News Analysis India

Tag: Rajnath Singh

  • Unhindered maritime access one of India’s primary requirements for development: Rajnath Singh

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India’s prosperity is largely linked to its seas and unhindered maritime access is one of the country’s primary requirements as it continues its march on the path of development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday.

    “We have had a close relationship with seas for a very long time…Our trade, economy, festivals and culture are closely linked with seas to a large extent. However, we have faced a significant number of challenges linked to the seas,” he said during his speech at the Investiture Ceremony of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

    The minister said that these challenges have taught us that without ensuring maritime security, it is not possible to create a comprehensive internal and external security framework. “Our security requirements, environmental health and economic development are ensured by keeping India’s maritime zones safe, secure and pollution-free. I am really happy to say that the ICG is addressing all these challenges successfully,” he noted.

    He said that India is very quickly moving on the path of development and unhindered maritime access is one of its primary requirements. “Our prosperity is largely linked to our seas since we are an arriving maritime power. That is why security and development of not just ourselves but of countries in the entire region is our primary aim,” Singh mentioned.

    According to the vision of the Indian government, the ICG has been at the forefront in promoting regional cooperation, maintaining peace in the Indian Ocean region, and working with international maritime agencies, he stated.

    “I am really happy to say that the ICG’s gallant acts to ensure the maritime security has not only affected our region but our neighbourhood too. Each of your successful missions show your efficiency and your effective response,” Singh added.

    Whether it is the accident involving very large crude carrier New Diamond or container ship X-Press Pearl, the ICG has made a major contribution by firefighting and pollution control response by running Operation Sagar Aaraksha 1 and 2, he said. “Had you (ICG) not taken timely action, it would caused massive destruction in the Indian Ocean Region,” he said.

    “The country has received international recognition after the ICG conducted these brave operations. Moreover, the country’s position as responsible and capable maritime power has also been strengthened because of it,” he added.

    In September last year, the ICG had sent its ships and aircraft to conduct firefighting mission and search and rescue mission at New Diamond, which had caught fire around 37 nautical miles off the south-eastern Sri Lankan coast.

    In May this year, the ICG deployed its ships and aircraft after a major fire broke out on board merchant vessel X-Press Pearl near the coast of Sri Lankan capital Colombo.

  • No one on earth can dare to doubt the patriotism of Muslims in Lakshadweep: Rajnath Singh

    By Express News Service

    KOCHI: “No one on earth can dare to doubt the patriotism of the Muslim people in Lakshadweep. No one can put a question mark on the patriotism of the people of Lakshadweep,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said.

    The Defence Minister was speaking after unveiling the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at a three-day mega fest organized by the Lakshadweep Administration in connection with the 152nd Gandhi Jayanti which culminated on Saturday. Rajnath Singh was the chief guest for the festival.

    The Defence Minister during his speech also shared the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that although the islands of Lakshadweep are thousands of kilometers away from Delhi, the people living at Lakshadweep are not far from the hearts of the Central Government.

    Rajnath Singh also underlined the significance of cleanliness as envisaged by Mahatma and inspired the people of Lakshadweep for a behavioral change so as to ensure that the maritime ecosystem is kept clean. He also spoke on the issue of climate change and how global warming and the resulting rise in ocean levels pose a threat to the existence of Lakshadweep. The Defence Minister also congratulated the Lakshadweep Administration for the developmental works undertaken, especially in the social sector and infrastructural developments under the leadership of Praful Patel.

    Function and cultural programs at Mahatma Gandhi Stage was attended by more than six thousand people.

    The Defence Minister, who arrived at Agatti via Defence Aircraft, was accorded a warm welcome with the traditional dance of Lakshadweep and more than two thousand people had gathered at Agatti Airport for the Defence Minister’s arrival.

    Rajnath Singh who arrived at Kavaratti on Saturday was received with the formal guard of honor followed by an overwhelming welcome by more than four thousand people who were gathered on both the stretches on a 6 km road leading from Helibase to Lakshadweep House.

    As part of the national festival and in a historic milestone, the Statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled and dedicated to the nation by the Defence Minister.

    Member of Parliament of Lakshadweep Constituency, PP Mohammad Faizal and the Chairman of the Village Dweep Panchayat were also present during the Lokarpan ceremony.

    Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Patel greeted the gathering in Malayalam amidst a huge round of applause from the public and shared the ideals of Bapu and the relevance of Gandhiji in the present times especially in making the Atmanirbhar Bharat. Patel also briefed the people about the various initiatives of the Lakshadweep Administration in fields of clean energy, health, education, tourism, poverty alleviation and others.

    During the state function, while listing various initiatives taken up by the Administration such as the development of four new hospitals, expansion of Agatti airport, construction of new Government Senior Secondary School at Kavaratti, and others, the Administrator also shared the commitment of the Administration in removing illegal encroachment on government land by few people having vested interests so that the Administration may plan for a housing scheme for the landless residents and for those who are not having proper houses.

    The state function also became the platform for the inauguration of Government Nursing College, Kavaratti, Paramedical College, Kavaratti, Polytechnic College, Minicoy, the fourth PSA Oxygen Plant in Lakshadweep at CHC, Androth, distribution of agricultural implements to farmers, and for laying of the foundation stones for the landing stations of KLI Optical Fiber Connectivity Project of the Central Government worth Rs 1,073 crore in four islands. 

  • None can doubt patriotism of Muslim populace in Lakshadweep: Rajnath Singh

    By PTI

    KAVARATTI: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that no one in the world can dare to question or doubt the patriotism of the Muslim populace in Lakshadweep or even the other inhabitants of the islands as they have thwarted attempts of anti-India forces to brew trouble or instigate the people there against the country.

    “No one on Earth can dare to doubt the patriotism of the Muslim people in Lakshadweep. No one can put a question mark on the patriotism of the people of Lakshadweep,” Singh said during his speech on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

    He was addressing the people after unveiling a statue of Gandhi.

  • Rajnath Singh urges private sector defence industry to invest in research and development

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday urged private sector defence companies to invest in research and development, particularly in technologies relating to cyberspace.

    In an address at the annual session of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, he said the rapid changes in global security scenario are expected to increase demand for military equipment and the Indian industry must focus on boosting production.

    Singh said the Indian defence industry should take advantage of the policy reforms initiated by the government in the last few years to boost domestic defence manufacturing.

    “You are all aware that the global situation is changing very rapidly. There is no region in the world today that has not been affected by these changes,” he said.

    “Its impact can be seen on trade, economy, communication, political equation and military power,” Singh said, adding these changes are set to spur demand for military equipment.

    In this context, he urged the private sector to invest in research and development with a special focus on cyberspace.

    “We are providing a suitable growth environment to the private sector. Accordingly, we have opened up opportunities to build fighter jets, helicopters, submarines and tanks in India through the strategic partnership model,” Singh said.

    The government has initiated a series of measures in the last couple of years to encourage the domestic defense industry.

    In August last year, Singh announced that India will stop the import of 101 weapons and military platforms like transport aircraft, light combat helicopters, conventional submarines, cruise missiles and sonar systems by 2024.

    A second negative list, putting import restrictions on 108 military weapons and systems such as next-generation corvettes, airborne early warning systems, tank engines and radars, was issued recently.

    In May last year, the government announced increasing the FDI limit from 49 percent to 74 percent under the automatic route in the defence sector.

    The government has been focusing on reducing dependence on imported military platforms and has decided to support domestic defence manufacturing.

    The defence ministry has set a goal of a turnover of USD 25 billion (Rs 1.75 lakh crore) in defence manufacturing by 2025 that included an export target of USD 5 billion (Rs 35,000 crore) worth of military hardware.

  • Events in Afghanistan raise questions about use of terrorism to change State structure: Rajnath Singh

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The developments in Afghanistan raised questions about role of power politics and the use of terrorism as a tool to change State structures and behaviour, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday.

    In an address at the National Defence College, Singh also said that there has been growing realisation of India’s concerns over Pakistan’s support to radical and terror groups.

    In a veiled reference to Pakistan, he said the turmoil caused in the region has been brought about by “aggressive designs” and the active support to non-State players by irresponsible States.

    ​ALSO READ | India, US condemn cross-border terrorism; call for perpetrators of 26/11 attacks to be brought to justice

    “Today, the world is witness to the destabilising effects of terror and the especially dangerous precedence of violent radical forces attempting to gain legitimacy by creating new normals,” he said.

