In the face of escalating global tensions and regional conflicts, India is embarking on a significant journey towards defence self-reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said. He articulated this vision during a recent address at the NDTV Defence Summit, emphasising that dependence on foreign supplies is no longer a viable option for the nation’s security.
Singh's remarks come at a time when the geopolitical landscape is marred by trade wars and protectionist measures, predominantly from developed nations.
While he refrained from specifically naming the US, his comments underscored the challenges posed by international relations.
"India seeks no enemies but will not compromise its interests," he said, reinforcing the government's commitment to prioritising the welfare of its citizens, including farmers and small businesses.
At the heart of this strategic shift is the proposed Sudarshan Chakra air defence system, which aims to provide comprehensive aerial security for critical installations over the next decade. This ambitious initiative will encompass both defensive and offensive capabilities, preparing India to effectively counter any potential threats, he said.
Singh described the project as a "game-changing" endeavour that reflects the country's growing defence capabilities, news agency PTI reported.
An essential component of this strategy is the development of a powerful indigenous aero-engine. Singh announced that preparations for this critical project are nearing completion, with tangible results expected soon.
Singh highlighted the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) recent achievements, including the successful testing of an integrated air defence weapon system, capable of hitting multiple targets simultaneously.
The defence minister's emphasis on self-reliance is not merely about reducing dependency on foreign technology; it is about asserting India's sovereignty in an uncertain global environment. "This is not protectionism. It is about sovereignty," he clarified, asserting that a robust domestic defence industry is crucial for the nation's resilience against external pressures.
Singh also reflected on India's historical military successes, particularly referencing Operation Sindoor. He noted that while the operation may seem like a brief conflict, it was the culmination of years of strategic preparation and indigenous capability development. This operation exemplified how reliance on homegrown technology can yield decisive outcomes in modern warfare.
The shifting geopolitical dynamics further reinforce the need for self-sufficiency in defence. Singh argued that the current climate necessitates a departure from external dependency, asserting that self-reliance is essential for both economic stability and national security. He framed the defence sector not just as a means of safeguarding borders but as a crucial pillar for economic growth.
India's transformation from a defence importer to a burgeoning exporter is notable. Defence exports have surged from a modest Rs 700 crore in 2014 to a projected Rs 24,000 crore by 2025. Singh attributed this growth to the collaborative efforts of public sector units, private industries, start-ups, and entrepreneurs. He stressed that the defence sector has evolved into a significant economic driver, contributing to job creation, innovation, and overall industrial development.
Singh's remarks come at a time when the geopolitical landscape is marred by trade wars and protectionist measures, predominantly from developed nations.
While he refrained from specifically naming the US, his comments underscored the challenges posed by international relations.
"India seeks no enemies but will not compromise its interests," he said, reinforcing the government's commitment to prioritising the welfare of its citizens, including farmers and small businesses.
At the heart of this strategic shift is the proposed Sudarshan Chakra air defence system, which aims to provide comprehensive aerial security for critical installations over the next decade. This ambitious initiative will encompass both defensive and offensive capabilities, preparing India to effectively counter any potential threats, he said.
Singh described the project as a "game-changing" endeavour that reflects the country's growing defence capabilities, news agency PTI reported.
An essential component of this strategy is the development of a powerful indigenous aero-engine. Singh announced that preparations for this critical project are nearing completion, with tangible results expected soon.
Singh highlighted the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) recent achievements, including the successful testing of an integrated air defence weapon system, capable of hitting multiple targets simultaneously.
The defence minister's emphasis on self-reliance is not merely about reducing dependency on foreign technology; it is about asserting India's sovereignty in an uncertain global environment. "This is not protectionism. It is about sovereignty," he clarified, asserting that a robust domestic defence industry is crucial for the nation's resilience against external pressures.
Singh also reflected on India's historical military successes, particularly referencing Operation Sindoor. He noted that while the operation may seem like a brief conflict, it was the culmination of years of strategic preparation and indigenous capability development. This operation exemplified how reliance on homegrown technology can yield decisive outcomes in modern warfare.
The shifting geopolitical dynamics further reinforce the need for self-sufficiency in defence. Singh argued that the current climate necessitates a departure from external dependency, asserting that self-reliance is essential for both economic stability and national security. He framed the defence sector not just as a means of safeguarding borders but as a crucial pillar for economic growth.
India's transformation from a defence importer to a burgeoning exporter is notable. Defence exports have surged from a modest Rs 700 crore in 2014 to a projected Rs 24,000 crore by 2025. Singh attributed this growth to the collaborative efforts of public sector units, private industries, start-ups, and entrepreneurs. He stressed that the defence sector has evolved into a significant economic driver, contributing to job creation, innovation, and overall industrial development.
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