NEW DELHI: India believes in peace and dialogue, but it does not “compromise” when it comes to the sovereignty and security of the nation, defence minister Rajnath Singh said here on Friday.Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, Rajnath said, “India’s economic growth, technological capabilities and principled foreign policy have made it a voice of balance and responsibility in the changing global environment, with countries across the Indo-Pacific and the Global South viewing us as a reliable partner.”Emphasizing that a stable India contributes to a stable global economy. the minister said that through Atmanirbharta, the Centre is building a defence industrial ecosystem that encourages innovation, supports industry and reduces external dependencies. He asserted that India is shaping global discussions with a sense of responsibility, strategic autonomy, and confidence rooted in civilisational values.India has earned global trust due to path-breaking reforms, and its consistent stand for respect of the sovereignty of nations and rules-based order, he said. “We are strengthening border and maritime infrastructure to support security and connectivity. We are modernising our forces through new platforms, technologies, and structures,” the minister said.“We are reforming procurement processes to ensure speed, transparency, and accountability,” the minister said, adding India is investing in start-ups, “deep-tech capabilities, and research and development that will shape the battlefields of the future,” Singh said. He emphasised that the geopolitical uncertainty and challenges such as terrorism, cross-border support to extremist elements, attempts to alter the status quo, maritime pressures, and even information warfare require constant vigilance & clarity of purpose, with reforms becoming a strategic necessity more than a choice. “Reforms strengthen the adaptability of institutions, enhance the agility of the armed forces, and give the nation the confidence to shape its own destiny,” he said, while enumerating the steps taken by the Modi govt to build a ‘Sashakt, Surakshit and Viksit Bharat’.Singh said the contribution of the armed forces goes far beyond defending the borders. “Our armed forces bring stability where it is needed most. They support civil authorities in times of disaster. They safeguard our maritime interests. They strengthen our international partnerships through joint exercises and peacekeeping. Their professionalism builds confidence — not only within India, but also among our friends around the world. That’s why reform and modernisation in the armed forces are not just administrative tasks; they are investments in India’s long-term future,” he said.The minister added that the contribution of the armed forces goes far beyond defending the borders. “Our armed forces bring stability where it is needed most. They support civil authorities in times of disaster. They safeguard our maritime interests. They strengthen our international partnerships through joint exercises and peacekeeping. Their professionalism builds confidence – not only within India, but also among our friends around the world. That’s why reform and modernisation in the Armed Forces are not just administrative tasks; they are investments in India’s long-term future,” he said.’At the event, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan said new domains such as cyberspace and space, as well as cognitive warfare, challenge traditional concepts of borders and sovereignty, making them “functionally porous.” The CDS cited ‘Operation Sindoor” as an example, demonstrating how modern weapons can target an adversary’s entire natural, network, economic, and information spaces. He emphasised that these trends will continue to shape the future of warfare. Chauhan pointed out that these trends are evident in conflicts like Eastern Europe and West Asia, where borders are being redefined. He also mentioned claims over sovereign territories, such as Greenland, as examples of diluted sovereignty. Go to Source
