Rajnath Singh Calls for Civil-Military Synergy at AFHQ Services Day 2025

 In a stirring call for greater integration between military and civilian arms of national defence, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized the need to bolster institutional synergy and modernize administrative mechanisms to address emerging security challenges. Addressing the 84th Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) Civilian Services Day at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi, the Defence Minister underscored the strategic role of civilian personnel in strengthening India’s defence ecosystem.

The event, attended by top military brass and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), marked a crucial reaffirmation of the vital back-end contributions of AFHQ Civilian Services to India’s national security strategy—both during peacetime and operations like Operation Sindoor.

Civilian Backbone of Military Readiness

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh hailed the AFHQ Civilian Services as a “pillar of modern and integrated national defence,” calling them the institutional memory of the MoD. He noted that while soldiers guard the nation’s borders, it is the administrative and logistical efficiency provided by civilian officials that ensures seamless military operations.

“A war is not fought by the Armed Forces alone—it is fought by the entire nation,” he said. “In today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving security environment, we must act with speed, precision, and foresight. Even the smallest error can have significant consequences.”

Strengthening Operational Support

The Minister acknowledged the crucial behind-the-scenes role AFHQ officials played in the successful execution of Operation Sindoor—an example of how civil-military collaboration is imperative in today’s multidimensional warfare environment.

He lauded the consistency and domain expertise that the AFHQ cadre brings, particularly their role in maintaining policy continuity, institutional knowledge, and administrative cohesion across multiple Service Headquarters and Inter-Service Organisations.

Continuous Training and Value-Based Development

Shri Rajnath Singh placed strong emphasis on capacity-building and training reforms, urging AFHQ personnel to move beyond conventional frameworks. “Training must not be just procedural but should become a continuous developmental cycle,” he said.

He outlined a broader vision for capability development through:

• Skill Upgradation using modern technologies and global best practices

• Ethical Orientation to reinforce a sense of national duty and institutional integrity

• Behavioral Excellence as part of performance standards in public service

• Value-Based Curriculum connecting civil service functions with national security interests

This holistic development approach, he added, would strengthen AFHQ’s identity as a value-driven administrative institution rather than a purely bureaucratic setup.

Launch of CAO Office Website and Publications

As part of the day’s proceedings, the Raksha Mantri launched the redeveloped website of the Office of the Joint Secretary & Chief Administrative Officer (www.caomod.gov.in). The upgraded platform offers:

• Access to key administrative updates including promotions, transfers, and salary-related documents

• Facilities for applying to training courses and workshops under the Defence Headquarters Training Institute

• Enhanced transparency and ease of communication between the administration and employees

In a parallel knowledge-sharing initiative, Shri Singh released:

• ‘Viksit Bharat@2047: Karmikon Ke Vichar’ — a thought-provoking collection of 40 essays by AFHQ employees on topics ranging from AI, digitisation, and defence self-reliance to NEP 2020 and green energy

• ‘Samvad’ Magazine (32nd Issue) — featuring employee-written travelogues, poems, and reflective essays

These publications aim to foster intellectual engagement and creative expression among the civilian workforce, bridging formal service and individual identity.

Recognizing Excellence and Commitment

Awards were also presented to outstanding AFHQ personnel in areas such as sports, and commendation certificates were given to children of employees who excelled academically—reflecting a people-centric approach that acknowledges both professional and personal achievements.

A United Defence Ecosystem

The event was attended by prominent figures in India’s defence leadership, including:

• Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan

• Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi

• Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh

• Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh

• Chairman DRDO Dr. Samir V. Kamat

• Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Dr. Niten Chandra

• Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Dr. Mayank Sharma

Their presence reinforced the high-level commitment to integrating civilian administrative capacities with military decision-making and strategic planning.

About AFHQ Day

Celebrated annually on August 1, AFHQ Civilian Services Day acknowledges the contributions of over 10,000 civilian personnel working across the three Integrated Service Headquarters, Headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), and 24 Inter-Service Organisations. The event aims to foster esprit de corps, mutual respect, and a sense of shared purpose among those who form the administrative backbone of India's defence machinery.

By promoting institutional synergy, ethical governance, and professional excellence, the 84th AFHQ Services Day serves as a beacon for India’s civil-military partnership in navigating an increasingly complex global security landscape.