Kochi: India is progressing towards the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, with a focus on resilience, innovation, strength, inclusive development and compassion, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh said while addressing an event in Kochi, Kerala, on September 18.
According to the Raksha Mantri, the Government is focusing on strengthening national capabilities while promoting determination, innovation, compassion, inclusive prosperity and a strong sense of national identity among citizens. He said India’s development journey is drawing inspiration from the country’s longstanding values of courage, service, security, determination and inclusive prosperity.
India’s Development Journey Amid Global Challenges
Shri Rajnath Singh said that the last 12 years have witnessed major global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and several wars that affected the global economy. Despite these challenges, he said, India has continued to move towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation. He also highlighted the Government’s focus on national security and protection of citizens. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said the operation demonstrated India’s willingness to act against threats to the country’s sovereignty and integrity. He also stated that Naxalism had been brought to an end.
Defence Production and Exports Rise
Highlighting India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities, the Raksha Mantri said indigenous defence production has increased from around ₹40,000 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹1.80 lakh crore, while defence exports have risen from approximately ₹600 crore to around ₹40,000 crore. He stated that Indian defence equipment is now reaching around 100 countries, reflecting the expansion of India’s domestic defence manufacturing and export ecosystem.
Youth Driving Innovation and Technology
Shri Rajnath Singh described India’s youth as one of the country’s major strengths and highlighted their contribution to entrepreneurship, technology and innovation. He cited Indian startups, unicorns, drones, hydrogen trains, rockets and satellites as examples of areas in which young Indians are contributing to the country’s technological and economic development.
Focus on Inclusive Development
The Raksha Mantri also highlighted the Government’s welfare and development initiatives, stating that more than 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty over the past 10 to 12 years. He referred to initiatives including UPI, PM SHRI, Ayushman Bharat, Lakhpati Didi, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission and Ujjwala Yojana, saying that such programmes have contributed to making development more inclusive. He also highlighted India’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that India provided vaccines domestically and supplied more than 300 million vaccine doses to 100 countries.
India’s Global Role in Climate and Yoga
Shri Rajnath Singh said India has achieved several climate-related targets ahead of schedule and highlighted initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance. He also pointed to the global adoption of International Yoga Day as an example of India’s cultural and civilisational influence.
Cultural Heritage and National Consciousness
The Raksha Mantri said India’s development should extend beyond economic growth to include greater national confidence and awareness of the country’s history, culture and heritage. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that modernisation goes hand in hand with appreciation of India’s cultural traditions. He also referred to ‘Sarva Dharma Samabhava’, describing equal respect for all faiths as part of India’s civilisational ethos.
He called upon the younger generation to develop greater awareness of India’s history, culture and heritage and contribute to the country’s economic, social and technological transformation.
Rajnath Singh Highlights Role of Independent Media
Addressing the role of journalism, Shri Rajnath Singh described the media as the fourth pillar of democracy and said an independent and impartial press is an important instrument for ensuring accountability. He said the role of media extends beyond reporting news to asking difficult questions, bringing information before the public and holding those in power accountable. The Raksha Mantri called upon India’s youth to contribute to the country’s transformation and said that a confident, capable and socially inclusive India can play a greater role in shaping the future of the world.