Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday (February 1, 2026) praised the role of the Indian Coast Guard during last year’s Operation Sindoor, saying the maritime force had deployed strategic assets in advance, enhanced surveillance along the western coast, and maintained a “high alert” in the coastal and creek areas.

Addressing an event to mark the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) 50th Raising Day, Mr. Singh also said the operation displayed “seamless inter-service coordination” within India’s multi-layered maritime security system, and reaffirmed the role of the ICG as a “frontline force”.

In his address, the Defence Minister also made a reference to the Union Budget 2026-27 presented on Sunday (February 1, 2026), calling it a budget that reflects “what is on India’s mind”.

Raised on February 1, 1977, the ICG was envisioned to address emerging maritime challenges and safeguard India’s expanding marine interests.

Mr. Singh said in the past five decades, the Coast Guard has emerged as an “important pillar” of India’s national security, and the ICG has been transformed into a “massive, modern, and powerful force” equipped with advanced ships, helicopters, modern aircraft and best technologies.

In his address, he enumerated the various key roles played by the ICG, from preventing terrorism, arms and human trafficking to ensuring maritime security, and from saving lives and responding to natural disasters, to controlling other illegal activities, saying the force remains vigilant on every front.

“Besides, your big achievement is also what you did during Operation Sindoor, which was effected under an environment of heightened maritime sensitivity,” he said.

The Defence Minister said that the ICG, under a “fast and firm response”, had “deployed strategic assets in advance, enhanced surveillance along the western coast, and maintained a high alert in coastal and creek areas”.

He described the ICG as a “wall of trust” on India’s maritime border, saying it demonstrated the true meaning of service to the nation.

“Operation Sindoor displayed seamless inter-service coordination within India’s multi-layered maritime security system, and reaffirmed the role of the Indian Coast Guard as a frontline force,” Mr. Singh said.

Established in 1977 with just seven surface platforms, the ICG has evolved into a formidable maritime force comprising 155 ships and 80 aircraft, officials said.

By 2030, the ICG is “poised to achieve its target force levels of 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft, firmly establishing itself among the world’s premier coast guard services,” they said.

Mr. Singh said in an era of global instability and growing maritime threats, its responsibilities have increased even more.

“Its contribution in tackling challenges such as drug trafficking, piracy, illegal trade, and marine pollution is decisive. Saving over 11,800 lives at sea since its inception clearly demonstrates its courage, skill, and sense of duty.

“Be it cyclones, maritime accidents, or regional humanitarian missions like Operation Sagar Bandhu, it has demonstrated prompt response, compassion, and a professional approach. Multi-agency coordination, the role of first responders in disaster management, and the display of humanity, along with professionalism, strengthen national security,” he said.

Mr. Singh exhorted the ICG to prepare a “clear, well-targeted, and visionary roadmap” for the next 25 years as the nation marches forward towards the goal of Viksit Bharat at 2047 with determination.

He emphasised that the roadmap should not only encompass manpower planning and capability development, but also define where the ICG sees itself as an organisation by 2047.

Mr. Singh urged the ICG to focus on organisational and structural reforms that will make it more “agile, responsive and future oriented”.

“If this introspection and reforms are initiated today, then on 100 years of our independence, the ICG will not only become a strong guardian of maritime security, but also a shining symbol of Viksit Bharat’s maritime prowess,” he said.

Mr. Singh also unveiled the ICG’s ‘Swarnim Jayanti’ logo, and released a commemorative stamp.

Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, Defence Secretary R.K. Singh, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and Director General, ICG, Paramesh Sivamani, were present at the event hosted at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended greetings to all ranks of the ICG on the occasion.

“#ICGRaisingDay2026 Hon’ble President of #India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu extended her warm wishes to @IndiaCoastGuard on the occasion of 50th raising day. #IndianCoastGuardDay2026 #WeProtect,” the ICG posted on X on Sunday (February 1, 2026), and shared a written message of the President.

Prime Minister Modi in a post on X earlier in the day, said, “On their Raising Day, greetings to all the ranks of the Indian Coast Guard. They have made a mark for standing as a steadfast shield along our shores. Their unwavering commitment to maritime security, swift disaster response and protection of our marine ecosystem is commendable. @IndiaCoastGuard”.

Bengaluru:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said India is going through a revolutionary phase of transformation, and the country’s fighter jets, missile systems, naval vessels are not only protecting our borders but are also becoming the center of attraction for the entire world.

He said this at the indigenisation event and the valedictory ceremony of Aero India 2025 here.

Highlighting the adoption of indigenously manufactured defence products by the country’s armed forces, he said nothing less than the best can be allowed when it comes to national security.

“Aero India has reached heights that are not only unparalleled but historic,” the Defence Minister said.

“I was personally present for the past three days in this event and if I have to express my experience in three words, it is energy, energy and energy,” he said.

