Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has described the current border situation with China as a perceptional difference but emphasized that there are existing protocols and agreements between the two countries for patrolling purposes. Referring to the East Ladakh standoff last year, Singh stated that the Chinese Army failed to adhere to these protocols and tried to change the status quo along the LAC. The Defence Minister praised the heroic efforts of the Indian Army in thwarting any potential change to the status quo. Singh reiterated the government’s stance on peacefully resolving the border issue through communication, and he assured the citizens that India would not compromise on its border, honour and self-respect.
Singh spoke about the measures which had been taken by the government to strengthen national security, one of which was strengthening border infrastructure and achieving self-reliance in defence. He said that achieving self-reliance was a key priority, highlighting that the country’s national security would strengthen when it became self-sufficient in defence manufacturing. Singh declared, Our aim is to ‘Make in India, Make for the world.
Singh reiterated the importance of coordination between India and major world powers, such as the US and Russia, to protect India’s security interests in a globalized world. The Defence Minister stated that India and the US are seen as natural allies, and the strategic partnership between the two countries is being further cemented. Singh further spoke about India-US defence cooperation, stating that it has grown rapidly with the expansion of military-to-military engagements, mutual logistics support and information sharing.
The Defence Minister concluded by rejecting speculative reports on the price and other terms of purchase for MQ-9B drones from the US. Singh insisted that the Ministry of Defence would compare the acquisition cost of the drones with the best price General Atomics (GA) offered to other countries and that procurement would follow established procedures. He further elaborated on the General Electric (GE) Aerospace-Hindustan Aeronautics Limited deal to co-produce F-414 fighter jet engines in India, stating that it marked the country’s efforts to become self-sufficient in defence production.
Overall, the speech given by Rajnath Singh emphasized India’s efforts towards becoming self-reliant in defence production and its commitment towards peaceful resolution of border disputes. Singh reflected on the country’s relationships with major powers, including the United States, and the importance of these relationships for protecting Indian security interests in a globalized economy.
