News Analysis India

Tag: Rajnath Singh

  • India, France discuss ways to deepen collaboration between defence industries during Rajnath visit

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted the Fifth Annual Defence Dialogue with French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu in Paris late on Thursday, before concluding his two-nation Europe tour to Italy and France.

    The two ministers discussed a wide range of topics from the assessment of regional situations to the ongoing military-to-military engagements, with a focus on enhancing defence industrial cooperation.

    The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a statement said, “The Ministers reviewed the ongoing defence projects and discussed ways to deepen the collaboration between the defence industries of both the countries. They also discussed potential collaboration in niche domains such as space, cyber and Artificial Intelligence.” The meeting was preceded by a Guard of Honour at the French Ministry of Defence.”

    ALSO READ | India, Italy sign agreement to boost defence cooperation during Rajnath’s visit to Rome

    Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh visited the Safran Engine Division’s R&D Centre at Gennevilliers near Paris and witnessed the latest developments in aero-engine technology. He also met with the CEOs of the top French defence companies with a focus on their plans for collaboration with India. Rajnath Singh highlighted the advantages of co-development and co-production in India, including possibilities of exports to third countries. He underlined the inherent advantages of the Indian market such as a large, skilled HR base, world-class infrastructure and a strong legal architecture. Following his arrival in Paris on Tuesday, the Defence Minister interacted with the Indian community there.

    During the first leg of his two-nation tour, Rajnath Singh held talks with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in Rome. An agreement on cooperation in the field of defence was signed after the talks to promote bilateral collaboration in varied defence domains, such as security and defence policy, R&D, education in military field, maritime domain awareness, sharing of defence information and industrial cooperation, including co-development, co-production & setting up of joint ventures. He also met with CEOs and other top leaders of Italian defence companies in Rome, as part of his visit.

    During the meeting, both sides discussed a host of defence cooperation issues, including training, sharing of information, maritime exercises and maritime security. The focus was on the opportunities in defence industrial cooperation.

    Rajnath Singh and Guido Crosetto discussed the complementary capacities of India and Italy in defence and the possibilities of joint development. Rajnath suggested fostering the interaction of the Indian start-ups with the Italian defence companies. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

    NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted the Fifth Annual Defence Dialogue with French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu in Paris late on Thursday, before concluding his two-nation Europe tour to Italy and France.

    The two ministers discussed a wide range of topics from the assessment of regional situations to the ongoing military-to-military engagements, with a focus on enhancing defence industrial cooperation.

    The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a statement said, “The Ministers reviewed the ongoing defence projects and discussed ways to deepen the collaboration between the defence industries of both the countries. They also discussed potential collaboration in niche domains such as space, cyber and Artificial Intelligence.” The meeting was preceded by a Guard of Honour at the French Ministry of Defence.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    ALSO READ | India, Italy sign agreement to boost defence cooperation during Rajnath’s visit to Rome

    Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh visited the Safran Engine Division’s R&D Centre at Gennevilliers near Paris and witnessed the latest developments in aero-engine technology. He also met with the CEOs of the top French defence companies with a focus on their plans for collaboration with India. Rajnath Singh highlighted the advantages of co-development and co-production in India, including possibilities of exports to third countries. He underlined the inherent advantages of the Indian market such as a large, skilled HR base, world-class infrastructure and a strong legal architecture. Following his arrival in Paris on Tuesday, the Defence Minister interacted with the Indian community there.

    During the first leg of his two-nation tour, Rajnath Singh held talks with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in Rome. An agreement on cooperation in the field of defence was signed after the talks to promote bilateral collaboration in varied defence domains, such as security and defence policy, R&D, education in military field, maritime domain awareness, sharing of defence information and industrial cooperation, including co-development, co-production & setting up of joint ventures. He also met with CEOs and other top leaders of Italian defence companies in Rome, as part of his visit.

    During the meeting, both sides discussed a host of defence cooperation issues, including training, sharing of information, maritime exercises and maritime security. The focus was on the opportunities in defence industrial cooperation.

    Rajnath Singh and Guido Crosetto discussed the complementary capacities of India and Italy in defence and the possibilities of joint development. Rajnath suggested fostering the interaction of the Indian start-ups with the Italian defence companies. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

  • Indo-Pacific facing complex web of security challenges, says Rajnath at conference of army chiefs

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underlined the rising profile of the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday, saying it is no more a maritime construct, but a full-fledged geo-strategic construct, and the region is facing a complex web of security challenges including boundary disputes and piracy, which need a collaborative approach.

    Speaking at the 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conclave (IPACC), he explained the prevailing situation in the region recalling the theoretical model by American author Stephen R Covey, which is based on two circles — ‘Circle of Concern’ and ‘Circle of Influence’.

    “There may be instances when the ‘Circle of Concern’ of different nations overlap with each other. International maritime trade routes passing through high seas, beyond the exclusive economic zones of any country, are relevant examples,” he said.

    “This can either result in conflict between nations or they can decide to coexist by mutually deciding the rules of engagement. The concept of these circles underscores the importance of strategic thinking and prioritisation,” he added.

    To deal with the prevailing situation in the region, Rajnath pointed out that states must recognise that global issues involve multiple stakeholders and no one country can address these challenges in isolation.

    He termed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982 as a good example of such an international agreement which  establishes the legal framework for maritime activities and addresses the issues arising from overlapping ‘Circles of Concern’ of different nations.

    Rajnath also pointed out that states, at the same time, must identify and seek to expand their ‘Circle of Influence’ to promote national interests on the global stage.

    ALSO READ | Indian Air Force inducts first C-295 transport aircraft, 55 more to follow

    “This conference is an exercise where we all are trying to expand our ‘Circle of Influence’ while harmonising the overlaps of our ‘Circle of Concern’,” he added.

    The Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande and the Chief of Staff of the US Army General Randy George held a joint press conference and spoke about the conference and the region.

    Emphasising the significance of the Indo-Pacific region, the US Chief of Staff on Tuesday said it is the reason why the US Army is conducting exercises in this region more than anywhere else in the Pacific.

    The integrated theatre formed combining the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, and the land masses that surround them are termed as the Indo-Pacific.

    The conspicuous geo-political and geo-economic significance of the Indo-Pacific can be understood from the fact that the region accounts for 65 per cent of the world’s population, 63 per cent of the global GDP and 50 per cent of the world’s maritime trade.

