Defence Minister Highlights Women’s Role in Air, Space and Start‑ups

At the inauguration of Goa’s Hutatma Smriti Memorial, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised Indian women for taking up pilot seats in fighter jets and playing vital roles in defence, aerospace and entrepreneurship. He said the same spirit that drove women to the front lines of the independence struggle now propels them into advanced technology fields.

Singh pointed out that women are commanding positions in the army, navy and air force, contributing to satellite launches, establishing innovative startups and injecting fresh energy into the national economy. Their contributions embody the vision of early freedom fighters who fought for a progressive India.

The minister noted that India is rapidly enhancing its self‑reliant capabilities across a spectrum that includes combat aircraft, warships, missile systems, radars, unmanned aerial vehicles and cutting‑edge defence platforms. The country has transitioned from being a major buyer of weapons to a recognised exporter of defence technology. The Navy safeguards India’s maritime interests from coastal waters to strategic oceanic domains, while the Air Force monitors the nation's airspace.

He called upon citizens to embrace the responsibility entrusted by freedom fighters – to strengthen unity, uphold constitutional values and observe the law. The Goa liberation of 1961, he said, remains a vivid reminder of India’s resolve to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.