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Washington, DC, United States of America (USA)
Defense Minister and senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh. (Representative Picture/News 18)
While interacting with the Indian diaspora, Singh said that India and the United States are “natural allies” and are “destined to become strong partners” and that this cooperation is growing.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who was on an official visit to Washington on Friday, said India and the United States are a powerful force that can ensure peace, prosperity and stability in the world.
While interacting with the Indian diaspora, Singh described India and the United States as “natural allies” who were “destined to become strong partners” and that such cooperation was growing.
“India and the United States are two forces that can bring peace, prosperity and stability to the world,” the defense minister said.
Singh, who arrived in India on a four-day official visit on Thursday, reiterated that India's stature on the global stage is growing under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Before, India's words in international forums were not taken seriously; but today, the world is listening carefully,” he said.
Singh pointed out that before 2014, India was one of the “Fragile Five” countries proposed by the investment company Morgan Stanley. Now it has become one of the world's “Mythical Five” economies.
He cited the company's recent report which said India will become the third largest economy by 2027. .
Singh stressed that the government has successfully lifted 250 million people out of poverty. He added that the latest data showed that retail inflation dropped to a five-year low of 3.54% and foreign exchange reserves hit a record high of US$675 billion.
The Defense Minister enumerated the steps taken by the government to achieve the 'Aatmanirbharta' of defence, including notifying an aggressive indigenization list of more than 5,000 items. He emphasized that India continues to work hard to ensure that domestic companies produce the most advanced defense products in India.
Singh admitted that defense exports, which stood at Rs 6 billion before this government came to power, have now risen sharply to over Rs 21,000 crore. He added that the number of start-ups in the country has increased rapidly from about 400 in 2014 to 120,000 due to measures to promote innovation.
He expressed Prime Minister Modi's vision: “We want to develop India into a strong, secure and prosperous country.” Singh concluded his speech by urging the Indian community in the United States to be honest and dedicated in the spirit of “the world is one family.” carry out work.
Meanwhile, Singh posted on X that he had active interactions with the Indian community in Washington, DC.
“It's heartwarming to see how the Indian community continues to cherish and preserve their cultural values and stay connected to their roots,” he shared some photos from the event.
Singh's arrival came as senior defense officials from both sides signed two important agreements – the Material Security Arrangement (SOSA) and a memorandum of agreement on the designation of liaison officers.
(This report has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)
