Rajnath Singh Asserts India's Steady Progress Towards Viksit Bharat with Enhanced Self-Reliance

India's Resurgence: A Journey Towards Self-Reliance and Development

In a significant address to an event in Kochi, Kerala, on September 18, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the Indian government's unwavering commitment to fostering a resilient and determined nation, driven by the values of compassion, innovation, and strength. The Defence Minister emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is steadily progressing on the path to self-reliance and development, drawing inspiration from its centuries-old values such as courage, security, and the spirit of service.

The Defence Minister highlighted that India has made tremendous strides in the last 12 years, transforming from a nation plagued by corruption and misgovernance to a beacon of hope and progress. Despite facing global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and wars, India has emerged as a strong and self-reliant nation, with its indigenous defence production increasing from Rs 40,000 crore in 2014 to nearly Rs 1.80 lakh crore. Defence exports have also risen from Rs 600 crore to around Rs 40,000 crore, with Indian equipment being exported to over 100 countries.

Rajnath Singh underscored the critical role of youth in India's development journey, describing them as the country's greatest strength. He noted that Indian youth are driving innovation and entrepreneurship, building start-ups, creating unicorns, and developing cutting-edge technologies such as drones, hydrogen trains, and rockets. The Defence Minister emphasized that guided by the virtue of compassion, the government is working to improve the lives of the people, with over 250 million people lifted out of poverty over the past 10 to 12 years.

The Defence Minister also highlighted India's success in achieving several targets set to fight climate change ahead of schedule, and its commitment to providing free vaccines to its citizens and sending over 300 million vaccines to 100 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed that India has emerged as a civilisational leader, providing leadership to the world through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance.

Rajnath Singh also emphasized the importance of civilisational and cultural heritage in India's development journey, noting that the country's modernisation should go hand-in-hand with an appreciation of its cultural traditions. He called upon the youth to contribute to India's economic, social, and technological transformation, saying that a confident, capable, and socially inclusive India can emerge as a developed nation and play a greater role in shaping the future of the world.

• The Defence Minister highlighted the critical role of the media in today's times, terming it the fourth pillar of democracy.
• He emphasized that journalism is not merely about reporting the news, but also about asking difficult questions, bringing the truth before the people, and holding those in power accountable.
• The Defence Minister called upon the youth to contribute to India's economic, social, and technological transformation, saying that a confident, capable, and socially inclusive India can emerge as a developed nation and play a greater role in shaping the future of the world.

Key Takeaways

• India is steadily progressing on the path to self-reliance and development, driven by the values of compassion, innovation, and strength.
• The Defence Minister emphasized the critical role of youth in India's development journey, describing them as the country's greatest strength.
• India has emerged as a civilisational leader, providing leadership to the world through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance.