Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India is advancing towards the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 with a focus on resilience, determination, compassion, innovation, strength, inclusive prosperity and a strong sense of national identity.
Addressing an event in Keralam’s Kochi, Singh said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is pursuing its development journey by drawing inspiration from its centuries-old values, including courage to persevere, protection of citizens, the spirit of service, determination to achieve goals, compassion, strengthening national capabilities, inspiring future generations and ensuring inclusive prosperity and global leadership.
India turned challenges into opportunities
Singh said that before 2014, India faced significant challenges such as corruption and misgovernance, which had weakened the morale of the people. He said India’s progress over the last 12 years has been shaped by its ability to confront adversity with confidence and turn challenges into opportunities.
“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,” he said.
Defence production rises to nearly Rs 1.80 lakh crore
Reiterating the Government’s commitment to protecting and securing citizens from threats, the Defence Minister said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s willingness to cross the border to eliminate those who threaten the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
He also stated that Naxalism had been brought to an end.
Highlighting the Government’s efforts to strengthen indigenous capabilities, Singh said India’s indigenous defence production, which stood at Rs 40,000 crore in 2014, has now reached nearly Rs 1.80 lakh crore.
Defence exports, he added, have increased from nearly Rs 600 crore to around Rs 40,000 crore, with Indian defence equipment now reaching around 100 countries.
Youth described as India’s greatest strength
Singh described the country’s youth as India’s greatest strength and highlighted their contribution to the nation’s technological and economic development.
“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.
He said the Government was also working to improve people’s lives by drawing upon the virtue of compassion, as more than 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty over the past 10 to 12 years.
He said India’s democracy and welfare schemes have made the country a source of inspiration to the world.
Focus on inclusive development
Singh highlighted UPI, describing it as the world’s largest real-time payment system, and said it has been adopted by more than 11 countries.
He also referred to several Government schemes, including PM SHRI, Ayushman Bharat, Lakhpati Didi, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission and Ujjwala Yojana, saying these initiatives have contributed to making development more inclusive.
India’s role in climate action and global initiatives
The Defence Minister said India has emerged as a source of hope for the world by achieving several targets set to combat climate change ahead of schedule.
He also highlighted India’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that the country provided free vaccines to its people and sent more than 300 million vaccines to 100 countries.
Singh said India has emerged as a civilisational leader, pointing to the global observance of International Yoga Day. He also cited India’s leadership through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Development linked with cultural and civilisational heritage
Singh said India’s development journey was not limited to economic growth but also involved strengthening national confidence and moving beyond a colonial mindset.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, India is witnessing what he described as a cultural and civilisational renaissance. He stressed that modernisation should go hand in hand with appreciation of the country’s cultural traditions.
“‘Sarva Dharma Samabhava’ or equal respect for all faiths has always been at the heart of our civilisational ethos. And yet, because of Western secularism, our Dharma was made to appear as communalism, tradition as backwardness, belief as fanaticism, and faith as superstition,” he said.
The Defence Minister emphasised the importance of making the younger generation more aware of India’s history, culture and heritage. He said greater awareness among youth would contribute to stronger national consciousness and help build confidence in India’s place in the world.
He called upon young people to contribute to India’s economic, social and technological transformation, saying that a confident, capable and socially inclusive India can emerge as a developed nation and play a greater role in shaping the future of the world.
Singh highlights role of media in democracy
Speaking about the role of the media, Singh described journalism as the fourth pillar of democracy and an independent and impartial press as one of the strongest instruments for ensuring accountability.
“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.
