Warning that India operates in a neighbourhood where threats range from terrorism and cross-border extremism to maritime pressure and information warfare, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said such complex challenges demand constant vigilance and absolute clarity of purpose.
Singh was addressing the gathering at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025. Based on the theme “Reform to Transform: Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat,” the two-day dialogue is being organised by the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS). The event concluded in the national capital today.
“India lives in a region where challenges emerge in many forms – terrorism, cross-border support to extremist elements, attempts to alter the status quo, maritime pressures and even information warfare. These are complex situations that require constant vigilance and clarity of purpose,” he said.
Stating that India has always believed in peace and dialogue, and remains committed to that approach, Singh, however, said that when it comes to our sovereignty and the security of our people, we do not compromise.
“Our Armed Forces have shown again and again that they are capable and ready. It is this blend of restraint and firmness that allows us to manage our neighbourhood challenges, while contributing to regional stability,” he added.
India’s rise as a voice of balance and responsibility in an increasingly turbulent global landscape was also highlighted Singh as he asserted that Indo-Pacific and Global South nations now view New Delhi as a trusted and reliable partner.
“India’s economic growth, technological capabilities and principled foreign policy have made it a voice of balance and responsibility in the changing global environment, with countries across the Indo-Pacific and the Global South viewing us as a reliable partner.”
He asserted that India is shaping global discussions of today with a sense of responsibility, strategic autonomy and confidence rooted in civilisational values, and the global trust it has earned is due to the path-breaking reforms, and its consistent stand for respect of sovereignty of nations and rules-based order.
Stating that given the present geopolitical uncertainty and challenges, reforms are becoming a strategic necessity more than a choice, the defence minister said, “Reforms strengthen the adaptability of institutions, enhance the agility of the Armed Forces, and give the nation the confidence to shape its own destiny.”
“We are strengthening border and maritime infrastructure to support security & connectivity. We are modernising our forces through new platforms, technologies, and structures. We are reforming procurement processes to ensure speed, transparency and accountability.
Through Aatmanirbharta, we are building a defence industrial ecosystem that encourages innovation, supports industry, and reduces external dependencies. We are investing in start-ups, deep-tech capabilities, and R&D that will shape the battlefields of the future. We are ensuring that the interests and welfare of our soldiers, veterans and their families remain central to our decision-making,” stated the defence minister.
Advocating that resilience is as important as capability, the defence minister stated that a resilient India can absorb shocks, adapt quickly, and continue moving forward irrespective of the circumstances.
“Our Armed Forces bring stability where it is needed most. They support civil authorities in times of disaster. They safeguard our maritime interests. They strengthen our international partnerships through joint exercises and peacekeeping. Their professionalism builds confidence – not only within India, but also among our friends around the world. That’s why reform and modernisation in the Armed Forces are not just administrative tasks; they are investments in India’s long-term future,” he said.