NEW DELHI, June 14: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh outlined a robust agenda to strengthen national security and modernise the armed forces after assuming office for a second consecutive term. Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing domestic defence production and increasing defence exports from the current Rs 21,083 crore to Rs 50,000 crore by 2028-29.
Speaking to reporters, Singh assured that the armed forces are being equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and platforms, making them ready to face any challenges. He commended the military personnel for their dedication to protecting the nation’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty, especially amidst ongoing tensions with China in eastern Ladakh.
Singh’s first visit in his second term as Defence Minister will be to the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, reflecting the growing importance of the Indian Ocean Region in India’s defence strategy.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our aim is to further strengthen the country’s security apparatus with a focus on achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing,” Singh stated. He added that the modernization of the armed forces and the welfare of both serving and retired soldiers will remain a priority.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Singh to discuss national security issues. Singh, along with senior BJP leaders Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, and Nirmala Sitharaman, has retained his ministry from the previous government.
Singh highlighted the historic achievement of Rs 21,083 crore in defence exports for the financial year 2023-24, setting a target to export over Rs 50,000 crore worth of defence equipment by 2028-2029.
To enhance defence preparedness and promote self-reliance, Singh will conduct regular review meetings to fast-track the implementation of flagship schemes and initiatives. Singh was welcomed at his office by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, and DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat.
Immediately after assuming charge, Singh chaired a meeting focused on the welfare of veterans and discussed key issues pertaining to the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare. He urged officers to fulfill the agenda laid out in the Action Plan.
“I reassumed charge of the Ministry of Defence today. The MoD shall continue working towards self-reliance in Defence. Our Armed Forces have been doing commendable work in maintaining India’s external security,” Singh said on X.
“Under the inspiring leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi, the MoD will further strengthen domestic defence manufacturing and boost exports to unprecedented highs,” he added.
The Defence Ministry, under Singh’s leadership, aims to advance towards making India a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, with a focus on self-reliance, armed forces modernization, innovation in cutting-edge technology, strengthening border infrastructure, and ensuring ex-servicemen welfare
