Rajnath Singh Becomes First Defence Minister in 24 Years to Visit Mhow, Praises Army Training Institutes

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh discusses India’s dual security challenges, the evolving nature of warfare, and the critical role of the armed forces in achieving a self-reliant nation.

Vigilance Amid Persistent Threats

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing Army personnel at Mhow cantonment in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore district, stressed the importance of constant vigilance.

Highlighting India’s unique position on the global security front, he remarked, “Considering the security scenario, Bharat is not a very lucky country, as our northern and western borders continuously face challenges.”

In his two-day visit to the cantonment, Singh noted that internal threats compound the challenges posed by external adversaries. “We also face challenges on the internal front. In the backdrop of this, we can’t sit quiet, unconcerned. Our enemies, whether internal or external, remain active always. In these circumstances, we must keep a close eye on their activities and take appropriate and timely effective steps against them,” he said.

The Army’s Crucial Role in Nation Building

Singh underlined the critical role of the armed forces in realizing the vision of a developed and self-reliant India by 2047. “As the country’s defence minister, I urge you to always stay vigilant. While this period is often called peacetime, seeing your discipline and dedication during training has left a deep impression on me. Your preparation is as rigorous as wartime,” he stated.

He praised the Army’s commitment to its duties and the high standards of discipline maintained by its personnel. “Your dedication to work and strong sense of responsibility inspire all of us,” he added.

Adapting to Modern Warfare

Singh drew attention to the rapidly changing nature of warfare, noting that unconventional tools such as cyberattacks, artificial intelligence, proxy warfare, and information warfare pose significant challenges.

“Radical changes are being seen in the methods of warfare,” Singh said, emphasizing the importance of mastering frontier technologies to address these emerging threats.

He lauded the Mhow-based Army training institutions, including the Army War College, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering, and Infantry School, for their contributions to preparing soldiers for modern challenges.

“Mastering frontier technologies in today’s constantly evolving times is the need of the hour, and the military training centres are playing a crucial role in equipping and readying our soldiers to deal with future challenges,” he said.

Strengthening India’s Military and Economic Power

The defence minister also addressed India’s strides in defense production and exports.

“India is constantly moving on the path of development and is rapidly emerging as a manufacturing hub. From a military point of view, we are getting equipped with modern weapons. Our defence exports, which were around ₹2,000 crore a decade ago, have crossed the record figure of ₹21,000 crore today. We have set an export target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029,” he stated.

Singh reiterated the government’s focus on enhancing integration among the three services and emphasized joint training in specialized areas such as AI, communication technology, and leadership.

Vision 2047: A Developed and Secure India

Singh concluded by reiterating the government’s resolve to make India one of the strongest economic and military powers globally.

“Economic prosperity is possible only when full attention is paid to security. Similarly, the security system will be robust only when the economy is strong. Both complement each other. By 2047, we will not only become a developed nation, but our armed forces will also be one of the most modern and strongest in the world,” he said.