Addressing an event in Kochi, Singh said the government is working to build a developed India by strengthening national capabilities while drawing inspiration from the country’s centuries-old values of courage, service, determination, compassion and inclusive prosperity.
He said India had faced several major challenges over the past 12 years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts that adversely affected the world economy. Despite these challenges, he said, the country continued to move steadily towards self-reliance and development.
Highlighting India’s security preparedness, Singh said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the country’s willingness to cross the border to eliminate those threatening its sovereignty and integrity. He also stated that Naxalism had been brought to an end.
The Defence Minister underlined the significant expansion of indigenous defence production, saying domestic defence production, which stood at around ₹40,000 crore in 2014, has now reached nearly ₹1.80 lakh crore. He said defence exports had also increased from around ₹600 crore to nearly ₹40,000 crore, with Indian defence equipment now reaching around 100 countries.
Calling India’s youth its greatest strength, Singh said young people were contributing to the country’s transformation through start-ups, unicorns, drones, hydrogen trains, rockets and satellites. He urged the youth to continue contributing to India’s economic, technological and social development.
On inclusive growth, Singh said more than 250 million people had been lifted out of poverty over the past 10 to 12 years. He cited initiatives including UPI, PM SHRI, Ayushman Bharat, Lakhpati Didi, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission and Ujjwala Yojana as examples of programmes aimed at making development more inclusive.
Singh also highlighted India’s contribution to global climate action and international cooperation. He said India had achieved several climate-related targets ahead of schedule and recalled the country’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts, including the supply of more than 300 million vaccine doses to 100 countries.
He said India’s growing international role was also reflected in initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance, describing them as examples of the country’s contribution to addressing global challenges.
Emphasising India’s cultural and civilisational heritage, Singh said the country’s development journey was not limited to economic growth but also involved strengthening national confidence and moving beyond a colonial mindset. He said modernisation should go hand in hand with an appreciation of India’s cultural traditions and heritage.
Referring to “Sarva Dharma Samabhava”, Singh said equal respect for all faiths had remained at the heart of India’s civilisational ethos. He stressed the importance of making the younger generation more aware of India’s history, culture and heritage, saying such awareness would contribute to stronger national consciousness.
The Defence Minister urged the youth to play an active role in India’s economic, social and technological transformation, saying a confident, capable and socially inclusive India could emerge as a developed nation and play a greater role in shaping the future.
Singh also underlined the importance of the media in a democracy, describing journalism as the fourth pillar of democracy. He said an independent and impartial press was among the strongest instruments for ensuring accountability.
“The role of the media is not merely to report the news. It is also to ask difficult questions, bring the truth before the people, and hold those in power accountable,” Singh said.
