Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, August 30, underscored India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, stressing that the nation must rely on its own strength in an increasingly uncertain global order. His remarks came at the NDTV Defence Summit, against the backdrop of heightened tensions after the Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports, a move that Singh described as creating a “war-like situation” in global trade.
“There are no permanent friends or permanent enemies in international relations, only permanent interests,” Singh asserted, adding that self-reliance is no longer just an advantage but a necessity for India’s security and economic resilience.
Highlighting progress on this front, the Defence Minister announced that all future warships of the Indian Navy will be built domestically, marking a decisive shift towards indigenous manufacturing. He pointed to recent milestones such as the commissioning of two Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri, which he said symbolized India’s growing naval strength. Singh also revealed that the Sudarshan Chakra air defence system is nearing completion, a project designed to significantly enhance India’s strategic preparedness and defensive capabilities.
Emphasizing readiness, Singh said India must be prepared to face conflicts of any scale or duration—whether brief skirmishes or prolonged wars. He noted that both geopolitical volatility and economic pressures demand long-term planning and sustained national strength.
His remarks carry weight at a time when concerns are rising over US protectionist measures and their potential impact on bilateral ties. Singh, however, maintained that while India values global partnerships, it will ultimately safeguard its national interests by strengthening indigenous capabilities and reducing external dependence.
