Washington: India and the US together form a formidable force capable of ensuring global peace, prosperity, and stability, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Speaking to the Indian diaspora in Washington on Thursday during his four-day visit to the US, Singh emphasized that India and the US are natural allies destined for a strong partnership, a collaboration that continues to grow steadily.
Singh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, stating that India’s global stature has risen significantly. “Earlier, India’s voice was often overlooked at international forums; today, the whole world listens attentively,” he remarked.
Reflecting on India’s economic progress, Singh noted that prior to 2014, India was classified among the ‘Fragile Five’ economies by Morgan Stanley. Today, however, the same firm places India in the ‘Fabulous Five’ economies, predicting it will become the third-largest economy by 2027. He credited the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic for protecting the Indian economy from severe setbacks experienced by other nations.
Singh also highlighted the government’s success in lifting 25 crore people out of poverty. He added that inflation had fallen to a five-year low of 3.54%, while India’s foreign exchange reserves had reached a record high of $675 billion.
Touching on defense, Singh detailed the government’s push for ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in the sector, including the introduction of Positive Indigenisation Lists featuring over 5,000 items. He noted that defense exports had surged from Rs 600 crore before 2014 to over Rs 21,000 crore. Furthermore, the number of startups in the country had skyrocketed from around 400 in 2014 to 1.20 lakh, a success he attributed to the government’s policies and planning.
Echoing the vision of Prime Minister Modi, Singh stated, “We aim to develop India into a strong, secure, and prosperous nation.”
He concluded by encouraging the Indian community in the US to continue working with honesty and dedication, embodying the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family).
Coinciding with Singh’s arrival, senior defense officials from both countries signed two significant agreements: the Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA) and a Memorandum of Agreement on the Assignment of Liaison Officers.
During his visit, Singh will also meet with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and lead a high-level round-table discussion with the US defense industry to explore current and future defense collaborations. The visit is expected to further deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
