President of India Droupadi Murmu met with faculty and course members of the 66th National Defence College Course at Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 13, 2026. During the meeting, the President discussed the rapidly changing security and technological landscapes that are bringing new and complex challenges, emphasizing the need for greater preparedness, strategic foresight, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. She noted that modern warfare techniques have expanded into cyber security, space technology, and biotechnology beyond traditional domains, making fast decision-making mechanisms more important.
The President stated that national security now extends beyond military capabilities and requires close cooperation between scientific institutions and the armed forces to translate innovation into practical solutions. She highlighted that recent conflicts have demonstrated the importance of cost-effective technologies that complement advanced defence systems and optimize resource utilization. Government initiatives such as the Research, Development and Innovation Scheme were mentioned as important for strengthening the link between innovation and national security.
Regarding artificial intelligence, the President noted its increasing use in various domains of science, national security, and economic activities, but emphasized that decision-making cannot be exclusively outsourced to this technology, requiring a balanced approach. She also underlined that economic resilience is an integral part of the national security framework, noting that the Indian economy has demonstrated capabilities to absorb disruptions created by external factors without compromising strategic freedom of action.