Rajnath Singh, upon assuming his second consecutive term as India’s Defence Minister on June 13, 2024 for the second term, has outlined a clear and ambitious focus for the coming five years. His primary goal is to enhance the country’s security, achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing, and ensure the welfare of both serving and retired soldiers. Singh emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ministry aims to further strengthen India’s security apparatus.
Enhancing Exports
One of Singh’s major objectives is to significantly boost India’s defence exports. In the financial year 2023-24, defence exports reached a record Rs 21,083 crore. Singh has set an ambitious target to increase this figure to over Rs 50,000 crore by 2028-2029, reflecting the government’s commitment to making India a global leader in the defence sector.
Modernizing the Armed Forces remains a top priority for Singh. He is committed to equipping the military with state-of-the-art weapons and platforms to ensure they are prepared to face any challenges. Singh praised the military personnel for their dedication and valour in protecting the nation’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty.
100 Days Action Plan
Immediately after assuming office, Singh chaired a review meeting on the first 100 days’ Action Plan of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) under the new government led by Prime Minister Modi. The meeting focused on the welfare of veterans, addressing major issues related to the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare. Singh urged the officers to dedicate themselves to fulfilling the agenda outlined in the 100 days’ Action Plan.
Indian Ocean Region
To enhance defence preparedness and promote self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in defence, Singh announced plans for regular review meetings to fast-track the progress of the MoD’s flagship schemes and initiatives. He also highlighted the growing importance of the Indian Ocean Region in India’s defence strategy. Singh revealed that his first visit in the new term would be to the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, where he will interact with officers and sailors.
Singh’s reappointment as Defence Minister follows his successful election to the Lok Sabha from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, for the third consecutive time. He took the oath as a Union Cabinet Minister on June 9, 2024, and was allocated the Defence Ministry portfolio for the second consecutive term. His previous tenure from 2019-2024 was marked by significant achievements in defence modernization and self-reliance.
Under Singh’s leadership, the Ministry of Defence aims to march ahead with renewed vigour, striving to realize Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047. The focus will be on attaining self-reliance in defence, further modernizing the Armed Forces, fostering innovation in cutting-edge technology, strengthening border infrastructure, and ensuring the welfare of ex-servicemen.
The welcoming ceremony at the South Block in New Delhi saw Singh being greeted by Minister of Defence for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Manoj Pande, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, and other top officials from the Ministry of Defence. This event marked the beginning of a new chapter in India’s defence journey, with Singh at the helm, driving the nation towards greater security and self-reliance.