India to Be Global Military Leader, Says Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh

18 Apr 2025 CW Team

“The day is not far when India will not only emerge as a developed country, but our military power will also emerge as number one in the world,” he proclaimed, underlining India’s transition from import-dependence to becoming a global player in defence production and exports.

Highlighting the transformative impact of the Make in India initiative, the Minister emphasised its role in building a resilient global defence supply chain. “India’s defence sector is not only moving ahead on the path of self-reliance but is also ready to play an important role in strengthening global supply chains,” he noted.

He stressed that India’s military growth is aimed at maintaining peace and deterrence, not aggression. “Our defence capabilities are a credible deterrence to ensure peace and tranquillity. Peace is only possible when we remain strong,” he said.

Rajnath Singh also addressed the changing nature of warfare, identifying cyber and space domains as emerging battlegrounds, alongside the rising significance of perception and narrative control. To tackle these challenges, the Ministry of Defence has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, with a focus on holistic capacity building and structural transformation.

He cited the corporatisation of the over 200-year-old Ordnance Factories as a landmark reform, now yielding tangible results with profitable operations. The Minister also highlighted the release of five positive indigenisation lists each by the Armed Forces and Defence PSUs. “These include 509 items from the Services and 5,012 items from DPSUs that will now be produced domestically,” he stated.

On the technological front, he hailed India’s growing prowess in areas such as missile systems (Agni, BrahMos), submarines (INS Arihant), aircraft carriers (INS Vikrant), drones, AI, and cyber defence. Though aero engine manufacturing remains a challenge, progress is being made under the Kaveri project with collaborations under discussion with Safran, GE, and Rolls Royce.

Shipbuilding is another area of pride, with over 97% of Indian Navy and Coast Guard warships now being built domestically. Indian-made ships are also being exported to friendly nations including Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Maldives.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today projected a bold and forward-looking vision for India, declaring that the nation is on course to become a developed country and the world’s foremost military power. Speaking at a Defence Conclave in New Delhi, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to indigenisation, technological advancement, and strategic reforms in the defence sector. “The day is not far when India will not only emerge as a developed country, but our military power will also emerge as number one in the world,” he proclaimed, underlining India’s transition from import-dependence to becoming a global player in defence production and exports. Highlighting the transformative impact of the Make in India initiative, the Minister emphasised its role in building a resilient global defence supply chain. “India’s defence sector is not only moving ahead on the path of self-reliance but is also ready to play an important role in strengthening global supply chains,” he noted. He stressed that India’s military growth is aimed at maintaining peace and deterrence, not aggression. “Our defence capabilities are a credible deterrence to ensure peace and tranquillity. Peace is only possible when we remain strong,” he said. Rajnath Singh also addressed the changing nature of warfare, identifying cyber and space domains as emerging battlegrounds, alongside the rising significance of perception and narrative control. To tackle these challenges, the Ministry of Defence has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, with a focus on holistic capacity building and structural transformation. He cited the corporatisation of the over 200-year-old Ordnance Factories as a landmark reform, now yielding tangible results with profitable operations. The Minister also highlighted the release of five positive indigenisation lists each by the Armed Forces and Defence PSUs. “These include 509 items from the Services and 5,012 items from DPSUs that will now be produced domestically,” he stated. On the technological front, he hailed India’s growing prowess in areas such as missile systems (Agni, BrahMos), submarines (INS Arihant), aircraft carriers (INS Vikrant), drones, AI, and cyber defence. Though aero engine manufacturing remains a challenge, progress is being made under the Kaveri project with collaborations under discussion with Safran, GE, and Rolls Royce. Shipbuilding is another area of pride, with over 97% of Indian Navy and Coast Guard warships now being built domestically. Indian-made ships are also being exported to friendly nations including Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Maldives.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..