Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India’s economic strength, technological advancement and principled foreign policy have positioned the country as a voice of balance and responsibility in the current global environment. He stated that nations across the Indo-Pacific and the Global South increasingly regard India as a reliable partner.
Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue in New Delhi, held on the theme “Reform to Transform – Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat,” the Singh said India is shaping global conversations with confidence rooted in civilisational values and strategic autonomy. He attributed the growing international trust in India to reforms undertaken by the Government and India’s consistent stand in favour of sovereignty of nations and a rules-based world order.
Highlighting the contemporary security landscape, he said that threats including terrorism, cross-border support to extremist elements, attempts to alter the status quo, maritime pressures and information warfare demand constant vigilance and clarity of purpose. He added that reforms have become a strategic necessity to strengthen institutions, enhance the agility of the Armed Forces and reinforce national confidence.
Singh stated that the Government is strengthening border and maritime infrastructure, modernising the Armed Forces with new platforms and technologies, and reforming defence procurement for speed, transparency and accountability. He said Aatmanirbharta is promoting a domestic defence industrial ecosystem to encourage innovation and reduce external dependence, while the welfare of soldiers, veterans and their families remains central to policy decisions.
The Defence Minister said that resilience is as vital as capability, describing the Armed Forces as the strongest pillar of national resilience. He added that India believes in peace and dialogue, but does not compromise on sovereignty and security. He underlined that the role of the Armed Forces goes beyond border defence through disaster relief, safeguarding maritime interests and strengthening global partnerships, calling modernisation an investment in India’s long-term security.
Singh said that India’s rise contributes to global stability, citing India’s economic strength, digital public infrastructure, ethical approach to emerging technologies such as AI, cyber and space, and its commitment to peace, climate responsibility and humanitarian values.
Several digitalisation and green initiatives were launched during the event. These include EKAM: AI as a Service – iDEX ADITI 2.0, an indigenous platform for AI solutions for the Armed Forces; Prakshepan, a military climatology application supporting prediction of landslides, floods and avalanches; AI Handbook for Military Leaders, aimed at strengthening decision-making in the era of AI-enabled warfare; and Digitalisation 3.0 – From Boots to Bytes & Towards AI Readiness, documenting the Army’s transition to technology-driven systems. In addition, the Green Hydrogen Microgrid Project of the NTPC was e-inaugurated for the Indian Army in Chushul, Ladakh, aimed at replacing fossil fuel generator sets and reducing carbon emissions by 1,500 tonnes annually.