    Speaking at the joint briefing of the 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conclave (IPACC) in the presence of Gen Pande, Gen George said: “This (Indo-Pacific) region is critically important to us. I think you have seen that with our national defence strategy, this is a priority…. That’s why we are out here and why we exercise more than anywhere else in the Pacific…”

    “What this conference proves is that what we are after here is unity and commitment and the strength we can provide to all partners and allies. What we are focused on is building that with the countries that are here,” the US Army chief added further.

    The Indian Army and the United States Army are co-hosting the 13th IPACC, 47th IPAMS and 9th SELF, a three-day conference of chiefs of armies and delegates of 40 countries in New Delhi from 25th to 27th September.

    In reply to a question, Gen Pande said: “Let me upfront mention that we are not looking at a military alliance so to speak… It’s not… this entire exercise initiative is not directed at a country or a group of countries.”

    Talking about the 13th edition of IPACC, Gen Pande said: “Cooperation amongst our land forces is a critical component of the collective response through bilateral and multilateral engagements between components of armed forces of nations have been ongoing…the theme of this year’s event ‘together for peace, sustaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region’ resonates deeply with the idea of a secure, stable, free open and inclusive Indo-pacific which provides opportunities for growth of all nations.”

    “The Indo-Pacific construct has come to occupy central space in the contemporary geo-strategic campus in recent years. Its significance is a reflection of evolving dynamics in the political security, economic and environmental domains of today’s world,” he added.

    NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underlined the rising profile of the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday, saying it is no more a maritime construct, but a full-fledged geo-strategic construct, and the region is facing a complex web of security challenges including boundary disputes and piracy, which need a collaborative approach.

    Speaking at the 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conclave (IPACC), he explained the prevailing situation in the region recalling the theoretical model by American author Stephen R Covey, which is based on two circles — ‘Circle of Concern’ and ‘Circle of Influence’.

    “There may be instances when the ‘Circle of Concern’ of different nations overlap with each other. International maritime trade routes passing through high seas, beyond the exclusive economic zones of any country, are relevant examples,” he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “This can either result in conflict between nations or they can decide to coexist by mutually deciding the rules of engagement. The concept of these circles underscores the importance of strategic thinking and prioritisation,” he added.

    To deal with the prevailing situation in the region, Rajnath pointed out that states must recognise that global issues involve multiple stakeholders and no one country can address these challenges in isolation.

    He termed the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982 as a good example of such an international agreement which  establishes the legal framework for maritime activities and addresses the issues arising from overlapping ‘Circles of Concern’ of different nations.

    Rajnath also pointed out that states, at the same time, must identify and seek to expand their ‘Circle of Influence’ to promote national interests on the global stage.

    ALSO READ | Indian Air Force inducts first C-295 transport aircraft, 55 more to follow

    “This conference is an exercise where we all are trying to expand our ‘Circle of Influence’ while harmonising the overlaps of our ‘Circle of Concern’,” he added.

    The Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande and the Chief of Staff of the US Army General Randy George held a joint press conference and spoke about the conference and the region.

    Emphasising the significance of the Indo-Pacific region, the US Chief of Staff on Tuesday said it is the reason why the US Army is conducting exercises in this region more than anywhere else in the Pacific.

    The integrated theatre formed combining the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, and the land masses that surround them are termed as the Indo-Pacific.

    The conspicuous geo-political and geo-economic significance of the Indo-Pacific can be understood from the fact that the region accounts for 65 per cent of the world’s population, 63 per cent of the global GDP and 50 per cent of the world’s maritime trade.

    Speaking at the joint briefing of the 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conclave (IPACC) in the presence of Gen Pande, Gen George said: “This (Indo-Pacific) region is critically important to us. I think you have seen that with our national defence strategy, this is a priority…. That’s why we are out here and why we exercise more than anywhere else in the Pacific…”

    “What this conference proves is that what we are after here is unity and commitment and the strength we can provide to all partners and allies. What we are focused on is building that with the countries that are here,” the US Army chief added further.

    The Indian Army and the United States Army are co-hosting the 13th IPACC, 47th IPAMS and 9th SELF, a three-day conference of chiefs of armies and delegates of 40 countries in New Delhi from 25th to 27th September.

    In reply to a question, Gen Pande said: “Let me upfront mention that we are not looking at a military alliance so to speak… It’s not… this entire exercise initiative is not directed at a country or a group of countries.”

    Talking about the 13th edition of IPACC, Gen Pande said: “Cooperation amongst our land forces is a critical component of the collective response through bilateral and multilateral engagements between components of armed forces of nations have been ongoing…the theme of this year’s event ‘together for peace, sustaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region’ resonates deeply with the idea of a secure, stable, free open and inclusive Indo-pacific which provides opportunities for growth of all nations.”

    “The Indo-Pacific construct has come to occupy central space in the contemporary geo-strategic campus in recent years. Its significance is a reflection of evolving dynamics in the political security, economic and environmental domains of today’s world,” he added.

  • US Defence Secretary Austin arrives in India, to hold talks with Rajnath Singh

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in India on Sunday on a two-day visit to explore ways to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, especially in areas of transfer of critical technologies for co-development of military hardware.

    Secretary Austin’s trip comes over two weeks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington during which the two sides are expected to unveil initiatives to expand the India-US global strategic partnership.

    “I’m returning to India to meet with key leaders for discussions about strengthening our Major Defense Partnership. Together, we’re advancing a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the US defence secretary tweeted shortly after landing in New Delhi.

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Austin are set to discuss in their talks on Monday General Electric’s proposal to share technology with India for fighter jet engines and New Delhi’s plan to procure 30 MQ-9B armed drones at a cost of over USD 3 billion from US defence major General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc besides other issues, people familiar with the matter said.

    India has been looking at manufacturing of jet engines in India under the framework of technology transfer to power its fighter aircraft.

    In June 2016, the US designated India a “Major Defence Partner” paving the way for sharing of critical military equipment and technology.

    China’s aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific as well as along the Line of Actual Control and ways to combat the threat of terrorism are also likely to figure in the discussions between Singh and Austin.

    The US Defence Secretary arrived from Singapore. It is Secretary Austin’s second visit to India. His previous trip to India was in March 2021.

