Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday that discussions between India and China are proceeding smoothly and in a positive climate, adding that India will never back down.
Singh, who is in Ahmedabad to campaign for BJP candidates in the Lok Sabha elections, stated that India has become a great military force that wishes to preserve good ties with its neighbours.
“India is no longer weak. India has also emerged as a military powerhouse. When asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s charge against the Narendra Modi government for Chinese aggressiveness, the minister said, “We want to maintain good relations with our neighbouring countries.”
He stated that talks between India and China are proceeding smoothly and in a positive manner on any difficulties that may arise.
“I realise that we should await the conclusion of the negotiations. But I want to assure my compatriots that India has never bowed down, and will never bend down,” he remarked.
Singh expressed optimism that India’s defence exports, which reached ₹ 21,000 crore in fiscal 2023-24, will continue to grow.
“In 2014, we exported ₹ 600 crore defence items, but now the figure has crossed ₹ 21,000 crore, and I can say that it is going to increase,” he told reporters.
The minister stated that the Modi administration is dedicated to ensuring that defence equipment, including as missiles and other weapons, bombs, and tanks, are manufactured in India and by Indians.
“Today, we have achieved defence production worth more than ₹ 1 lakh crore,” remarked the prime minister.
