India Must Strengthen Offensive & Defensive Responses Amid Global Geopolitical Turmoil: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
New Delhi:
Addressing an event to commemorate 2024 as the Year of Naval Civilians, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for India to bolster its offensive and defensive capabilities in light of the ongoing turmoil in the rules-based international order. He underscored the increasing complexities faced by the Indian Armed Forces due to the evolving geopolitical security landscape and urged for swift enhancements in India’s defense infrastructure.
Reflecting on the volatile global security situation over the past decade, the Defence Minister highlighted the necessity of strategic planning, resourcing, and budgeting to effectively address future challenges. “Our forces must be equipped and ready to face the changing times,” Rajnath Singh stated, calling for a consultative approach involving all stakeholders to ensure preparedness.
The Minister recognized the essential role of the civilian workforce, referring to them as “soldiers without uniforms” who contribute significantly to the military’s operational strength. He emphasized the importance of values like patriotism, discipline, and valour, which are vital for strengthening the security apparatus. “In the broader perspective of national service, every responsible civilian is a soldier without uniform, and every soldier is a civilian in uniform,” he added.
Rajnath Singh further elaborated on India’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its crucial maritime security needs. He stressed that India’s economic prosperity is closely linked to securing its maritime routes, asserting the importance of protecting territorial waters, ensuring freedom of navigation, and safeguarding sea routes. “In recent years, major naval powers have reduced their presence in the IOR, while the Indian Navy has ramped up its presence,” he remarked, referring to rising threats in regions like the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. The Navy’s efforts to increase its presence in these areas, he said, are critical to securing vital maritime trade routes.
The Minister also highlighted cyber security as an integral part of maritime security in the modern era, warning that neglecting cyber threats could have severe consequences. He called for a dedicated awareness campaign within the Armed Forces to address emerging cyber risks.
On the welfare of naval civilians, Rajnath Singh assured that the Government remains committed to recognizing their contributions, citing initiatives like the Insurance Scheme that provides financial security for naval employees and their families. He also reiterated the Government’s determination to strengthen the Armed Forces under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ensuring that every individual serving the nation is valued.
As part of the broader vision for India’s development, the Defence Minister urged the civilian workforce to stay updated with technological advancements and align their skills with the Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. “Through a ‘Whole of the Government’ and ‘Whole of the People’ approach, we can strengthen India strategically and achieve holistic national development,” he said.
The event also saw the presentation of Prime Minister’s Shram Awards to individuals who demonstrated exceptional service, with Rajnath Singh presenting nine meritorious awards and 16 cash awards to outstanding Naval Civilians. The occasion was marked by a special photo and painting exhibition showcasing the artistic talents of Naval Civilians, alongside a live performance of a song dedicated to their contributions, further emphasizing their integral role in the Navy’s success.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi acknowledged the vital support provided by the civilian workforce in various aspects of naval operations, including technical assistance, logistics, and administrative management, underscoring their contribution to the Navy’s combat readiness and operational efficiency.