“Whatever we could see in Yelahanka is a manifestation of energy, and the energy and enthusiasm could be seen not only among the participants from India but from across the world. The enthusiasm seen among our entrepreneurs, our startups and innovators is commendable.” Noting that the country is going through a revolutionary phase of transformation, the Defence Minister said, “We all know that India has historically been dependent on imports for its defence needs. If I look back about a decade ago, 65 to 70 per cent of defence equipment was being imported into our country.” “If we look at the situation today, you may call it resolution or a miracle, but almost the same percentage of defence equipment is being manufactured in the country today,” he said.

Mr Singh said, the country today is standing at such a juncture where fighter jets, missile systems, naval vessels, or many such equipment and platforms, are not only protecting India’s borders, but are also becoming the center of attraction for the entire world.

“Today, we are exporting everything from small artillery to large platforms like Brahmos and Akash missile systems to many countries. This is not only increasing our defence exports, but our new partnerships with different countries are also developing and strengthening at the global level,” he said, as he credited firm reserve and firm conviction and trust of stakeholders for it.

Highlighting that today the country has a strong defence industrial complex, comprising 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings, 430 licensed companies, and about 16,000 MSMEs, the Defence Minister said, a special thing about this is that the private sector is participating actively in achieving the goal of self-reliance, with a current contribution of 21 per cent in total defence production.

It has been the endeavour of the government from the very beginning to remove the uncertainties and provide a level playing field to the private sector. The government is constantly bringing such policies so that not only the public sector moves forward in defence manufacturing, but both the public sector and the private sector move forward together, he said.

Also appreciating the patriotism and nationalism shown by defence forces by showing their full trust towards indigenously manufactured defence products, he further said, “Our forces have wholeheartedly adopted weapons and all types of war-related equipment manufactured in the country.” Rajnath Singh said if the country has been able to take the campaign of self-reliance to this level today, and wants to move ahead at an even faster pace, then it can be achieved only with the complete satisfaction of our armed forces.

Seeing the development of the aerospace industry in the country today, Mr Singh said, “I can say with confidence that in the transformative era that we are all going through, India is now moving towards becoming not just a participant but also a global leader in sectors like defence innovation and aerospace technology.” Noting that the impact of Aero India will last for a very long time, the Defence Minister said, more than 500 delegates from 84 countries, including foreign guests, Defence Ministers, service chiefs participated in the event. He also thanked 931 exhibitors, including 782 Indians.

Fifty eight Original Equipment Manufacturers and 115 global CEOs participated in Aero India and this is the biggest participation so far, he said.

With the three business days of the 15th edition of Aero India ending on February 12, the next two days of the event will be open for the public to witness the aero show.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Prayagraj:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday visited Prayagraj to participate in the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The Union Minister began his visit with a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati.

Rajnath Singh will also perform religious rituals at significant sites such as Akshaya Vat, Patalpuri Temple, Saraswati Kund, and the Hanuman Temple.

This year’s Maha Kumbh, which commenced on January 13, is expected to attract millions of devotees, with the event continuing until February 26, 2025.

In a parallel effort to ensure smooth operations and the safety of pilgrims, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will inspect the ongoing arrangements and safety measures in place for the vast influx of visitors.

Saturday marks the sixth day of the Maha Kumbh, with a massive crowd expected to gather for the auspicious Amrit Snan. This ritual is one of the most important bathing festivals of the event, with devotees bathing in the Sangam to cleanse themselves spiritually.

The first Amrit Snan was held on January 14, coinciding with Makar Sankranti, and the second will take place on January 29 for Mauni Amavasya, followed by the third on February 3 for Basant Panchami.

To maintain safety during the sacred baths, a specialised team of 220 expert divers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been deployed. They operate in shifts, supported by 700 boats to ensure vigilance at all times. In addition to the divers, security personnel from the NDRF, SDRF, PAC, water police, and healthcare teams are working together to keep the event running smoothly.

To accommodate the growing number of visitors, the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) has enhanced lodging options. A deluxe 300-bed dormitory has been established within the Maha Kumbh area to offer premium accommodation to both pilgrims and tourists.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Pune:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday emphasised the need for the Armed Forces to transform into a modern warfare machine, citing the increasing use of unconventional methods in today’s warfare — dynamic geopolitical world order and the constantly-changing character of warfare.

He highlighted that conflicts and wars will become more violent and unpredictable, with the emergence of non-state actors and terrorism being major concerns.

Addressing senior Army officials and other personnel at ‘Gaurav Gatha’, an event organised in Pune as part of the 77th Army Day celebrations, he said, “Conflicts and wars will become more violent and unpredictable. The emergence of non-state actors in many countries and their resorting to terrorism is also a matter of concern. Due to the rapid technological advancements, future wars witness a change to a great extent. Cyber and space domains are rapidly emerging as new war zones. Along with this, a war of narrative as well as perception is also being fought all over the world. The military must focus on holistic capacity building and reforms.”

