The November month saw heightened focus on 2025’s “Year of Reforms,” with announcements emphasising self-reliance (Atmanirbharta), AI integration, and theatre commands. Operation Sindoor (a 2025 counter-terror op against Pakistan post-Pahalgam attack) was frequently cited as a “proof of concept” for reforms. Speculations centre on accelerated tech acquisitions to bridge capability gaps, while whispers in defence circles point to potential delays in fifth-gen fighters but optimism on indigenous drones/submarines.