Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday underlined the importance of a strong, self-reliant defence sector and enhanced national capabilities in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Addressing an event in Kochi, Singh said India’s development trajectory is being driven by resilience, innovation, national strength, inclusive growth and a strong sense of national identity. He said the country’s ability to withstand global challenges and convert them into opportunities has strengthened its resolve to emerge as a developed and self-reliant nation.
“Over the last 12 years, the world has faced a pandemic such as COVID-19 and witnessed several wars, which have had a profound impact on the global economy. Despite global challenges, we are moving steadily on the path towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation,” Singh said.
Defence indigenisation gains momentum:
Highlighting the expansion of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, the Defence Minister said domestic defence production has increased substantially over the past decade.
According to Singh, indigenous defence production, which stood at around Rs 40,000 crore in 2014, has now risen to nearly Rs 1.80 lakh crore. Defence exports have also grown from approximately Rs 600 crore to around Rs 40,000 crore, with Indian defence equipment now reaching nearly 100 countries.
The figures, he said, reflect the country’s growing focus on strengthening domestic capabilities and reducing dependence on imports while positioning India as a defence manufacturing hub.
The government has been pushing indigenous design, development and production across the defence sector as part of its broader objective of achieving greater strategic autonomy.
Security remains a key pillar:
Singh also highlighted the government’s approach towards protecting India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said the operation demonstrated India’s willingness to act against forces threatening the country’s security.
“Operation Sindoor is proof of India’s willingness to cross the border to eliminate those who threaten the sovereignty and integrity of the country,” Singh said.
He also stated that Naxalism had been brought to an end, while emphasising the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
Youth and technology driving national capability:
The Defence Minister described India’s youth as the country’s “greatest strength”, pointing to their growing contribution to emerging technologies and innovation.
“Our youth are building start-ups, creating unicorns, developing drones, building hydrogen trains, and making rockets and satellites. They are leaving no stone unturned to make India a developed nation,” he said.
Singh said technological advancement and innovation would be central to strengthening India’s economic and strategic capabilities. The growing participation of young Indians in areas such as drones, space technology and advanced engineering, he added, would contribute to the country’s transformation into a technologically capable developed nation.
India’s growing global role:
Singh also highlighted India’s expanding international role, citing the country’s digital public infrastructure, welfare programmes and initiatives in areas such as climate change and renewable energy.
He referred to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as the world’s largest real-time payment system and noted that it has been adopted by more than 11 countries.
He also highlighted initiatives including the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance, saying India is increasingly providing leadership on global issues.
Referring to India’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, Singh said the country provided free vaccines to its citizens and supplied more than 300 million vaccine doses to 100 countries.
Development linked to national confidence:
The Defence Minister said India’s transformation should not be measured only through economic growth but also through stronger national confidence and greater awareness of the country’s civilisational and cultural heritage.
He called for greater awareness among the younger generation about India’s history, culture and heritage, saying that this would contribute to stronger national consciousness and confidence in the country’s role globally.
Singh said modernisation and technological advancement should progress alongside an appreciation of India’s cultural traditions.
Media has a role in national accountability:
Singh also highlighted the role of the media in a democracy, describing journalism as the “fourth pillar of democracy”.
“The role of the media is not merely to report the news. It is also to ask difficult questions, bring the truth before the people, and hold those in power accountable,” he said.
The Defence Minister said an independent and impartial press remains an important instrument for ensuring accountability and strengthening democratic institutions.
Singh called upon India’s youth to contribute to the country’s economic, social and technological transformation, asserting that a confident, capable and inclusive India can emerge as a developed nation and play a larger role in shaping the global future.
With defence indigenisation, technological innovation and national security forming key components of India’s broader development agenda, the Defence Minister’s remarks placed self-reliance in defence and strengthening national capabilities at the centre of the country’s Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.