    In his address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday, the US defence secretary said, “Our Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology with India lets us explore new ways to co-develop key defence platforms.”

    Austin said the US is “stepping up planning, and coordination, and training with our friends from the East China Sea to the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean.”

    “That includes staunch allies such as Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand. And it includes as well such valued partners as India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and clearly our hosts here today in Singapore,” he said.

    In a major move, President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Modi announced in May last year that the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) to elevate and expand the strategic technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation between the two countries.

    The iCET is expected to forge closer linkages between the government, academia and industry of the two countries in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, 5G and 6G, biotech, space and semiconductors.

    On Saturday, Austin tweeted that he was deeply saddened by the train accident in Balasore.

    “Deeply saddened to hear of the tragedy in Balasore. Our hearts go out to our partners in India. I will convey our condolences in person when I meet with senior leaders in India in the coming days,” he said.

    Replying to the tweet, Singh said: “Deeply touched by your condolences. Thanks for your support. Looking forward to meet you tomorrow.”

    The India-US defence and strategic ties have been on an upswing in the last few years.

    The two countries have inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries to use each other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies.

    The two sides also signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 which provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for the sale of high-end technology from the US to India.

    In October 2020, India and the US sealed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) agreement to further boost bilateral defence ties.

    The pact provides for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries.

    NEW DELHI: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in India on Sunday on a two-day visit to explore ways to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, especially in areas of transfer of critical technologies for co-development of military hardware.

    Secretary Austin’s trip comes over two weeks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington during which the two sides are expected to unveil initiatives to expand the India-US global strategic partnership.

    “I’m returning to India to meet with key leaders for discussions about strengthening our Major Defense Partnership. Together, we’re advancing a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the US defence secretary tweeted shortly after landing in New Delhi.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Austin are set to discuss in their talks on Monday General Electric’s proposal to share technology with India for fighter jet engines and New Delhi’s plan to procure 30 MQ-9B armed drones at a cost of over USD 3 billion from US defence major General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc besides other issues, people familiar with the matter said.

    India has been looking at manufacturing of jet engines in India under the framework of technology transfer to power its fighter aircraft.

    In June 2016, the US designated India a “Major Defence Partner” paving the way for sharing of critical military equipment and technology.

    China’s aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific as well as along the Line of Actual Control and ways to combat the threat of terrorism are also likely to figure in the discussions between Singh and Austin.

    The US Defence Secretary arrived from Singapore. It is Secretary Austin’s second visit to India. His previous trip to India was in March 2021.

    In his address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday, the US defence secretary said, “Our Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology with India lets us explore new ways to co-develop key defence platforms.”

    Austin said the US is “stepping up planning, and coordination, and training with our friends from the East China Sea to the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean.”

    “That includes staunch allies such as Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand. And it includes as well such valued partners as India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and clearly our hosts here today in Singapore,” he said.

    In a major move, President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Modi announced in May last year that the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) to elevate and expand the strategic technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation between the two countries.

    The iCET is expected to forge closer linkages between the government, academia and industry of the two countries in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, 5G and 6G, biotech, space and semiconductors.

    On Saturday, Austin tweeted that he was deeply saddened by the train accident in Balasore.

    “Deeply saddened to hear of the tragedy in Balasore. Our hearts go out to our partners in India. I will convey our condolences in person when I meet with senior leaders in India in the coming days,” he said.

    Replying to the tweet, Singh said: “Deeply touched by your condolences. Thanks for your support. Looking forward to meet you tomorrow.”

    The India-US defence and strategic ties have been on an upswing in the last few years.

    The two countries have inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries to use each other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies.

    The two sides also signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 which provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for the sale of high-end technology from the US to India.

    In October 2020, India and the US sealed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) agreement to further boost bilateral defence ties.

    The pact provides for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries.

  • In talks with Shoigu, Rajnath discusses Russian defence industry’s participation in ‘Make in India’

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: In a bilateral meeting, the Defence Ministers of India and Russia on Friday discussed defence and military issues as well as the participation of Russian industry in the production of military equipment in India. Earlier, in his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting, the Russian Defence Minister accused the US and the West of provoking other countries into military standoffs with Russia and China.

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Russian Defence Minister General Sergei Shoigu on the sidelines of the SCO meeting in New Delhi.

    “The two ministers discussed wide-ranging issues of bilateral defence cooperation, including military-to-military ties as well as industrial partnership. They also discussed the Russian defence industry’s participation in the ‘Make in India’ initiative and ways to provide further impetus to it,” said the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

    “They expressed satisfaction over the continued trust and mutual respect between the two countries, particularly in defence and reiterated their commitment towards strengthening the partnership. They acknowledged the unique, long-lasting and time-tested relationship between India and Russia,” the MoD added.

    ALSO READ | At SCO meet, Rajnath stresses on elimination of terrorism, respect for territorial integrity

    Meanwhile, in his address at the meeting, Shoigu said, “Today, Washington and its collaborators are implementing their strategic plan to provoke other countries into a military standoff with Russia and China. The conflict in Ukraine serves as a striking confirmation of this criminal policy. Its actual goal is to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, create a threat for China and preserve [the US’] monopoly position in the world.”

    The Russian Defence Minister’s remarks came amid the ongoing border standoff between the militaries of India and China along the Line of Actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

    In the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Shoigu said that a large-scale information campaign has been launched to compromise the Russian leadership and its policies.

    Shoigu also said that the process of breaking and dismantling key arms control and confidence-building agreements has been set in motion.

    “At first, Washington unilaterally terminated the US-Soviet Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, refused to ratify the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty, then withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and Shorter-Range Missiles and the Treaty on Open Skies,” he said.

    Shoigu in his speech said that in order to contain China, a front is forming. Tensions around the so-called Taiwan problem and territorial disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea are being deliberately escalated, he said.

    India is also a part of the Quad grouping which also includes the US, Japan and Australia which China views as a front against it.

    Besides India and Russia, other SCO member states including China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan participated in the meeting. All ministers attended the meeting in-person, except in the case of Pakistan. From Pakistan’s side, Special Assistant to Pakistan PM on Defence Affairs Malik Ahmed Khan attended the meeting virtually.

