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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday described the Tejas aircraft as a landmark in India’s defence journey. Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum in Delhi, he said, “Our Tejas aircraft is set to become a splendid example of India’s indigenous defence capabilities. It’s not that we aren’t facing challenges in this endeavour, but we have resolved that we will find solutions to every problem and will definitely establish the full capability to build fighter aircraft in India.”
Singh also pointed to progress on the next stage of military aviation. “Today, we have also taken steps forward in the direction of building Fifth Generation fighter aircraft. We have also moved towards manufacturing the aircraft’s engine in India itself. We are about to start engine manufacturing work in India with the French company Safran,” he said.
Securing global supply chains
The minister stressed that India’s position in the global economy gives it the capacity to provide stability at a time of disruption. “Today, when many countries are significantly affected by global supply chain disruption, India can strengthen global supply chains. Today, the big countries of the world talk about China Plus. I ask you, which country other than India can do this work? I am sure that when you answer, you will say that only India can do this work. When we talk about a self-reliant India, it is not merely a policy of import substitution, but behind it lies a sentiment of Global Good. Behind it is the sentiment of providing the world with a robust supply chain. Today, there is a sense of hope and confidence about India across the entire world,” he said.He later underlined the point once again. “Amid talks of China Plus One, please tell me who can do it but India. India has the capability to stabilise global supply chain disruptions,” Singh said.
Technology push: AI and semiconductors
Singh highlighted steps to build technological capacity. “The government has launched the India-AI mission to strengthen the country’s AI capabilities, under which models will be developed to meet India’s needs. We want India to become a Global-AI-Hub. Our government has advanced the work on semiconductors in mission mode. As Prime Minister said in his Independence Day address, by the end of this year, ‘Made in India’ semiconductors, made by the people of India, will enter the market,” he said.Open call to global investors
The Defence Minister directly appealed to international firms. “I would like to appeal to all foreign companies and investors to come and invest in India’s vibrant defence manufacturing ecosystem. We will provide you with all the necessary clearances and offer hand-holding support. Our Make in India is not limited to India only. When you Make in India, you will make for the world. India’s thinking is oriented towards development and peace. For us, development in isolation is not enough; rather, collective development is more important,” he said.He also spoke about India’s encouragement of entrepreneurs. “For entrepreneurship, we have made a conducive environment for them. Today, there is hope around the world for India. A sense of confidence is built in them for India,” Singh said.
India’s economic standing
Referencing renowned economist Jagdish Bhagwati, Singh noted India’s changed position in global economics. “The renowned economist Jagdish Bhagwati recently said that earlier, the World Bank used to tell India what to do, but now, India tells the World Bank what to do. This statement reflects India’s journey over the past 11 years from being a dependent economy to becoming a self-reliant and globally competitive economic powerhouse,” Singh said.A call for a fair global order
Singh also used his address to highlight inequality in the current international system. “We must also acknowledge that the contemporary global order has given unprecedented prosperity to some countries, while it has also given a large portion of the world’s population only inequality, insecurity and uncertainty. In such a scenario, it is essential that we build a new rules-based world order. A Global Order where there is equality. Equal opportunities for all. Cooperation instead of conflicts. Collaboration instead of competition. I believe that such a world order can only be built under the leadership of India,” he said.Expanding on this, Singh added, “We have always envisioned a global order where power is guided by responsibility, purpose is rooted in the well-being of all and partnership is the natural state of relations between nations. Indian ethos does not see global order as a contest for dominance, but as a shared journey towards harmony, dignity, and mutual respect for all. In our tradition, the measure of strength is not in the ability to command but in the capacity to care; not in the pursuit of narrow interest but in the commitment to the global good.”
Singh concluded by recalling the late President APJ Abdul Kalam. “Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world,” he quoted.
