their experiences and insights. It will also be open to the public through registration. Defence attachés from countries including U.S.A., Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Australia are expected to attend,” he said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the second day of the event, during which several joint doctrines are expected to be released.

Officials said rapid technological advancements are transforming the nature and character of war, compelling changes in operational planning, tactics and strategy. Unlike other forums that rely largely on veterans, Ran Samwaad will feature active practitioners of war — “scholar warriors” tasked with adapting to these shifts and shaping future doctrines, equipment, training, organisational structures and strategies.

The inaugural edition will focus on “Impact of Technology on Warfare”, with two sub-themes: Emerging Technologies & Impact on Future Warfare and Reforms in Institutionalised Training to Catalyse Technological Enablement.

The Raisina Dialogue is organised annually by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation. The Defence Ministry plans to make Ran Samwaad an annual affair as well.