    NEW DELHI: In a bilateral meeting, the Defence Ministers of India and Russia on Friday discussed defence and military issues as well as the participation of Russian industry in the production of military equipment in India. Earlier, in his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting, the Russian Defence Minister accused the US and the West of provoking other countries into military standoffs with Russia and China.

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Russian Defence Minister General Sergei Shoigu on the sidelines of the SCO meeting in New Delhi.

    “The two ministers discussed wide-ranging issues of bilateral defence cooperation, including military-to-military ties as well as industrial partnership. They also discussed the Russian defence industry’s participation in the ‘Make in India’ initiative and ways to provide further impetus to it,” said the Ministry of Defence (MoD).googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “They expressed satisfaction over the continued trust and mutual respect between the two countries, particularly in defence and reiterated their commitment towards strengthening the partnership. They acknowledged the unique, long-lasting and time-tested relationship between India and Russia,” the MoD added.

    ALSO READ | At SCO meet, Rajnath stresses on elimination of terrorism, respect for territorial integrity

    Meanwhile, in his address at the meeting, Shoigu said, “Today, Washington and its collaborators are implementing their strategic plan to provoke other countries into a military standoff with Russia and China. The conflict in Ukraine serves as a striking confirmation of this criminal policy. Its actual goal is to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, create a threat for China and preserve [the US’] monopoly position in the world.”

    The Russian Defence Minister’s remarks came amid the ongoing border standoff between the militaries of India and China along the Line of Actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

    In the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Shoigu said that a large-scale information campaign has been launched to compromise the Russian leadership and its policies.

    Shoigu also said that the process of breaking and dismantling key arms control and confidence-building agreements has been set in motion.

    “At first, Washington unilaterally terminated the US-Soviet Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, refused to ratify the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty, then withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and Shorter-Range Missiles and the Treaty on Open Skies,” he said.

    Shoigu in his speech said that in order to contain China, a front is forming. Tensions around the so-called Taiwan problem and territorial disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea are being deliberately escalated, he said.

    India is also a part of the Quad grouping which also includes the US, Japan and Australia which China views as a front against it.

    Besides India and Russia, other SCO member states including China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan participated in the meeting. All ministers attended the meeting in-person, except in the case of Pakistan. From Pakistan’s side, Special Assistant to Pakistan PM on Defence Affairs Malik Ahmed Khan attended the meeting virtually.

  • India exported military hardware worth Rs 15,920 crore in 2022-23: Rajnath Singh

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India’s defence exports reached an all-time high of Rs 15,920 crore in the financial year 2022-2023, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday describing the rise as a remarkable achievement.

    The country’s defence exports in 2021-22 was Rs 12,814 crore, according to official data.

    “India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high of Rs 15,920 crore in FY 2022-2023. It is a remarkable achievement for the country,” Singh said on Twitter.

    “Under the inspiring leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi, our defence exports will continue to grow exponentially,” he said.

    India exported military hardware worth Rs 8,434 crore in 2020-21, Rs 9,115 crore in 2019-20, and Rs 10,745 crore in 2018-19, according to details provided by Singh. The amount in 2017-18 was Rs 4,682 crore and Rs 1,521 crore in 2016-17.

    Excellent! A clear manifestation of India’s talent and the enthusiasm towards ‘Make in India.’ It also shows the reforms in this sector over the last few years are delivering good results. Our Government will keep supporting efforts to make India a defence production hub. https://t.co/AL3sLknFOL
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2023
    The government has set the target of manufacturing defence hardware worth Rs 1,75,000 crore and take defence exports to Rs 35,000 crore by 2024-25.

    In the last few years, the government has taken a series of measures to promote domestic defence production.

    NEW DELHI: India’s defence exports reached an all-time high of Rs 15,920 crore in the financial year 2022-2023, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday describing the rise as a remarkable achievement.

    The country’s defence exports in 2021-22 was Rs 12,814 crore, according to official data.

    “India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high of Rs 15,920 crore in FY 2022-2023. It is a remarkable achievement for the country,” Singh said on Twitter.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “Under the inspiring leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi, our defence exports will continue to grow exponentially,” he said.

    India exported military hardware worth Rs 8,434 crore in 2020-21, Rs 9,115 crore in 2019-20, and Rs 10,745 crore in 2018-19, according to details provided by Singh. The amount in 2017-18 was Rs 4,682 crore and Rs 1,521 crore in 2016-17.

    Excellent! A clear manifestation of India’s talent and the enthusiasm towards ‘Make in India.’ It also shows the reforms in this sector over the last few years are delivering good results. Our Government will keep supporting efforts to make India a defence production hub. https://t.co/AL3sLknFOL
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 1, 2023
    The government has set the target of manufacturing defence hardware worth Rs 1,75,000 crore and take defence exports to Rs 35,000 crore by 2024-25.

    In the last few years, the government has taken a series of measures to promote domestic defence production.

  • Aero India 2023: Design our Destiny should be India’s new mantra, says Defence Minister

    By PTI

    BENGALURU: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday expressed confidence that India will soon be among the leading countries in the field of innovation and emerge as the “lighthouse” to the entire world.

    Speaking after inaugurating the annual defence innovation event ‘Manthan’ during Aero India here, he said, if we want to bring the next generation industrial revolution, then we should either do new things or try to do the existing things in a new way.

    “If we have to develop, then we have to redefine the competition. If we think of moving ahead with old technologies and old systems, then we will always be two centuries behind those countries (developed). That’s why today it is necessary that we think in new ways and move forward accordingly,” Singh said.

    Suggesting that we should try to do something new with the traditional things that are going on, he said, a great example of this is the UPI payment method developed in the country.

    “Moral of the story is that we should innovate. Innovation means thinking in a new way, which youth like you can do well,” he added.

    Noting that if we have to go ahead of other countries, it is necessary for “new people” and start-ups to come forward, the Minister said, in his view, a start-up means new energy, a new commitment, and new enthusiasm.

    ALSO READ | 75 per cent of defence capital for procurement from domestic firms: Rajnath

    Pointing at first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s speech on “Tryst with Destiny” on India becoming independent, he said, today, after 75 years of independence, we have got an opportunity to move forward on the path of ‘Design our Destiny.’

    “From now on, our mantra should be ‘Design our Destiny’, that is, we move forward towards the Design of our Destiny with our effort, abilities and resolve to build it,” Singh said.

