NEW DELHI, Sep 24: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Sunday that the Indian government is adopting a comprehensive strategy to enhance the nation’s defence capabilities, moving beyond traditional notions of border security to address a spectrum of modern and evolving threats.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Singh, addressing a defence conclave in New Delhi, articulated that national security is not merely about safeguarding geographical frontiers, a concept he termed the ‘Perimeter Fallacy’. He emphasised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government’s commitment to equipping the military to counter contemporary challenges.
The Defence Minister elaborated on the multifaceted nature of modern threats, which now include sophisticated elements such as drone and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) usage, cyber-attacks, lone-wolf attacks, and disinformation campaigns, in addition to conventional military actions by adversaries. He also highlighted the interconnectedness of national security with economic and energy security, noting that hostile actors could target these domains.
Singh drew a parallel with India’s historical perspective on strength and peace, contrasting it with a post-independence perception that viewed them as mutually exclusive. He asserted that the nation has learned from past conflicts that security policies must be grounded in ground realities and national interests, rather than wishful thinking.
Underlining a shift in strategic thinking, Singh stated that India now possesses both the ‘power of argument’ and the ‘argument of power’. He explained that while diplomacy is pursued to establish global peace, India is simultaneously reinforcing its defence and strategic capabilities to counter any potential threat. He cited events such as the Surgical Strikes, the Balakot air strike, and ‘Operation Sindoor’ as demonstrations of India’s resolve and capability to safeguard its national interests.
The Defence Minister stressed the importance of balancing diplomacy with robust military preparedness. He posited that military strength without diplomacy could lead to confrontation, while diplomacy without adequate capability might be perceived as weakness, both detrimental to national security.
Singh also detailed the government’s efforts towards achieving strategic autonomy and national security through the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative in defence. He mentioned India’s engagement in multilateral platforms like QUAD, I2U2, BIMSTEC, BRICS, and SCO, aimed at strengthening cooperation and expanding diplomatic reach.
Regarding the fight against terrorism, Singh unequivocally stated that terrorism and dialogue cannot coexist. He conveyed that no border will deter India from dismantling terrorist infrastructure and that no distinction will be made between terrorists and their sponsors. He reiterated India’s stance that ‘blood and water cannot flow together’, referencing the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Singh indicated a strategic shift from ‘strategic containment’ and ‘deterrence by denial’ to ‘deterrence by punishment’, asserting that any terror attack originating from Pakistani soil would be considered an ‘Act of War’.
The Defence Minister further emphasised that a robust economy is a cornerstone of a nation’s physical power, providing resources for defence and creating conditions for development. He highlighted India’s economic growth and its position among the top five global economies. Singh outlined significant increases in the defence budget, a surge in defence production, and continuous modernisation of defence forces, alongside the transformation of ordnance factories and profit-making Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
Focusing on technological advancement in warfare, Singh identified ‘Terrain’, ‘Technology’, and ‘Thinking’ as crucial elements. He detailed the development of indigenous UAVs, indigenous missile systems like BrahMos, and advancements in areas such as AI, cyber security, electronic warfare, and quantum technology. The development of indigenous systems like Rustom, Ghatak, and Nagastra UAVs, and the BrahMos missile were cited as examples of India’s growing defence prowess.
Singh underscored the importance of self-reliance in national security, detailing initiatives like ‘Design in India,’ ‘Develop in India,’ and ‘Manufacture in India.’ He noted a substantial increase in defence research and development allocations and the opening up of the R&D budget to industry, start-ups, and academia. Simplification of licensing rules, inclusion of thousands of items in indigenisation lists, and technology transfer agreements were highlighted as measures to boost indigenous defence manufacturing.
To strengthen the domestic defence supply chain, Defence Industrial Corridors have been established, integrating start-ups and MSMEs into the defence innovation ecosystem. Platforms like Srijan Defence Equipment Empowerment Platform aim to connect Indian defence manufacturers, MSMEs, and vendors.
Beyond operational capabilities, Singh addressed the welfare of soldiers and veterans, detailing enhancements in ECHS facilities, the implementation of the SPARSH platform for timely pension disbursement, and the ‘One Rank One Pension’ policy. He also announced a lifetime free train travel facility for soldiers awarded the ‘Sena Medal’ and their families, underscoring the government’s commitment to honouring their service and sacrifice.
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