New Delhi: Given the global environment and realities of Indian neighbourhood, it is clear that past structures cannot be relied upon to deal with future challenges, making reforms more of a strategic reality than a choice, defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday.

Speaking at the Chankya Defence Dialogue, he said reforms at all levels strengthen the adaptability of institutions and enhance the agility of armed forces. The minister has been driving reforms in the past year, including in the defence procurement process, synergy among armed forces and devolution of financial powers.

"When we look at the global environment and the realities of our neighbourhood, one message becomes clear, we cannot rely on past structures to deal with future challenges. The world is changing too fast and the nature of threats is becoming too complex. This is why reforms are not a choice anymore, they are a strategic necessity," the minister said.

He said terrorism, cross-border support to extremists, attempts to alter status quo, maritime pressures and information warfare require constant vigilance.