As a Civilizational Power, India’s Rise is in the Interest of the Entire WorldIndia Moving from Defence Importer to Trusted Global Defence SupplierNational Uni…

As a Civilizational Power, India’s Rise is in the Interest of the Entire WorldIndia Moving from Defence Importer to Trusted Global Defence SupplierNational Unity is Essential for National Security: Rajnath Singh

“India believes in peace and does not seek to occupy the territory of any country. However, peace should not be mistaken for weakness. We seek global stability, but not at the cost of our strategic autonomy. We are firmly committed to safeguarding our security and strategic autonomy when threatened,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing a Defence Conclave in New Delhi on September 27, 2026

Raksha Mantri underlined that there can be no scope for dialogue with any country that promotes terrorism against India. “Countries that use terrorism as an instrument of state policy or provide shelter and support to terrorists must be firmly reminded that terrorism cannot be a strategic asset for any nation. He asserted that as long as a neighbouring country continues to pursue a policy of supporting terrorism, India remains fully entitled to take all necessary measures against terrorism”, he said, referring to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s remarks at the recent SCO meeting

Emphasising national unity as a key pillar of national security, the Raksha Mantri stated that the security of the country is not solely the responsibility of the armed forces but a collective responsibility of every citizen. He urged citizens to rise above divisions based on religion, caste, creed, language, region and other identities, and to place national interest above personal and narrow interests

Shri Rajnath Singh described India as a civilizational power whose rise is based on inclusive development rather than confrontation or disruption. He outlined three foundations of India’s approach: its long democratic and civilizational traditions, the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, and five strategic pillars—respect, dialogue, prosperity, security and culture

Focusing on the Global South, Raksha Mantri highlighted India’s growing role as a trusted partner and ‘Vishwa Bandhu’. He noted that under Vaccine Maitri, India supplied more than 30 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses to over 100 countries and has supported developing nations through medicines, digital payment solutions, expertise and resources. He also highlighted initiatives such as the Voice of Global South Summits to advance the interests of developing countries. Emphasising responsible use of power, he called for cooperation even amid competition and inclusive participation in global development

Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s significant progress towards self-reliance in defence, noting that the country is developing indigenous capabilities ranging from aircraft and drone engines to fifth- and sixth-generation fighter jets. India’s defence exports have grown from just ₹686 crore in 2013–14 to a record ₹38,424 crore in 2025–26, reaching more than 100 countries. After achieving the ₹30,000-crore export target last year, India has now set a target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029

He emphasised that growing international demand for Indian missiles, radars, ammunition and defence platforms reflects global confidence in India’s technology, quality and delivery capabilities. Consequently, “Made in India” is increasingly emerging not merely as a manufacturing label, but as a symbol of trust in Indian defence capabilities

Raksha Mantri highlighted the significant increase in defence allocation, which has reached ₹7.85 lakh crore in 2026-27, compared to around ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14. He noted that around 75% of the capital acquisition budget, amounting to ₹1.39 lakh crore, has been earmarked for procurement from the domestic defence industry, thereby strengthening indigenous manufacturing and associated MSME supply chains