    “Our destiny is to become the world’s top economy in the coming 25 years; Our destiny is to become the Science & Technology superpower of the world,” he said, adding that ‘Amrit Kaal’ is the best time for this, and youth are the best designers and developers of the country’s destiny.

    Organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the Manthan platform brings leading innovators, start-ups, MSMEs, incubators, academia and investors from the defence & aerospace ecosystem under one roof.

    ALSO READ | India brings out its best metal birds at Aero India 2023

    Highlighting that the environment that has been created for start-ups in the country in the last few years is no less than a boon for our youth, the Minister said, seven-eight years ago the number of start-ups in the country could be counted on fingers, but today their number has reached more than one lakh.

    More than a hundred unicorns have been set up by the youth of the country. This not only tells the importance of the newly created start-up ecosystem in our country, but also showcases the new enthusiasm among our youth, and the passion among them to do something new, he said.

    Speaking about new innovations and innovative spirit among the youth, Singh said, “I’m fully confident that soon our country will be among the leading countries in the world with respect to innovations, and like in the past, in the future too India will emerge as the lighthouse to the entire world.

    “iDEX has so far introduced hundreds of innovators to the market, he said, adding that thus thousands of skilled and semi-skilled Indians have been helped in direct and indirect employment generation. The Defence Ministry has also approved a simplified, and fast-track procedure for procurement from iDEX start-ups and MSMEs,” the Minister said.

    iDEX has opened avenues for achieving self-reliance in the defence ecosystem.

    “In order to encourage our new entrepreneurs for the development of larger projects, we have decided to increase the grants given so far,” he said, adding that this shows the government’s support for the hard work, dedication, and encouragement of our innovators and start-ups.

    ALSO READ | Aero India 2023: Aim is to take defence exports to USD 5 billion by 2025, says PM

    BENGALURU: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday expressed confidence that India will soon be among the leading countries in the field of innovation and emerge as the “lighthouse” to the entire world.

    Speaking after inaugurating the annual defence innovation event ‘Manthan’ during Aero India here, he said, if we want to bring the next generation industrial revolution, then we should either do new things or try to do the existing things in a new way.

    “If we have to develop, then we have to redefine the competition. If we think of moving ahead with old technologies and old systems, then we will always be two centuries behind those countries (developed). That’s why today it is necessary that we think in new ways and move forward accordingly,” Singh said.

    Suggesting that we should try to do something new with the traditional things that are going on, he said, a great example of this is the UPI payment method developed in the country.

    “Moral of the story is that we should innovate. Innovation means thinking in a new way, which youth like you can do well,” he added.

    Noting that if we have to go ahead of other countries, it is necessary for “new people” and start-ups to come forward, the Minister said, in his view, a start-up means new energy, a new commitment, and new enthusiasm.

    ALSO READ | 75 per cent of defence capital for procurement from domestic firms: Rajnath

    Pointing at first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s speech on “Tryst with Destiny” on India becoming independent, he said, today, after 75 years of independence, we have got an opportunity to move forward on the path of ‘Design our Destiny.’

    “From now on, our mantra should be ‘Design our Destiny’, that is, we move forward towards the Design of our Destiny with our effort, abilities and resolve to build it,” Singh said.

    “Our destiny is to become the world’s top economy in the coming 25 years; Our destiny is to become the Science & Technology superpower of the world,” he said, adding that ‘Amrit Kaal’ is the best time for this, and youth are the best designers and developers of the country’s destiny.

    Organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the Manthan platform brings leading innovators, start-ups, MSMEs, incubators, academia and investors from the defence & aerospace ecosystem under one roof.

    ALSO READ | India brings out its best metal birds at Aero India 2023

    Highlighting that the environment that has been created for start-ups in the country in the last few years is no less than a boon for our youth, the Minister said, seven-eight years ago the number of start-ups in the country could be counted on fingers, but today their number has reached more than one lakh.

    More than a hundred unicorns have been set up by the youth of the country. This not only tells the importance of the newly created start-up ecosystem in our country, but also showcases the new enthusiasm among our youth, and the passion among them to do something new, he said.

    Speaking about new innovations and innovative spirit among the youth, Singh said, “I’m fully confident that soon our country will be among the leading countries in the world with respect to innovations, and like in the past, in the future too India will emerge as the lighthouse to the entire world.

    “iDEX has so far introduced hundreds of innovators to the market, he said, adding that thus thousands of skilled and semi-skilled Indians have been helped in direct and indirect employment generation. The Defence Ministry has also approved a simplified, and fast-track procedure for procurement from iDEX start-ups and MSMEs,” the Minister said.

    iDEX has opened avenues for achieving self-reliance in the defence ecosystem.

    “In order to encourage our new entrepreneurs for the development of larger projects, we have decided to increase the grants given so far,” he said, adding that this shows the government’s support for the hard work, dedication, and encouragement of our innovators and start-ups.

    ALSO READ | Aero India 2023: Aim is to take defence exports to USD 5 billion by 2025, says PM

  • ‘Is India breaking? Rahul creating hatred, tarnishing India’s image’: Rajnath Singh

    By PTI

    BHOPAL: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday accused Congress leader Rahul Singh of creating hatred among people in order to regain power, and alleged that he was tarnishing India’s image on international platforms.

    Addressing a programme organised by the Madhya Pradesh government to provide land rights of residential plots to the poor in the Singrauli district of the state located around 650 km from here, Singh asked Gandhi not to play with India’s “prestige and pride”.

    The minister also said that in the recent clash with the Chinese troops, Indian soldiers did a “charismatic job” and displayed bravery, and slammed the Congress for questioning the valour of the country’s jawans.

    “Is India breaking? The country already got divided in 1947. Pakistan was created, though the leaders at that time were not in favour. These days, Rahul Gandhi is going around saying in his Bharat Jodo Yatra that there is hatred everywhere in India,” he said.

    सिंगरौली, मध्य प्रदेश में ‘हितग्राही महासम्मेलन’।https://t.co/POxqRrXUxF
    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 22, 2023
    “Rahulji, what has happened to you? You want to regain power by creating hatred. Power cannot be achieved by creating hatred, it can be achieved only by earning the public’s trust and love. I want to ask him who is creating hatred in India? Is Modiji creating hatred in the whole country? Is (MP Chief Minister) Shivraj Singh (Chouhan) doing the work of creating hatred in Madhya Pradesh? Are these leaders creating hatred among people? Where did he see it,” he asked the gathering.

