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Mint
08-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
‘Peace is nothing but illusion, we must prepare for uncertainty': Rajnath Singh's stark warning
Peace time is nothing but an 'illusion', and India must remain prepared for uncertainty even during periods of relative calm, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said while hailing the armed forces for the valour they displayed during Operation Sindoor. In an address at an event on July 7, Singh said the performance of the indigenously built equipment and platforms in the operation increased the global demand for India-built military products. "The world is looking at our defence sector with new respect. A single delay or error in financial processes can directly affect operational preparedness," he said. "Most of the equipment we once imported is now being made in India. Our reforms are succeeding because of the clarity of vision and commitment at the highest level," the defence minister said, addressing the Controllers' Conference of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD). "A single delay or error in financial processes can directly affect operational preparedness," he said, and called on the DAD to evolve from a "controller" to a "facilitator" in sync with increasing participation of the private sector in defence. Delving into the larger geopolitical situation, the defence minister cited an analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which said the global military expenditure reached $2.7 trillion in 2024. This opens up tremendous opportunities for India's indigenous defence industries, Singh said. The defence minister praised the DAD's new motto "Alert, Agile, Adaptive" and noted that these are not mere words, but a reflection of the work culture required in today's rapidly evolving defence environment. Singh urged officials to undertake internal reform through self-introspection rather than rely solely on external audits or consultants. Improvements made through internal evaluation create living organisations. These reforms are more organic, with fewer barriers. "Peace time is nothing but an illusion. Even during periods of relative calm, we must prepare for uncertainty. Sudden developments can force a complete shift in our financial and operational posture," he said. "Whether it's stepping up equipment production or adapting financial processes, we must be ready with innovative techniques and responsive systems at all times," he said. He urged the DAD to incorporate this mindset into their planning, budgeting and decision-making systems. Highlighting the increasing strategic and economic significance of the defence sector, Singh called for a shift in perception from defence spending as mere expenditure to an economic investment with a multiplier impact. "Until recently, defence budgets were not seen as part of the national economy. Today, they are growth drivers," he added. Singh said India, along with the rest of the world, is entering a new phase of re-armament, marked by capital-intensive investments in the defence sector. Peace time is nothing but an illusion. Even during periods of relative calm, we must prepare for uncertainty. The defence minister called upon the DAD to incorporate defence economics in their planning and assessments, including social impact analysis of R&D projects and dual-use technologies.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Peacetime is nothing but ‘illusion', must remain prepared for uncertainty: Rajnath Singh
Defence minister Rajnath Singh at the Controllers Conference of the Defence Accounts Department in New Delhi on Monday NEW DELHI: Hailing the armed forces for the valour they displayed during Operation Sindoor post the Pahalgam terror attack , defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday that 'peace time is an illusion and India must remain prepared for any uncertainty'. The defence minister praised the armed forces for Operation Sindoor but said the larger geopolitical situation leaves no scope for complacency in the effort to enhance preparedness. 'A single delay or error in financial processes can directly affect operational preparedness,' said the minister while addressing the Controllers Conference of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD). Talking about rising demand for desi weapons of late, Rajnath said, 'The world is looking at our defence sector with new respect. Operation Sindoor has boosted global demand for our indigenous armaments. Most of the equipment we once imported is now being made in India. Our reforms are succeeding because of the clarity of vision and commitment at the highest level. Sudden developments can force a complete shift in our financial and operational posture. ' The minister spoke in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Tripathi, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at the conference. The govt has over the past few years allowed the armed forces to procure arms and ammunition through the 'emergency' route. Post-Operation Sindoor, it cleared a range of acquisitions for the armed forces. The armed forces have consistently complained, often publicly, about acquisitions being delayed because of the rigid approach of the bureaucracy and auditors. Rajnath called on DAD to evolve from a 'controller' to a 'facilitator' in sync with increasing participation of the private sector in defence. He praised DAD's new motto 'Alert, Agile, Adaptive' and noted that these are not mere words, but a reflection of the work culture required in today's rapidly evolving defence environment. 'Whether it's stepping up equipment production or adapting financial processes, we must be ready with innovative techniques and responsive systems at all times,' the minister said. Citing the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute report, which said global military expenditure reached $2.7 trillion in 2024, Rajnath said, 'This opens up tremendous opportunities for India's indigenous defence industries.' The minister also said that gone were the days when expenditure in the defence sector was only considered necessary and never viewed as an economic catalyst. 'Now, it is being seen as a spending which has a multiplier impact on the economy,' he said. 'Earlier, there was no assessment of the economic impact of expenditure on security but things have changed now when investment in re-armament is rising exponentially. We need to pay special attention to defence economics,' he said. Singh said India, along with the rest of the world, is entering a new phase of re-armament, marked by capital-intensive investments in the defence sector. He called upon DAD to incorporate defence economics in their planning and assessments, including social impact analysis of R&D projects and dual-use technologies. Highlighting the increasing strategic and economic significance of the defence sector, Rajnath called for a shift in perception from defence spending as mere expenditure to an economic investment with multiplier impact. 'Until recently, defence budgets were not seen as part of the national economy. Today, they are growth drivers,' he said.
