More than a geographical entity, Rajnath Singh described Gujarat as a “spirit” that consistently shaped India’s direction through its leaders and entrepreneurial community.
Image: IANS
India’s standing in the international community has witnessed a significant transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday, while asserting that New Delhi’s views now receive serious attention on global platforms.
Speaking at the valedictory session of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Vadodara, the Defence Minister noted that the country’s growing international stature reflected broader changes in its economic, technological and strategic capabilities, IANS reported.
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“You yourselves must have experienced that earlier, when India spoke at international forums, its views were not given the seriousness they deserved. But today, when India speaks on international platforms, the entire world listens attentively to what India has to say. This is today’s India,” Rajnath Singh said.
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Crediting Prime Minister Modi with strengthening India’s global position, Singh added, “If the credit for this goes to anyone, it goes to Narendra Modi, who was born in Gujarat, grew up on the soil of Gujarat, was born to a Gujarati mother, and has carried India’s flag proudly across the world.”
More than a geographical entity, Rajnath Singh described Gujarat as a “spirit” that consistently shaped India’s direction through its leaders and entrepreneurial community.
“This land gave birth to Mahatma Gandhi, who showed the world the path of truth and non-violence. It also gave India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man, who united a fragmented nation and laid the foundation of a strong India,” he said.
During the event, he highlighted that the country’s defence exports jumped from around ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to approximately ₹39,000 crore. He has attributed the increase to reforms aimed at expanding domestic manufacturing and encouraging private sector participation.
“There was a time when India depended heavily on other countries to meet its defence requirements, importing much of what it needed. But today, India is rapidly moving forward in the fields of defence manufacturing and exports,” he said.
During the same period, domestic defence production had also increased significantly, he noted.
“If I speak in terms of figures, in 2014 our domestic defence production was approximately ₹46,000 crore. Today, you will be pleased to know that our defence production has increased to ₹1.78 lakh crore,” he added.
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