New Delhi, Oct 24: “The broad consensus achieved by India and China to resolve their differences in certain areas along LAC is proof that continuous dialogue brings solutions,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while delivering the keynote address at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue in New Delhi.
He asserted that the two countries have been involved in talks at diplomatic & military levels, and broad consensus has been achieved to restore the ground situation based on the principles of equal and mutual security. This is the power of engaging in continuous dialogue, he said.
Sharing his insights on the topic ‘India’s Vision for Development & Security’, the Defence Minister stated that ‘development’ and ‘security’ are often viewed from separate perspectives, but are, in actuality, deeply interconnected & mutually reinforcing.
“Historically, the study of key factors for economic development such as land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship have been central to economic analysis. The impact of defense and security has traditionally been under-explored. This may be because security is often viewed as a necessary but non-economic factor. Defense spending, military infrastructure, and national security can significantly affect economic growth and resource allocation, even in non-war periods or in peacetime,” he said.
Rajnath Singh emphasized that a significant portion of any nation’s budget is dedicated to security, with the sector itself making a vital economic contribution through job creation, technological advancements, and infrastructure development. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government’s resolve to bridge the gap between ‘development’ and ‘security’, stressing that economic development can only flourish when national security is ensured.
Enumerating the steps being taken by the Government, the Defence Minister said the vision of border area development is based on bolstering the security apparatus and ensuring the socio-economic progress of the regions. This, in turn, fosters economic growth, he stated.
Rajnath Singh also pointed out that Indigenous manufacturing of arms and equipment not only strengthens the security infrastructure but also creates employment opportunities and furthers expertise leading to technological innovation & self-reliance. Additionally, domestic production boosts income generation and stimulates economic activity through supply chains, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire economy. Initiatives in the name of security often serve as powerful catalysts for broader national development, he said.
Rajnath Singh, however, clarified that self-reliance does not mean working in isolation from the global community; it is the country’s dedication to fostering an equitable and inclusive world order. He reasserted India’s commitment to collaborating closely with all nations to promote a fair and just international system.
In his address, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi brought out the crucial connection between national security and nation-building by referring to Chanakya’s ‘Saptang Theory’ to emphasize the importance of the development of effective State institutions, an operative governance mechanism, inclusive development, fostering a national identity and progressive transformation of the society as the contemporary paradigm of ‘nation building’. He highlighted that the Army not only provides a secure and safe environment for the people but contributes immensely to every facet of development and growth story, viz, economy, social cohesion, skill development environment sustainability, etc.
The Chief of the Army Staff termed the convergence of technology and security as very important in the current context. He emphasized that ‘Smart Power’- an approach that combines diplomacy and development with military might is essential for sustainable growth as reflected in the ongoing conflicts.
