Defence Minister stresses ground realities, national interest and indigenous technology in India’s security strategy
New Delhi : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stressed the need to maintain a balance between diplomatic engagement and defence preparedness, saying that India’s security policy must be guided by ground realities and national interests.
Addressing a defence-related event in New Delhi, Singh said national security challenges require a holistic approach that goes beyond conventional military preparedness. He argued that diplomacy and military strength should complement each other rather than be treated as alternatives.
Diplomacy and Defence Strength Must Go Together
Singh said military preparedness without diplomacy could contribute to confrontation and create a security dilemma. At the same time, he said relying solely on diplomacy without adequate national strength could be perceived as weakness and could pose risks to national security.
According to the Defence Minister, India is using diplomacy to contribute to global peace while simultaneously strengthening its defence and strategic capabilities to deal with potential security threats.
He highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships, create new platforms for international cooperation and expand its diplomatic outreach through multilateral and regional engagements.
Focus on Indigenous Defence Technology
Singh also highlighted India’s growing emphasis on indigenous defence technologies and technological capabilities.
He pointed to areas such as artificial intelligence-based threat prediction, early-warning systems and faster decision-making as important elements of India’s evolving defence preparedness.
The Defence Minister has also linked defence self-reliance with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, drones, cybersecurity, electronic warfare, space and quantum technologies.
The government has been promoting greater participation of Indian industry, startups and MSMEs in defence research, development and manufacturing as part of its broader push for self-reliance in the sector.
Stronger Strategic Partnerships
Singh said India’s diplomatic engagement has expanded through platforms such as the QUAD, I2U2, BIMSTEC, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
He said these engagements have helped India strengthen strategic partnerships, develop new areas of cooperation and widen its diplomatic reach globally.
Statement on Terrorism and Indus Waters Treaty
Speaking about India’s approach to terrorism, Singh reiterated that the country would not distinguish between terrorists and those who support or sponsor them.
He also referred to India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, saying the decision conveyed the message that “blood and water cannot flow together.” The statement reflects the position Singh has articulated publicly regarding India’s response to terrorism and its security interests.
The Defence Minister has also said that India’s approach to deterrence has evolved, with greater emphasis on the ability to respond decisively to threats.
National Security Beyond Conventional Threats
Singh has emphasised that modern national security involves more than protecting geographical borders. Emerging challenges include drones and unmanned systems, cyberattacks, lone-wolf attacks and disinformation, alongside conventional military threats.
He has also linked national security with economic and energy security, noting that disruptions to economic activity and energy supply chains can have implications for a country’s overall security.
The Defence Minister’s remarks underline the government’s stated approach of combining diplomacy, strategic partnerships, military preparedness and indigenous technological capability as interconnected elements of India’s national security framework.
