Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on August 30 underscored the importance of ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in the defence sector, calling it a “condition for survival and progress” in the 21st century. Speaking at the NDTV Defence Summit 2025, Rajnath said that in the prevailing geopolitical circumstances, dependence on foreign countries for defence requirements is “not an option” for India.
Highlighting the rapidly changing global environment, he said, “Be it pandemics, terrorism, or regional conflicts, this century has proven to be the most unstable and challenging on every front so far. In such circumstances, if we talk about today’s strategic requirements, it becomes clear that Atmanirbharta is not just an advantage but has become a necessity.”
“We used to see it as a privilege, but I think it has become a condition for survival and progress. The shifting geopolitics have made it clear that foreign dependency in the defence sector is not an option for us. In the present times, ‘Atmanirbharta’ for both our economy and security is very important,” Rajnath added.
He stressed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has consistently pursued the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. “Honestly, we never needed options. Our government believes that by aligning with ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, we will strengthen our strategic economy,” he said. He also pointed out that India’s defence exports had grown manifold.
