Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, upon taking charge on Thursday, announced that the new government will prioritise strengthening national security by modernising the armed forces and significantly boosting domestic defence production. Singh stated that the government will diligently work to increase defence exports from the current Rs 21,083 crore to Rs 50,000 crore by 2028-29, outlining his vision for the next five years.
After taking on the role of Defence Minister for the second term in a row, Singh stated that the armed forces are well-equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and platforms and ready to face any challenge. Singh also praised the military personnel for their valour and commitment to safeguarding the nation’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty. His comment came particularly in light of the ongoing border dispute with China in eastern Ladakh.
Defence Minister Chairs Meeting
After taking charge, Singh chaired a review meeting on the MoD’s first 100-day Action Plan under the new government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting focused on the welfare of veterans, and major issues pertaining to the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare were discussed. He instructed officers to wholeheartedly commit themselves to realising the objectives outlined in the 100-day Action Plan.
“The focus will be on attaining self-reliance in defence, further modernising the Armed Forces, innovation in cutting-edge technology, strengthening border infrastructure, and ensuring ex-servicemen welfare, among others,” he said.
Reflecting the growing salience of the Indian Ocean Region in India’s defence calculus, Singh decided to visit the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam for the first time in his second term as defence minister to interact with the officers and sailors.
To improve defence preparedness and continue promoting self-reliance in the defence sector, the Minister announced that he would hold regular review meetings to speed up the progress of key schemes and initiatives of the Ministry of Defence. Stressing the growing salience of the Indian Ocean Region in the defence calculus, Singh has chosen to make his first visit to the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, where he will engage with the officers and sailors.
Meeting with NSA Ajit Doval
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval called on Singh and is understood to have discussed issues related to national security.
As per a government order issued on Thursday, Ajit Doval has been reappointed as the National Security Advisor (NSA) for a third term. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved Doval’s appointment with effect from June 10.
“His appointment will be co-terminus with the term of the Prime Minister or until further orders, whichever is earlier,” the order read. Even before the extension, Doval is the longest-serving NSA. He served his first term of 5 years beginning in 2014 and his second term in 2019. His last term ended on June 5.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a comprehensive review of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday in the wake of four terror-related incidents in as many days. In a significant move, he called for the deployment of the full spectrum of India’s counter-terror capabilities in operations against terrorists. During the review meeting, which included National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and other top officials, the Prime Minister was provided with a detailed overview of the security situation in the union territory and was briefed about the counter-terror efforts being undertaken.
Ravi Shankar
