The North News
New Delhi, November 28
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the country’s growing economic strength, technological capacity and “principled foreign policy” have positioned it as a reliable partner across the Indo-Pacific and the Global South. Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue in New Delhi, he said India was emerging as “a voice of balance and responsibility” in a rapidly changing global environment. He added that New Delhi’s increased global trust was rooted in its long-term reforms and its consistent stand on sovereignty and a rules-based international order.
Rajnath Singh warned that geopolitical uncertainty, terrorism, cross-border extremism, attempts to alter territorial status quo, maritime pressures and information warfare demanded constant vigilance. Reforms, he said, had become “a strategic necessity”, helping the armed forces stay agile and strengthening institutions.
He said that the government was expanding border and maritime infrastructure to bolster security and connectivity, and modernising the military with new platforms, technology and structures. Procurement processes were being overhauled to improve speed and transparency, while domestic defence manufacturing — driven by Aatmanirbharta — was aimed at cutting external dependence and supporting innovation.
He said India was investing heavily in start-ups, deep-tech and R&D to shape “the battlefields of the future”, while ensuring the welfare of soldiers, veterans and their families remained central to policy decisions. Describing resilience as vital to national strength, Rajnath said India’s armed forces were “the strongest pillar” in helping the country absorb shocks and respond quickly to crises. India preferred peace and dialogue, he said, but “will not compromise” on sovereignty and security.
Rajnath Singh added that the military’s role extended beyond defending borders, citing its disaster-response functions, maritime security duties, joint exercises and contributions to peacekeeping missions. Their professionalism, he said, built confidence both within India and among international partners.
He also argued that India’s domestic reforms were contributing to global stability — from supporting economic growth to promoting digital public infrastructure and ethical standards in emerging technologies such as AI, cyber and space.
As part of the event, he also launched a series of digital and green initiatives.
