India Has Become Voice Of Responsibility But Won’t Compromise If It Comes To Security: Rajnath Singh At CDD-2025
Rajnath Singh said India believes in peace and dialogue, but will give a befitting reply when it comes to the sovereignty and the security. Image courtesy: X.com/@OfficialCLAWSIN
Even as India has become a voice of balance and responsibility in the current global environment, no compromises will be made when it comes to the nation’s sovereignty and security, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said at Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 on Friday (November 28, 2025).
An example of the same seen in May 2025, when India launched retaliatory strikes against Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Having a no tolerance policy for terrorism, while India might not strike first, its armed forces sure know how to give a befitting reply to the enemy.
Defence minister Singh deliberated on India’s growing defence capacities and praised the armed forces for their readiness to face neighbourhood challenges, during his address at CDD-2025. With this, he reiterated that India believes in peace and dialogue, but it will always give a befitting reply when it comes to the sovereignty and the security.
How is India shaping global discussions of today?
Today, we are going through a period of deep geopolitical uncertainty with the power centers shifting. “New alignments are being tested, and the nature of conflict itself is evolving,” the defence minister stated, noting that India is shaping global discussions of the current times.
He asserted that India is shaping global discussions of today with a sense of responsibility, strategic autonomy & confidence rooted in civilisational values, and the global trust it has earned is due to the path-breaking reforms, and its consistent stand for respect of sovereignty of nations and rules-based order.
“India believes in peace and dialogue, but when it comes to the sovereignty & security of the people, we do not compromise”, he stressed.
Why reforms have become a strategic necessity?
It is not just the normal uncertainities but the world today faces 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.
Explaining this, Singh said that reforms have become a strategic necessity more than a choice as they strengthen the adaptability of institutions, enhance the agility of the Armed Forces, and give the nation the confidence to shape its own destiny, while enumerating the steps taken by PM Narendra Modi-led Government to build a Sashakt, Surakshit and Viksit Bharat.
“We are strengthening border and maritime infrastructure to support security & connectivity. We are modernising our forces through new platforms, technologies, and structures. We are reforming procurement processes to ensure speed, transparency and accountability.”
Aatmanirbharta in defence sector
Through Aatmanirbharta, the defence minister underlined, we are building a defence industrial ecosystem that encourages innovation, supports industry, and reduces external dependencies. We are investing in start-ups, deep-tech capabilities, and R&D that will shape the battlefields of the future.
Further, “we are ensuring that the interests and welfare of our soldiers, veterans and their families remain central to our decision-making,” stated Shri Rajnath Singh.
Indian Armed Forces: Strongest pillar of nation’s resillience
It goes without saying 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.
Defence minister noted that the professionalism of our armed forces 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 described the Armed Forces as the strongest pillar of the nation’s resilience, stressing that their capability, readiness, restraint and firmness is a driving force that allows India to deal with its neighbourhood challenges while contributing to regional stability.
