"If you want peace, prepare for war": Rajnath Singh says India's defence is strong
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserts India's defence preparation is complete and strong, focusing on future-ready technology and self-reliance.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has declared that India's military preparedness is both complete and strong. Speaking at the NDTV Defence Conclave on Sunday, the Minister invoked the timeless principle that ensuring peace requires thorough preparation for war, asserting that the nation is actively building the capabilities necessary to maintain credible deterrence against all potential threats.
The Philosophy of Peace through Strength
Emphasizing the importance of readiness during peacetime, Singh highlighted how proactive measures can significantly mitigate losses during actual conflicts. He referenced two key English proverbs to illustrate India's strategic mindset:
- "If you want peace, prepare for war" — implying that complete preparation is essential to prevent conflict from occurring.
- "The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war" — highlighting the necessity of rigorous training and development during stable times.
The Minister noted that India is continuously evolving its capabilities to keep pace with the shifting security landscape, stating, "Our preparation in the field of defence is both complete and strong. And we will make it even stronger."
Adapting to Multi-Domain Modern Warfare
Rajnath Singh pointed out that the nature of combat has undergone a radical transformation. Modern warfare is no longer a simple confrontation between soldiers; it has become a multi-domain struggle involving various advanced sectors:
- Land, Air, and Sea
- Space and Cyber warfare
- Electronic and Information warfare
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), Drones, and Autonomous systems
- Precision weapons
He stressed that technological superiority is the ultimate advantage on the battlefield. Consequently, India's defence strategy is being designed to be "future-ready," with a specific focus on the warfare requirements of the next 10, 20, and 25 years.
From Technology Importers to Global Definers
A major pillar of the government's vision is achieving true self-reliance. Singh argued that India must transition from merely importing foreign military technology to becoming a nation that defines and creates its own. He emphasized that the goal is for India to manufacture its own military technology rather than just utilizing equipment from other countries.
To support this, the government is working to eliminate vulnerabilities in critical sectors, including:
- Technology and Data: Securing digital and technological sovereignty.
- Supply Chains: Developing domestic semiconductor supply chains.
- Critical Minerals: Reducing import dependency through the National Critical Mineral Mission.
- Energy Security: Diversifying through renewable energy, nuclear power, green hydrogen, and strategic petroleum reserves.
Record Defence Spending and Indigenisation
The Minister highlighted a massive surge in financial commitment to national security. The Defence Ministry has received a record allocation of Rs 7.85 lakh crore for 2026-27, a significant increase from the approximately Rs 2.53 lakh crore allocated in 2013-14.
Crucially, about 75 per cent of the capital acquisition budget—roughly Rs 1.39 lakh crore—is dedicated to procurement from the domestic defence industry. Singh explained that this investment creates a ripple effect across the economy:
"When our army is modernised, India's factories will also be modernised. When our soldiers have new weapons in their hands, India's engineers will get new opportunities. When a new platform is built for our armed forces, the supply chain of thousands of MSMEs will also develop behind it."
Progress in indigenisation is already visible, with the armed forces having issued five positive indigenisation lists covering approximately 509 pieces of defence equipment, weapon systems, and platforms intended for local production.