Washington : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, currently on an official visit to the United States, addressed the Indian community, underscoring India’s remarkable transformation over the last decade. He highlighted the country’s enhanced global perception, attributing this change to India’s growing economic and strategic influence.
Singh’s visit to the US, which spans from August 23 to 26, is at the invitation of US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin. Upon his arrival in Washington on Thursday, Singh took the opportunity to connect with the Indian diaspora, reflecting on the significant strides India has made on the international stage.
“The people of the Indian community who live outside India are concerned about the global perception of their country… I can confidently say that India’s stature has risen in the international community. Earlier, India’s opinions were not taken with as seriousness as they should have been. But, today when India speaks anything on the global forum, the world listens carefully,” Singh remarked during his address in Washington.
The Defence Minister also recounted the words of US Ambassador Eric Garcetti, who stated, “If you want to see the future, come to India, if you feel the future, come to India, if you want to work on the future, come to India.” Singh used this sentiment to reinforce the idea that India is now seen as a nation of promise and potential, driving future global developments.
Singh further elaborated on India’s economic achievements, asserting that the nation is on track to become one of the world’s top three economies by 2027. He contrasted this with the outdated perception of India as a poor and underdeveloped country, stressing that this image has been thoroughly dispelled. “Even our neighbouring nations used to think they could attack India anytime they want, but India is no longer a weak nation,” Singh declared.
Highlighting India’s strides in defence, Singh noted the shift from being a major importer of defence equipment to becoming a significant exporter. “I am Defence Minister; earlier, we used to import all the defence equipment… When our government came, the defence exports were ₹600 crore; now, after 10 years, it has reached ₹23,000 crore,” he stated.
Singh also cited a recent remark by Dennis Francis, the President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, who praised India’s digital revolution for lifting 80 crore people out of poverty, further evidence of India’s growing global influence.
During his visit, the Defence Minister is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin. He will also meet with Jake Sullivan, the US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. This visit occurs against the backdrop of strengthening India-US relations, with increasing defence engagements at various levels. The Ministry of Defence has expressed that this visit is expected to further deepen and broaden the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Read More: Teenage Boys Charged After Alleged Assault in Northern NSW