India’s defence capabilities have surged to unprecedented heights under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, asserted Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during a Defence Summit organized by a private media organization.
Speaking at the event in New Delhi, Singh highlighted the government’s steadfast commitment to fortifying India’s defence infrastructure with a profound sense of Indianness, marking a departure from previous administrations’ approach.
Singh underscored the pivotal role of ‘perspective’ in distinguishing the current government’s vision from its predecessors. While previous regimes harbored doubts about the potential of the Indian populace, the present administration is resolutely confident in the capabilities of the nation’s people, he stated.
Central to this transformative vision is the promotion of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing, which Singh hailed as the cornerstone of India’s defence sector evolution.
He outlined a series of reformative measures undertaken by the Ministry of Defence to bolster indigenous production, including the establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, positive indigenization lists, and reserving 75% of the capital procurement budget for domestic industries.
Other initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), iDEX Prime, Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI), and the Technology Development Fund (TDF) have further fueled India’s march towards self-sufficiency in defence production.
Singh celebrated the remarkable surge in defence production and exports, citing a significant increase from Rs 40,000 crore to a record Rs 1.10 lakh crore annually. Furthermore, defence exports have skyrocketed from a modest Rs 1,000 crore a decade ago to a staggering Rs 16,000 crore today, with a target set to achieve Rs 50,000 crore by 2028-29.
The Raksha Mantri emphasized that the government’s unwavering commitment has infused a new vigour into the country’s defence apparatus, aligning with the aspirations of the Indian populace.
This rejuvenation, he noted, has propelled India onto the global stage as a formidable and self-reliant military power. Singh lauded the indomitable spirit of India’s armed forces, equipped and prepared under robust leadership to defend the nation against any threat.
Furthermore, Singh highlighted the government’s unwavering support for the private sector and its faith in the innovative potential of India’s youth. He pledged to bolster youth-led initiatives, affirming that for every step forward taken by the nation’s youth, the government would take a hundred strides in support.
In his address, Singh emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of innovation over imitation in technology development, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of shedding the ‘mindset of slavery.’ Singh underscored the government’s commitment to reclaiming India’s rich heritage and instilling national pride among its citizens.
Singh concluded by reiterating the government’s dedication to modernizing the armed forces and honoring the sacrifices of serving and retired personnel. Initiatives such as the National War Memorial and the One Rank One Pension scheme stand as testaments to the government’s unwavering commitment to those who safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.
In essence, Singh’s address encapsulated the government’s unwavering resolve to fortify India’s defence capabilities, rooted in a deep-seated sense of national pride and determination to chart a course towards self-reliance and prosperity.