    The minister also accused the Congress of trying to defame India and tarnish its image by saying that only hatred prevails in India, although the country has earned great respect in the world now. India is the only country that considers all the people of the world as its family. India is being maligned that there is only hatred in India, he alleged.

    India has never discriminated on the basis of caste, creed or religion as those born on Indian soil are brothers as all have sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence, he added.

    “I humbly want to say to Rahulji, don’t spoil the image of India in the world by talking about hatred. You are creating hate by talking about it. You create hatred towards Modi and BJP by going to the people. The whole world is getting the image that there is only hatred in India,” he said.

    Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s remark that he is out to sell love in the market of hatred, Singh asked the gathering, “Have you also got some love from him? Now, what does he know about love?” He said that Rahul Gandhi and Congress members should keep in mind that politics should not be done just to form the government and it should be done for society and the country.

    ALSO READ | Government diverting attention of people and then looting them: Rahul Gandhi in J-K

    “Rahulji, don’t play with India’s prestige and pride. India is moving forward, if you can cooperate then do it, if you can’t, then sit silently, don’t try to defame India in the international arena,” he said.

    Singh also said that Congress leaders can defame the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but they dared to question the bravery and valour of the country’s army and soldiers who risked their lives to protect the country.

    “Being the country’s defence minister, I don’t want to speak openly. But I wanted to make it clear that whatever war has happened this time, be it between India-China, the bravery that our army soldiers have exhibited, if I discuss it in front of anyone, then everyone will boast, they have done a charismatic job,” Singh said.

    Last month, Rahul Gandhi alleged that China was preparing for war and the Indian government was sleeping over it and trying to ignore the threat.

    ALSO READ | BJP govt’s policies ‘create fear’ among people, alleges Rahul Gandhi at Pathankot rally 

    He had also alleged that China had taken away 2,000 square kilometres of Indian territory, killed 20 Indian soldiers and was “thrashing our jawans in Arunachal Pradesh”.

    Singh said that India’s economy has made a place among the top five economies in the country during the past eight years. Earlier, Rajnath Singh and MP CM Chouhan distributed free plots under CM Land Rights Scheme to over 25,000 beneficiaries besides disbursing the benefits of Rs 135 crore to 6. 78 lakh farmers under the CM Kisan Kalyan Yojana.

    BHOPAL: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday accused Congress leader Rahul Singh of creating hatred among people in order to regain power, and alleged that he was tarnishing India’s image on international platforms.

    Addressing a programme organised by the Madhya Pradesh government to provide land rights of residential plots to the poor in the Singrauli district of the state located around 650 km from here, Singh asked Gandhi not to play with India’s “prestige and pride”.

    The minister also said that in the recent clash with the Chinese troops, Indian soldiers did a “charismatic job” and displayed bravery, and slammed the Congress for questioning the valour of the country’s jawans.

    “Is India breaking? The country already got divided in 1947. Pakistan was created, though the leaders at that time were not in favour. These days, Rahul Gandhi is going around saying in his Bharat Jodo Yatra that there is hatred everywhere in India,” he said.

    सिंगरौली, मध्य प्रदेश में ‘हितग्राही महासम्मेलन’।https://t.co/POxqRrXUxF
    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 22, 2023
    “Rahulji, what has happened to you? You want to regain power by creating hatred. Power cannot be achieved by creating hatred, it can be achieved only by earning the public’s trust and love. I want to ask him who is creating hatred in India? Is Modiji creating hatred in the whole country? Is (MP Chief Minister) Shivraj Singh (Chouhan) doing the work of creating hatred in Madhya Pradesh? Are these leaders creating hatred among people? Where did he see it,” he asked the gathering.

    The minister also accused the Congress of trying to defame India and tarnish its image by saying that only hatred prevails in India, although the country has earned great respect in the world now. India is the only country that considers all the people of the world as its family. India is being maligned that there is only hatred in India, he alleged.

    India has never discriminated on the basis of caste, creed or religion as those born on Indian soil are brothers as all have sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence, he added.

    “I humbly want to say to Rahulji, don’t spoil the image of India in the world by talking about hatred. You are creating hate by talking about it. You create hatred towards Modi and BJP by going to the people. The whole world is getting the image that there is only hatred in India,” he said.

    Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s remark that he is out to sell love in the market of hatred, Singh asked the gathering, “Have you also got some love from him? Now, what does he know about love?” He said that Rahul Gandhi and Congress members should keep in mind that politics should not be done just to form the government and it should be done for society and the country.

    ALSO READ | Government diverting attention of people and then looting them: Rahul Gandhi in J-K

    “Rahulji, don’t play with India’s prestige and pride. India is moving forward, if you can cooperate then do it, if you can’t, then sit silently, don’t try to defame India in the international arena,” he said.

    Singh also said that Congress leaders can defame the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), but they dared to question the bravery and valour of the country’s army and soldiers who risked their lives to protect the country.

    “Being the country’s defence minister, I don’t want to speak openly. But I wanted to make it clear that whatever war has happened this time, be it between India-China, the bravery that our army soldiers have exhibited, if I discuss it in front of anyone, then everyone will boast, they have done a charismatic job,” Singh said.

    Last month, Rahul Gandhi alleged that China was preparing for war and the Indian government was sleeping over it and trying to ignore the threat.

    ALSO READ | BJP govt’s policies ‘create fear’ among people, alleges Rahul Gandhi at Pathankot rally 

    He had also alleged that China had taken away 2,000 square kilometres of Indian territory, killed 20 Indian soldiers and was “thrashing our jawans in Arunachal Pradesh”.

    Singh said that India’s economy has made a place among the top five economies in the country during the past eight years. Earlier, Rajnath Singh and MP CM Chouhan distributed free plots under CM Land Rights Scheme to over 25,000 beneficiaries besides disbursing the benefits of Rs 135 crore to 6. 78 lakh farmers under the CM Kisan Kalyan Yojana.

