New Delhi: Defence minister Rajnath Singh while addressing the Defence Ministers’ Conclave at Aero India 2025 on Tuesday asserted that the evolving global security landscape demands innovative approaches and stronger international partnerships. Speaking at the Conclave he highlighted the increasing number of conflicts, emerging power dynamics, and disruptive technologies that have made the world order fragile.
“New power plays, the rising role of non-state actors, and hybrid warfare have blurred the lines between border security and internal security. The dimensions of cyberspace and outer space are now redefining sovereignty,” Singh said.
India committed to peace and security
The defence minister stressed that India remain committed to peace and security, asserting that a strong defence capability is essential to maintaining stability. He reiterated India’s focus on fostering supply chain resilience and strategic defence collaboration, in line with this year’s conclave theme—Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement (BRIDGE).
Highlighting India’s growing defence capabilities, Singh noted that the country has established a vibrant defence startup ecosystem within its broader innovation landscape. “Today, India ranks third globally in terms of unicorn startups, and our emergence as a global hub for research and development in defence is a testament to our capabilities and aspirations,” he added.
India’s long-standing vision of peace and security
Singh reaffirmed India’s long-standing vision of peace, security, and collaborative development, stressing that international order and peace cannot be ensured from a position of weakness. “India has worked tirelessly to transform its defence capabilities, fostering a policy environment that encourages investment and production in cutting-edge land, maritime, and air systems,” he said.
Officials said that over 80 countries are participating in the conclave, with around 30 defence ministers, along with defence chiefs and senior officials from friendly nations.
Also, the minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth on Monday held bilateral meetings with his counterparts, including Italy’s under secretary of state for defence Matteo Perego Di Cremnago, UK’s minister for the House of Lords Lord Vernon Coaker, and Lesotho’s defence minister Limpho Tau. According to reports, discussions focused on strengthening defence trade, maritime security, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