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Peace-time an illusion, must stay ready for uncertainty: Rajnath Singh
NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said peace-time is nothing but an illusion and the country must stay prepared for uncertainty, adding that the performance of locally made weapons and systems during Operation Sindoor has spurred the global demand for India-made military hardware. Defence minister Rajnath Singh addresses the Controllers' Conference of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) in New Delhi on Monday. (PTI) 'Even during periods of relative calm, we must prepare for uncertainty. Sudden developments can force a complete shift in our financial and operational posture. Whether it's stepping up equipment production or adapting financial processes, we must be ready with innovative techniques and responsive systems at all times,' he said, addressing the Controllers' Conference of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD). Operation Sindoor was New Delhi's direct military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror strike. India launched the operation in the early hours of May 7 and struck terror and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). It triggered a four-day military confrontation with Pakistan before the two sides reached an understanding on stopping all military action on May 10. A locally developed air defence control and reporting system, called Akashteer, emerged as the centrepiece of India's air defence grid during the four-day clash; it punctured multiple waves of Pakistani aerial attacks on Indian military installations, airbases and civilian areas by guaranteeing prompt detection and targeting of the incoming threats. The locally produced military hardware that packed a formidable punch during the confrontation with Pakistan included Akash surface-to-air missiles, the Samar (surface-to-air missile for assured retaliation) system, loitering munitions and several counter-drone weapons. 'The world is looking at our defence sector with new respect. A single delay or error in financial processes can directly affect operational preparedness,' Singh said. Most of the equipment India once imported is now being manufactured locally, he said. 'Our reforms are succeeding because of the clarity of vision and commitment at the highest level. Our effort is to ensure that decisions are taken swiftly so that we can begin manufacturing larger (jet) engines right here in India.' In April, Singh said manufacturing aero engines remains a challenge for India and the country is in talks with global firms to develop the critical capability to power fighter planes, drawing attention to a striking technology gap and steps being taken to overcome it. India is in talks with global engine makers such as Safran, GE Aerospace and Rolls Royce to build domestic capabilities. A derivative of the indigenous Kaveri engine, initially planned for fighter planes, is being developed to power armed drones. Highlighting the increasing strategic and economic significance of the defence sector, he called for a shift in perception from defence spending as mere expenditure to an economic investment with multiplier impact. 'Until recently, defence budgets were not seen as part of the national economy. Today, they are growth drivers,' he said, adding that India, along with the rest of the world, is entering a new phase of re-armament, marked by capital-intensive investments in the defence sector. Even small errors in the DAD's processes can have consequences, Singh said. 'At the place where you are working, if you make even a small mistake, then the soldiers do not get the necessary resources on time. Due to our negligence, there can be a problem in budget allocation and it directly affects operational readiness.'
United News of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Op Sindoor has boosted global demand for Indian defence products: Rajnath
New Delhi, July 7 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while highlighting the success of Operation Sindoor, said that the valour shown by the armed forces and the proven effectiveness of indigenous equipment have significantly boosted global demand for Indian-made defence products. 'The world is looking at our defence sector with new respect. A single delay or error in financial processes can directly affect operational preparedness,' Rajnath Singh said during the Controllers' Conference of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) here today, a Defence Ministry statement said. He also called on the DAD to evolve from a 'controller' to a 'facilitator' in sync with increasing participation of the private sector in defence. Stating that India has moved towards Aatmanirbharta and structural reform in defence planning, finance, and innovation under the Modi government, Rajnath said, 'Most of the equipment we once imported is now being made in India. Our reforms are succeeding because of the clarity of vision and commitment at the highest level'. Addressing the larger geopolitical context, the Minister mentioned the rising global military expenditure reaching USD 2.7 trillion in 2024, as per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute and stated that this opens up tremendous opportunities for India's indigenous defence industries. He stressed that with the government's focus on 'Aatmanirbharta in Defence', India's industries must be prepared for the global demand shift and play a larger role in exports and innovation. 'Our effort is to ensure that decisions are taken swiftly so that we can begin manufacturing larger engines right here in India and that this journey begins with the hands of Indians,' he added, reaffirming the government's commitment to building advanced indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. Highlighting the increasing strategic and economic significance of the defence sector, he called for a shift in perception from defence spending as mere expenditure to an economic investment with multiplier impact. 