  • Rajnath Singh reviews military preparedness of Andaman and Nicobar Command

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the operational preparedness of Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) as part of his two-day visit to Port Blair on Thursday. The Defence Minister also took stock of infrastructure development in strategic areas of the archipelago.

    Headquartered in Portblair the ANC is India’s only operational joint services command and has been playing a key role in keeping a strict vigil in the Indian Ocean in the wake of China’s growing forays into the region.

    The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a statement said, “Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) Lieutenant General Ajai Singh briefed the Defence Minister about the geo-strategic potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the role they can play towards enhancing India’s influence and support to military operations in the area.”

    The CINCAN briefed the Minister about the achievements, future plans and challenges of the ANC. He highlighted the significant role played by ANC in carrying forward the Government’s Act East Policy and in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) by building ‘Bridges of Friendship’ with the country’s maritime neighbours.

    Rajnath Singh also visited the ANC Joint Operations Centre (JOC) which is the nerve centre for integrated planning for surveillance, the conduct of operations and logistic support.

    In September 2022 Admiral R Hari Kumar said China remains a formidable challenge and has increased its presence, not only along our land borders but also in the maritime domain by leveraging anti-piracy operations to normalise its naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region. The CNS specified that China began its Indian Ocean maritime deployment in 2008 using anti-piracy operations “as the reason” and since then there has been a continuous presence in the region.

    “At any point, we have anything between 5-8 Chinese Navy units, be it warships or research vessels and a host of Chinese fishing vessels operating in the IOR. We keep a watch on them and see how they are undertaking their activities in the IOR,” he said.

    Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) islands are one of the most important strategic areas for the Nation due to their unique location in the Bay of Bengal with has a reach and can exercise influence in the area which also has some of the world’s most important sea lanes of communications (SLOCs).

    Interacting with officers and jawans, Rajnath Singh commended the Andaman and Nicobar Command. He added that since its inception in 2001, the ANC has significantly enhanced its operational capabilities, which reflects its indomitable spirit and commitment. “Our Armed Forces will soon be among the strongest militaries of the world. This is our vision as well as our mission,” he said.

    Earlier, the Defence Minister reviewed a Quad-Service Guard of Honour and visited Sankalp Smarak, the location of Netaji’s historic arrival on December 29, 1943. At the Sankalp Smarak, he paid solemn homage to honour the sacrifices of soldiers of the Indian National Army. Upon his arrival in Port Blair, he was received by Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Admiral DK Joshi (Retd), CINCAN and senior government officials.

    This is the first visit of the Defence Minister to Indira Point since January 2019. Apart from the Strategic Signalling in view of the proximity of these far-flung islands to the Indo-Pacific, the visit of the Defence Minister to the ANC motivated the troops deployed in these distant and remote islands. It is pertinent to mention that ANC is a 21-year-old successful Integrated Theatre Command which is now being planned at the national level.

    The ANC joint command, with the elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, came into existence in October 2001 based on the Kargil Review Committee and on recommendations of the Group of Ministers. India is working on the concept of reorganizing the Armed Forces into theatres which will have the elements of all the armed forces under one commander.

    NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the operational preparedness of Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) as part of his two-day visit to Port Blair on Thursday. The Defence Minister also took stock of infrastructure development in strategic areas of the archipelago.

    Headquartered in Portblair the ANC is India’s only operational joint services command and has been playing a key role in keeping a strict vigil in the Indian Ocean in the wake of China’s growing forays into the region.

    The Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a statement said, “Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) Lieutenant General Ajai Singh briefed the Defence Minister about the geo-strategic potential of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the role they can play towards enhancing India’s influence and support to military operations in the area.”

    The CINCAN briefed the Minister about the achievements, future plans and challenges of the ANC. He highlighted the significant role played by ANC in carrying forward the Government’s Act East Policy and in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) by building ‘Bridges of Friendship’ with the country’s maritime neighbours.

    Rajnath Singh also visited the ANC Joint Operations Centre (JOC) which is the nerve centre for integrated planning for surveillance, the conduct of operations and logistic support.

    In September 2022 Admiral R Hari Kumar said China remains a formidable challenge and has increased its presence, not only along our land borders but also in the maritime domain by leveraging anti-piracy operations to normalise its naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region. The CNS specified that China began its Indian Ocean maritime deployment in 2008 using anti-piracy operations “as the reason” and since then there has been a continuous presence in the region.

    “At any point, we have anything between 5-8 Chinese Navy units, be it warships or research vessels and a host of Chinese fishing vessels operating in the IOR. We keep a watch on them and see how they are undertaking their activities in the IOR,” he said.

    Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) islands are one of the most important strategic areas for the Nation due to their unique location in the Bay of Bengal with has a reach and can exercise influence in the area which also has some of the world’s most important sea lanes of communications (SLOCs).

    Interacting with officers and jawans, Rajnath Singh commended the Andaman and Nicobar Command. He added that since its inception in 2001, the ANC has significantly enhanced its operational capabilities, which reflects its indomitable spirit and commitment. “Our Armed Forces will soon be among the strongest militaries of the world. This is our vision as well as our mission,” he said.

    Earlier, the Defence Minister reviewed a Quad-Service Guard of Honour and visited Sankalp Smarak, the location of Netaji’s historic arrival on December 29, 1943. At the Sankalp Smarak, he paid solemn homage to honour the sacrifices of soldiers of the Indian National Army. Upon his arrival in Port Blair, he was received by Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Admiral DK Joshi (Retd), CINCAN and senior government officials.

    This is the first visit of the Defence Minister to Indira Point since January 2019. Apart from the Strategic Signalling in view of the proximity of these far-flung islands to the Indo-Pacific, the visit of the Defence Minister to the ANC motivated the troops deployed in these distant and remote islands. It is pertinent to mention that ANC is a 21-year-old successful Integrated Theatre Command which is now being planned at the national level.

    The ANC joint command, with the elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, came into existence in October 2001 based on the Kargil Review Committee and on recommendations of the Group of Ministers. India is working on the concept of reorganizing the Armed Forces into theatres which will have the elements of all the armed forces under one commander.

  • India wants friendly relations with neighbours but not at cost of national security: Rajnath Singh

    By Express News Service

    THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: India wants to maintain friendly relations with all its neighbours but not at the cost of the country’s national security, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said.

