Rajnath Singh Emphasizes Self-Reliance in Defense at Kolkata Maritime Dialogue
In a recent maritime dialogue held in Kolkata, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of self-reliance in the defense sector amidst global uncertainties. He highlighted the need for India to adapt to changing global dynamics, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges in the Middle East. Singh pointed out the critical role of technology in transforming the defense landscape and emphasized the government's commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in defense technology. This dialogue marks a significant step in reinforcing India's maritime capabilities and addressing the complexities of modern security challenges.
Mar 6, 2026, 18:13 IST
Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Maritime Dialogue in Kolkata
On Friday, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the maritime dialogue 'Sagar Sankalp - The Return of India's Maritime Glory' in Kolkata, organized jointly by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited and a private media organization. During his address, Singh emphasized that in this era of uncertainty, the only way to remain relevant and prepared is through self-reliance.
According to the Ministry of Defense, he highlighted that the current global scenario has led to a restructuring of supply chains, the formation of new equations, and a continuous increase in maritime activities, reaffirming the government's commitment to achieving self-reliance in every sector. The Defense Minister noted that outdated ideas, old global systems, and traditional perceptions are rapidly changing. These uncertainties are crucial for us to comprehend, with the current situation in the Middle East serving as a prime example. What is unfolding there is quite unusual, making it challenging to make concrete predictions about future events in the Middle East or our neighboring regions.
He pointed out that the Strait of Hormuz and the entire Persian Gulf region are vital for global energy security. Instability in this area directly impacts the supply of oil and gas. Furthermore, disruptions in supply chains are also being observed in other regions. These uncertainties have a direct effect on the economy and global trade. The global landscape is in an unusual state, and more concerning is the fact that this abnormal situation is now being perceived as the norm.
Singh also identified technological dynamism as another critical element in today's world, stating that technology is bringing unprecedented changes across all sectors, particularly evident in defense. He underscored that high-level and precise technologies are being utilized in the defense sector, with the government aiming to achieve self-reliance in defense technology to be prepared for emerging and future challenges.