    The defence minister said that there is a widespread realisation amongst all responsible nations over the need to come together against the common challenges.

    “The recent events in Afghanistan have reinforced the reality of our times. The only certainty about evolving geopolitics is its uncertainty. Changes in State boundaries may not be as frequent today,” he said.

    “However, the fast-transforming structure of States and the influence that external powers can have on it is clearly evident,” he said “These events raise questions regarding the very role of power politics and the use of terrorism as a tool to change State structures and behaviour,” Singh added.

  • Rajnath talks Afghanistan, Defence with US Secretary

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajanth Singh and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin had a telephonic conversation on Monday ahead of the scheduled US visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the first in-person summit of the Quad state heads on September 24.

    Singh and his US counterpart discussed a range of bilateral issues and the prevailing situation in Afghanistan. “We’ve agreed to continue the useful dialogue. We look forward to strengthening the partnership further,” Singh later tweeted.

    It was their first conversation after the Taliban seized Afghanistan on August 15. India has been inviting the US defence firms to invest in the country while asserting that there is a lot of scope for the American and Indian defence equipment manufacturers for co-production and co-development.

    Speaking during the inaugural address at the 18th India-US Economic Summit, the defence minister stated that the initiatives taken by the government had transformed India into a strong and reliable investment destination. 

  • Water from 115 countries to be offered at Ayodhya, Rajnath says it replicates message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that procuring water from 115 countries of seven continents for offering in the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is an “innovative thinking” and it replicates the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

    Water from rivers, streams and oceans from these 115 countries was received by Singh at his residence at Akbar Road in presence of Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra general secretary Champat Rai and ambassadors and high commissioners from several countries including Denmark, Fiji and Nigeria.

    The water was procured by NGO Delhi Study Circle, which is led by BJP leader and former Delhi MLA Vijay Jolly.

    Lauding this effort, Singh said, “Procuring water from all the countries of the world replicates the thinking of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam of India. Bringing water from 115 countries is an excellent work. I hope water from remaining 77 countries would also be procured by the time construction of the temple is  completed. We will do ‘Jalabhishek’ of our Ram Lala from that water.” He further said that construction of Ram Temple is a moment of pride for everybody.

    “Indian culture is very rich and there is no discrimination on the basis of cast, creed and religion in India,” he asserted. Addressing the gathering, Rai said procuring water from across the world it is a historic moment.

    “In Ayodhya, there is a place called ‘Saptasagar’. It is believed that water from all oceans of the world was brought during the coronation of Lord Ram in Treta Yuga. And now when his temple is being made at his birthplace, water from all the oceans of the world has again been brought. It is a sentimental issue for me,” he said.

    Rai also said that the first phase of the foundation of the Ram Temple has been completed. Jolly said that during the Covid pandemic, when people could not step out of their homes, his organisation procured water from 115 nations across the world.

    ‘Not just Hindus but also Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jews and Buddhists of the world have contributed to this noble cause. People from all religions in different countries helped us in procuring water from their counties,” he said, adding the water has been put in 115 small pots mentioning their respective countries.

  • Trust between government and industry increased following scrapping of retrospective taxation: Rajnath Singh

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The trust between the government and the industry has increased following the scrapping of the retrospective taxation regime, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday.

    In a virtual address at the Indo-US Economic Summit organised by a leading industry chamber, Singh listed a range of measures initiated by the NDA government to boost economic growth and said the global investors are now receiving “red carpet” welcome in India instead of “red-tapism”.

    “We have formulated progressive and investor-friendly tax policies. We have said ‘Good Bye’ to retrospective taxation.

    “The trust between the government and the industry has increased following the scrapping of the retrospective taxation. By doing this, we have rectified the mistake of the earlier government (UPA),” Singh said.

    He said the government is preparing for ‘dynamic growth’ in this entire decade and noted that there is a lot of scope for American and Indian defence firms to go for co-production and co-development of military equipment.

    “The coronavirus pandemic has brought newer challenges in terms of disruption to supply chains, a downturn in industrial activities, negative growth in travel and tourism industry and there is no doubt that the Indo-US cooperation will go a long way to restore normalcy and further boost economic dynamism,” Singh said.

    A number of top executives of leading American defence companies participated in the summit organised by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce.

