Rajnath Singh Urges Youth to Contribute to Nation Building
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called upon the youth of India to actively participate in nation-building through innovation and entrepreneurship. Speaking at the commissioning of 'INS Mahendragiri', he highlighted the importance of domestic talent in the defense sector and shared a vision for Kurnool as a future 'Drone Hub'. Singh emphasized the broader impact of shipbuilding on various industries and invited young professionals to contribute to India's self-reliance and technological advancements.
| Jul 11, 2026, 14:42 IST
Call to Action for Young Innovators
On Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh encouraged young individuals involved in engineering, innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment to play a vital role in the nation's development. He emphasized that they should aim not only to shape their own futures but also the future of India. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of 'INS Mahendragiri' at the Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard, he highlighted that there has never been a better time for domestic talent to thrive in the defense sector.
A Vision for the Future
Singh specifically addressed the youth, stating that if they are engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, or investors, there has never been a more opportune moment than now. He urged them to not only build their own futures but also contribute to India's future. He called for the creation of ships that protect the seas and the development of technologies that will shape future battles. Furthermore, he encouraged the establishment of systems that will lead India towards self-reliance.
Kurnool's Potential in Defense Innovation
The minister shared a visionary perspective on the potential of Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, comparing it to some of India's most renowned industrial cities. He mentioned previously discussing a group of eight drone companies that are establishing a 'Drone City' in Kurnool. Just as Surat is known as the 'Diamond City' and Bengaluru as the 'Silicon Valley' of India, he expressed confidence that Kurnool will one day be recognized as the country's 'Drone Hub.'
Strengthening India's Defense Ecosystem
Rajnath Singh emphasized that India's defense ecosystem has become significantly more open and capable, inviting talent to join the national mission of strengthening the country. He noted that shipbuilding extends beyond merely constructing vessels; it fosters the development of an entire industrial ecosystem. The shipbuilding industry propels various sectors, including steel, electronics, sensors, propulsion systems, software, precision engineering, logistics, and numerous ancillary industries.