NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, DEC 17
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday commended the Indian Army for showing unmatched bravery during the Galwan and Tawang incidents.
Raksha Mantri, at a @ficci_india event in New Delhi, praises #IndianArmy for its bravery . Says "Our Armed Forces have shown exemplary courage and bravery in Galwan & Tawang area. The nation is proud of its forces". https://t.co/EAFt8zqhv9 pic.twitter.com/LARv72GY8H
— PRO Shillong, Ministry of Defence (@proshillong) December 17, 2022
Addressing the 95th Annual Convention of Federation of Indian Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in New Delhi, Rajnath Singh asserted that India has no intention to capture the land of other countries, but will always be ready if anyone tries to cast an evil eye. India aims to become a superpower which works for the welfare of the world, he said.
Healthier community living for @IndiaCoastGuard personnel & families in Region NW
Improved #Medical & associated community facilities inaugurated by Mrs Kavita Harbola, Regional #President Tatrakshika NW at ICG stations #okha & #porbandar @PMOIndia @ANI pic.twitter.com/PkwuXYx1Qp
— PRO Defence Gujarat (@DefencePRO_Guj) December 17, 2022
Singh also took an indirect dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for “doubting” the government’s handling of the border row with China.
- Says, we have no intention to capture anyone’s land, but are ready if anyone tries to cast an evil eye
- The world has expectations from India, defence exports have registered seven-fold increase in last six years
- Rajnath Singh urges domestic industry & foreign OEMs to invest more in Indian defence sector to meet global demand
“Any amount of praise is not enough for the armed forces for the way they displayed bravery and valour, be it in Galwan or Tawang,” Singh said. “We have never questioned the intention of any leader in the opposition, we have only debated on the basis of policies. Politics should be based on truth. Politics cannot be done on the basis of falsehood for a long time.
“The process of taking the society towards the right path is called ‘rajniti’ (politics). I do not understand the reason behind doubting anyone’s intention always,” the minister said. Singh said India’s stature has increased significantly on the world stage under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Now, India is working on setting the agenda on the world stage, he said.
Rajnath Singh stated that India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is touching newer heights of success and has entered the category of ‘fabulous five’ from ‘fragile five’, coined by investment firm Morgan Stanley, in 2014. “India is now among the top five economies of the world. It took us 31 years from 1991 to become a $US three trillion economy. I am confident that the next three trillion dollars are going to be added in the next seven years,” he said.
He added that India has now become an agenda setter on the world stage due to the Prime Minister’s credibility and decision making. He said, India’s G-20 presidency is proof of India’s growing stature. “The theme of G-20 is ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ through which an inclusive and decisive road map of development will be decided. Inspired by the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam and world welfare, our Prime Minister has decided to share India’s resolve for economic and human development with countries that have not yet recovered from COVID-19,” he said.
#Highlights of Combined Graduation Parade at #AirForce Academy Dundigal, #Hyderabad on 17 Dec 2022
• Synchronised Riffle drill by Air #Warriors
• Skydiving display by @IAF_MCC Akashganga
• Fly past by Pilatus PC-7
• Aerobatic #display by Su-30 aircraft & Sarang helicopters pic.twitter.com/onSt6XMl0D— PRO Defence Gujarat (@DefencePRO_Guj) December 17, 2022
Rajnath Singh highlighted the procedural and structural reforms made by the Government which has prepared ground for a big leap towards a strong, prosperous & a self-reliant ‘New India”. He made special mention of the creation of a digital financial infrastructure, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfer & Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which have proved to be a boon for the people, especially the poor.
He listed out a number of reforms undertaken by the Ministry of Defence to strengthen the Indian defence sector, including simplifying FDI norms and increasing the limit to 74% under automatic route and 100% under government route. He added that 68% of the capital procurement budget has been earmarked for domestic industry in 2022-23 to promote the participation of the private sector. He exhorted the captains of domestic industry and foreign OEMs to invest in the defence sector and become integrated in the global supply chain.
Rajnath Singh pointed out that the reforms have delivered desired results and defence exports have registered a seven-fold increase in the last six years. He said, all efforts are being made to increase defence production from $US 12 billion to $US 22 billion by 2025.