  • India, Australia decide to expand military engagements at 2+2 talks

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India and Australia on Saturday decided to expand military engagements across services and facilitate greater sharing of critical information in line with their resolve to significantly expand strategic ties.

    At their inaugural ‘two-plus-two’ foreign and defence ministerial dialogue, the two countries discussed various institutional frameworks for wide-ranging collaboration including to boost defence cooperation.

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the in-person talks with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton.

    Singh said Australia was invited to engage India’s growing defence industry and to collaborate in the co-production and co-development of military equipment.

    “The 2+2 dialogue signifies the importance of the India-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership. India and Australia share an important partnership which is based on a shared vision of free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” Singh said at a press conference with the ministers.

    He said two leading democracies India and Australia have a common interest in the peace and prosperity of the entire region.

    “We have discussed various institutional frameworks for wide-ranging collaboration including defence cooperation and fight against the global pandemic.

    We exchanged views on Afghanistan, maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, cooperation in multilateral formats and other related topics,” Singh said.

    “During the discussions, both sides emphasised the need to ensure free flow of trade, adherence to international rules and norms and sustainable economic growth in the entire region,” he said.

    Referring to bilateral defence ties, Singh said it was decided to expand military engagements across services.

    “On the bilateral defence cooperation we decided to expand military engagements across services, facilitate greater defence information sharing and to work closely for mutual logistic support,” he said.

    “In the context of defence cooperation, both sides were glad to note continued participation of Australia in the Malabar exercises. We invited Australia to engage India’s growing defence industry and to collaborate in co-production and co-development of defence equipment,” he said.

    The defence minister said both sides agreed to continue the high-level engagements to build a strong and robust partnership. In his comments, Dutton described the talks as “incredibly productive”.

    “Australia and India’s defence relationship is at a historic high. India is a rising Indo-Pacific great power and an increasingly significant partner for Australia, particularly in the maritime domain,” the Australian defence minister said.

    “We both depend on free and open access to sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific for our trade and economic well-being and we share an unwavering commitment to upholding the rules-based international order and ensuring that Indo-Pacific is open inclusive and prosperous,” he said.

    The dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers was instituted as part of an overall goal to expand strategic cooperation between the two countries. India has such a framework for talks with a very few countries including the US and Japan.

    The defence and military cooperation between India and Australia is on an upswing in the last few years.

    In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.

    The Australian Navy was part of the recent Malabar naval exercise that also featured navies of India, the US and Japan.

  • India, Australia hold inaugural ‘2+2’ talks to strengthen defence, strategic cooperation

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India and Australia on Saturday began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China’s increasing military assertiveness in the region.

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the inaugural ‘two-plus-two’ talks here with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton.

    The in-person talks are taking place at a time the global focus has been on the situation in Afghanistan and the issue is likely to figure in the deliberations.

    While Singh held wide-ranging discussions with Australian defence minister Dutton on Friday, Jaishankar met foreign minister Payne ahead of the ‘two-plus-two’ dialogue.

    Had a very fruitful discussion with the Defence Minister of Australia, Mr Peter Dutton on the bilateral defence cooperation as well as regional issues.Both of us are keen to work jointly to realize the full potential of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. pic.twitter.com/IDuYWuPObV
    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 10, 2021
    In their talks, the two defence ministers discussed the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and their “common concerns” relating to the possible spread of terrorism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

    The foreign and defence ministerial talks are taking place amid renewed efforts by the Quad member countries to expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

    Besides India and Australia, the Quad comprises the US and Japan.

    In an address at an event organised by the Observer Research Organisation, Payne on Friday said the Quad has evolved “swiftly” and very “effectively” and commended India for taking a strong leadership role in the region.

    Talking about “significant challenges” facing the Indo-Pacific, the Australian foreign minister said Canberra seeks a region where rights of large and small countries are respected and that no “single dominant power” dictates the outcome for others.

    Delighted to welcome my good friend FM @MarisePayne of Australia.We now start our discussions. pic.twitter.com/jhI6mwhybM
    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 11, 2021
    The dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers was instituted as part of an overall goal to expand strategic cooperation between the two countries.

    India has such a framework for talks with a very few countries including the US and Japan. The defence and military cooperation between India and Australia is on an upswing in the last few years.

    In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.

    The Australian Navy was part of the recent Malabar naval exercise that also featured navies of India, the US and Japan.