    He was inaugurating the 90th Sivagiri pilgrimage at Varkala near here on Friday. The Defence Minister’s remarks assume significance in the wake of India’s recent border skirmishes with China in the country’s northeast.

    “We can change our friends, but not our neighbours,” Rajnath reminded, quoting former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to stress the importance of maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries.

    “However, there will be no compromise on our national security,” he asserted. Rajnath said India’s soldiers were fiercely guarding the country’s borders by following the ideals of spiritual leaders like Sree Narayana Guru. 

    Rajnath said that while he was defending the country’s ‘body’ as a Defence Minister, spiritual leaders including those in Sivagiri, were defending the country’s ‘soul’. “A country can survive only if its body and soul are safe,” he said. Rajanth also assured that works relating to the Union government’s Rs 17 crore worth projects for the development of Sivagiri will be expedited.

    Union Minister for State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings based on Vedas and Upanishads disprove the propaganda of people with narrow interests that his ideals were not connected with ‘sanatana dharma’ (Hinduism).  He also blamed the state government for violence, evil practices and increasing consumption of alcohol and narcotic substances in the state known as the land of Sree Narayana Guru.

    Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust president Sree Narayana Dharmasangham Trust president Swami Satchidananda presided over the function. The pilgrimage to Sivagiri, the final resting place of renowned spiritual leader and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, is held every year for three days from December 30 to January 1.

    THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: India wants to maintain friendly relations with all its neighbours but not at the cost of the country’s national security, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said.

    He was inaugurating the 90th Sivagiri pilgrimage at Varkala near here on Friday. The Defence Minister’s remarks assume significance in the wake of India’s recent border skirmishes with China in the country’s northeast.

    “We can change our friends, but not our neighbours,” Rajnath reminded, quoting former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to stress the importance of maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries.

    “However, there will be no compromise on our national security,” he asserted. Rajnath said India’s soldiers were fiercely guarding the country’s borders by following the ideals of spiritual leaders like Sree Narayana Guru. 

    Rajnath said that while he was defending the country’s ‘body’ as a Defence Minister, spiritual leaders including those in Sivagiri, were defending the country’s ‘soul’. “A country can survive only if its body and soul are safe,” he said. Rajanth also assured that works relating to the Union government’s Rs 17 crore worth projects for the development of Sivagiri will be expedited.

    Union Minister for State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings based on Vedas and Upanishads disprove the propaganda of people with narrow interests that his ideals were not connected with ‘sanatana dharma’ (Hinduism).  He also blamed the state government for violence, evil practices and increasing consumption of alcohol and narcotic substances in the state known as the land of Sree Narayana Guru.

    Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Trust president Sree Narayana Dharmasangham Trust president Swami Satchidananda presided over the function. The pilgrimage to Sivagiri, the final resting place of renowned spiritual leader and social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, is held every year for three days from December 30 to January 1.

  • Rajnath blames foreign rule for Indians’ lack of knowledge of ‘glorious past’

    By PTI

    DEHRADUN:  Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said three centuries of British rule had prevented Indians from learning about their glorious traditions.

    “A strong awareness of the country’s glorious past, its great cultural and spiritual legacy is a must for today’s youth to build a strong India,” Singh said addressing the convocation of the Swami Ram Himalayan University here.

    The minister said international acceptance of India’s spiritual and intellectual supremacy in the past was spontaneous and cited Chinese scholars who acknowledged India’s path-breaking role in various realms of knowledge.

    Quoting one of the Chinese intellectuals, Singh said, “India was China’s teacher in quadratic equation, grammar and phonetics.”

    Referring to a former Peking University vice-chancellor who subsequently represented China at the United Nations, he said, “India has dominated China culturally for more than 2,000 years without sending a single soldier.”

    Quoting French philosopher Voltaire, Singh said he used to say, “Everything has come down to us from the banks of the Ganges.”

    The Union minister said Indonesia, which is basically an Islamic country, and Thailand, which is Buddhist, have given recognition to the Ramayana as part of their own cultural heritage.

    He asked students conferred degrees at the convocation to remember that they belong to a great country and dedicate all their knowledge to nation-building and social betterment. He also appealed to the students to keep learning all their lives and never be afraid of failure. “Our failures should not drive us to despair, we should learn from them and move on,” Singh said.

    The minister also warned the students of the dangers of consumerism which, he said, pushes people towards a culture of “use and throw.” The “growing” tendency among youngsters in the country to put their parents in old age homes is a consequence of consumerism, a concept that came from the West, he said.

    “We in India are talking of old age homes? What is happening to the society? “People of a country which gave the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) to the world are talking of old age homes. Parents are next to God,” Singh said, asking the students to revere them.

    DEHRADUN:  Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said three centuries of British rule had prevented Indians from learning about their glorious traditions.

    “A strong awareness of the country’s glorious past, its great cultural and spiritual legacy is a must for today’s youth to build a strong India,” Singh said addressing the convocation of the Swami Ram Himalayan University here.

    The minister said international acceptance of India’s spiritual and intellectual supremacy in the past was spontaneous and cited Chinese scholars who acknowledged India’s path-breaking role in various realms of knowledge.

    Quoting one of the Chinese intellectuals, Singh said, “India was China’s teacher in quadratic equation, grammar and phonetics.”

    Referring to a former Peking University vice-chancellor who subsequently represented China at the United Nations, he said, “India has dominated China culturally for more than 2,000 years without sending a single soldier.”

    Quoting French philosopher Voltaire, Singh said he used to say, “Everything has come down to us from the banks of the Ganges.”

    The Union minister said Indonesia, which is basically an Islamic country, and Thailand, which is Buddhist, have given recognition to the Ramayana as part of their own cultural heritage.

    He asked students conferred degrees at the convocation to remember that they belong to a great country and dedicate all their knowledge to nation-building and social betterment. He also appealed to the students to keep learning all their lives and never be afraid of failure. “Our failures should not drive us to despair, we should learn from them and move on,” Singh said.

    The minister also warned the students of the dangers of consumerism which, he said, pushes people towards a culture of “use and throw.” The “growing” tendency among youngsters in the country to put their parents in old age homes is a consequence of consumerism, a concept that came from the West, he said.

    “We in India are talking of old age homes? What is happening to the society? “People of a country which gave the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) to the world are talking of old age homes. Parents are next to God,” Singh said, asking the students to revere them.