'Until recently, defence budgets were not seen as part of the national economy. Today, they are growth drivers,' he added. He mentioned that India, along with the rest of the world, is entering a new phase of re-armament, marked by capital-intensive investments in the defence sector. He urged the department to incorporate Defence Economics in their planning and assessments, including social impact analysis of R&D projects and dual-use technologies. The Defence Minister also referred to the recently launched Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme with a budget of Rs one lakh crore, which prioritises defence sector innovation and procurement of high-end technology. He encouraged the DAD to become active enablers in ensuring smooth implementation and timely funding of such projects, particularly from start-ups, MSMEs, and the private sector. He highlighted the fact, for the first time, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the acquisition of weapon systems through the capital route, and urged the department to be prepared for financial activities related to this shift. Rajnath praised the department's new motto 'Alert, Agile, Adaptive' and noted that these are not mere words, but a reflection of the work culture required in today's rapidly evolving defence environment. He urged officials to undertake internal reform through self-introspection, rather than relying solely on external audits or consultants. 'Improvements made through internal evaluation create living organisations. These reforms are more organic, with fewer barriers,' he stated. 'Peace time is nothing but an illusion. Even during periods of relative calm, we must prepare for uncertainty. Sudden developments can force a complete shift in our financial and operational posture. Whether it's stepping up equipment production or adapting financial processes, we must be ready with innovative techniques and responsive systems at all times,' the defence Minister stated. He called upon DAD to incorporate this mindset into their planning, budgeting and decision-making systems. He also referred to upcoming digital initiatives such as the Comprehensive Pay System and Centralised Database Management System, which will simplify pay and personnel data management and support faster, real-time decision-making across services. He welcomed the department's work on the vision document and roadmap for Defence Finance & Economics, while urging timely implementation and the ability to make course corrections, if required. Rajnath emphasised that even small errors in the department's processes can have significant consequences. 'At the place where you are working, if you make even a small mistake, then the soldiers do not get the necessary resources on time. Due to our negligence, there can be a problem in budget allocation and it directly affects operational readiness,' he emphasized. The Defence Minister congratulated the Defence Secretary & CGDA for achieving full utilisation of the capital budget in the previous financial year, and expressed confidence that the department would maintain the same fiscal discipline going forward. He stressed that financial planning should focus not only on budget growth, but also on efficiency-led growth, ensuring the right deployment at the right time for the right objective. 'Let us all pledge to remain alert, agile, and adaptive so that our work remains relevant and impactful. Our responsibility is immense, and every decision we make contributes to the larger vision of national security and self-reliance,' Rajnath highlighted. He also commended the conference agenda, which includes sessions on Change Management, Budgeting, Internal Audit, Procurement, Industry Partnerships, and Capacity Building. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Samir V Kamat, Financial Adviser (Defence Services) S G Dastidar, and Controller General of Defence Accounts Mayank Sharma were also present on the occasion. UNI RBE PRS
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Peace time is nothing but 'illusion': Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
'Peace time is nothing but an 'illusion,' and India must remain prepared for uncertainty even during periods of relative calm,' Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said while hailing the armed forces for the valour they displayed during Operation Sindoor. In an address at an event, Mr. Singh said the performance of the indigenously built equipment and platforms in the operation increased the global demand for India-built military products. "The world is looking at our defence sector with new respect. A single delay or error in financial processes can directly affect operational preparedness," he said. "Most of the equipment we once imported is now being made in India. Our reforms are succeeding because of the clarity of vision and commitment at the highest level," he said. The Defence Minister was addressing the Controllers' Conference of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD). "A single delay or error in financial processes can directly affect operational preparedness," he said, and called on the DAD to evolve from a "controller" to a "facilitator" in sync with increasing participation of the private sector in defence. Delving into the larger geopolitical situation, the Defence Minister cited an analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which said the global military expenditure reached $2.7 trillion in 2024. 'This opens up tremendous opportunities for India's indigenous defence industries,' he said. The Defence Minister praised the DAD's new motto "Alert, Agile, Adaptive" and noted that these are not mere words, but a reflection of the work culture required in today's rapidly evolving defence environment. He urged officials to undertake internal reform through self-introspection, rather than relying solely on external audits or consultants. "Improvements made through internal evaluation create living organisations. These reforms are more organic, with fewer barriers. Peace time is nothing but an illusion. Even during periods of relative calm, we must prepare for uncertainty. Sudden developments can force a complete shift in our financial and operational posture," he said. Defence Acquisition Council clears ₹1.05 lakh crore indigenous deals in first meeting after Operation Sindoor "Whether it's stepping up equipment production or adapting financial processes, we must be ready with innovative techniques and responsive systems at all times," he said. He urged the DAD to incorporate this mindset into their planning, budgeting and decision-making systems. Highlighting the increasing strategic and economic significance of the defence sector, Mr. Singh called for a shift in perception from defence spending as mere expenditure to an economic investment with multiplier impact. "Until recently, defence budgets were not seen as part of the national economy. Today, they are growth drivers," he added. Mr. Singh said India, along with the rest of the world, is entering a new phase of re-armament, marked by capital-intensive investments in the defence sector. The Defence Minister called upon the DAD to incorporate defence economics in their planning and assessments, including social impact analysis of R&D projects and dual-use technologies.
