Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 17: India is fast becoming a global powerhouse in defence, standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s most advanced nations, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared on Thursday. Speaking at a key event, Singh highlighted India’s rapid strides in critical areas such as missile systems (Agni, BrahMos), nuclear submarines (INS Arihant), aircraft carriers (INS Vikrant), and cutting-edge domains like AI, drones, and cyber defence.
Laying out a vision of a self-reliant and strategically autonomous India, Singh said, “With a firm commitment to indigenisation and innovation, we are not just protecting our borders — we are emerging as a crucial player in the global defence ecosystem.”
He emphasized that India is not far from becoming both a developed nation and a leading military power. “Our armed forces will soon be counted among the strongest in the world,” he stated confidently.
Underlining the transformational approach of the current government, Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for placing defence revival at the heart of national priorities. One of the key shifts, he said, was changing the long-standing mindset of dependency on defence imports.
“Rather than rely on foreign suppliers, we’re building a robust domestic defence industrial complex — one that serves national interests and drives export potential,” Singh said.
He noted that India’s "Make in India" initiative is powering a new era in defence manufacturing, making the country’s defence sector both resilient and export-ready. This transformation, he said, is not only vital for India’s strategic autonomy but also helps stabilize global supply chains amidst increasing international volatility.
Crucially, Singh made it clear that India's growing defence strength is not aimed at aggression. “Our military capability is a shield, not a sword. It’s a credible deterrent — essential for ensuring peace,” he asserted.
India's new defence posture, he concluded, is built not just on power, but on the principle of peace through strength — signalling the nation’s arrival on the world stage as a confident, future-ready force.