Mr Singh stressed the importance of a robust security system, strong military, and secure borders to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He noted that the Ministry of Defence is working to bolster the strength of the Armed Forces by equipping them with the latest weapons and platforms, focusing on modernization through self-reliance.

“India is currently going through a phase of transition. We are moving forward from being a developing country to a developed one. To become Viksit Bharat, every section of society will have to contribute. But their contribution will only be meaningful when our security apparatus is fool-proof and borders are safe. The security system will be robust only when our military is strong. No nation can develop unless its military is powerful,” said Mr Singh.

He echoed the government’s emphasis on the fact that a strong military is a must to ensure peace. He highlighted that India has always prioritised ‘Buddha’ over ‘Yuddha’, and the Armed Forces have, time-and-again, proved that peace is not a weakness, but a sign of strength.

The Defence Minister also emphasized the need for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, stating that without it, India cannot achieve strategic autonomy. He highlighted the progress made towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence manufacturing, with domestic defence production reaching a record figure of Rs 1.27 lakh crore in the last financial year.

“A country like India cannot depend on other countries for its security. Today, we are not only manufacturing military equipment on Indian soil, but are exporting them. Domestic defence production touched the record figure of Rs 1.27 lakh crore in the last financial year, while defence exports, which were around Rs 2,000 crore a decade ago, crossed the record figure of Rs 21,000 crore,” he said.

He enumerated the steps taken by the Government to promote self-reliance, including the notification of positive indigenisation lists of over 5,500 items. He stated that MoD is moving ahead at an unprecedented pace and in a planned manner towards making the defence sector strong and ‘Aatmanirbhar’.

Mr Singh also announced that 2025 will be the Year of Reforms in the Ministry of Defence, with efforts to bring in reforms that will ensure modernization of the Armed Forces. He expressed confidence that with concerted efforts, India will soon become Viksit Bharat and its military one of the strongest in the world.

Rajnath Singh virtually laid the foundation stone for the Army Paralympic Node, which will be established at Dighi, Pune and expressed confidence that the node will inspire the specially-abled soldiers of the country.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Jammu:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday announced doorstep delivery of medical facilities for ex-servicemen and their families residing in remote areas of the country through mobile medical units.

Asserting the government’s commitment to the welfare of veterans of the armed forces, he said that preparations for the initiative have already begun. “Though it will take some time, I assure you that this doorstep delivery will commence.” Rajnath Singh, while addressing an Armed Forces Veterans’ Day event in Akhnoor, expressed his gratitude to the veterans and martyrs who safeguarded the nation.

“The government has taken several steps to support ex-servicemen and their families. While I do not claim that all measures are sufficient, one significant initiative this year is the introduction of mobile medical units for veterans and their families in remote areas,” the defence minister announced.

“We have decided to provide doorstep delivery of medicines to veterans and their families in remote areas through mobile medical units,” he said.

Addressing around 1,000 ex-servicemen during the event at the Tanda Artillery Brigade, Mr Singh described the Veterans’ Day celebrations at Akhnoor as a testament to the fact that Jammu and Kashmir has been, is, and will always remain an integral part of India.

He described Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as the “crown jewel of India, which is nothing more than foreign territory for Pakistan”.

The defence minister extended his heartfelt wishes to the veterans and their families on Makar Sankranti, calling them his “larger family.” Highlighting the significance of the Armed Forces Veterans’ Day, he recalled the valour and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, particularly the critical battle fought in Akhnoor. This year marks the diamond jubilee of the 1965 war.

The minister paid tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation and said, “The victory in the 1965 war was a result of the valour, courage, and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces. Pakistan has lost every war it fought against India, whether it was in 1948, 1965, 1971, or the 1999 Kargil conflict.” “What inspires our soldiers to dedicate everything to the protection of the nation’s borders and to fight terrorism? It is the deep sense of honour, respect, and self-esteem of the nation that resides in their hearts,” Mr Singh said.

Drawing a parallel with India’s freedom struggle, Mr Singh highlighted the sacrifices of icons like Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, and Ashfaqulla to say, “Their inspiration came from the same sense of honour and pride that motivates our armed forces today. The youth who join the army do so knowing the risks. Yet, they stand ready to sacrifice their lives for the dignity and security of India.” Pakistan has been promoting illegal infiltration and terrorism since 1965 and has tried to influence the local population in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

“But the people here have always rejected their intentions. Pakistan still resorts to terrorism. Even today, over 80 per cent of the terrorists infiltrating into India are from there. Terrorism would have ended in 1965 if the then government had not turned the strategic advantages gained on the battlefield into disadvantages. The situation on the ground has significantly improved since the abrogation of Article 370,” Mr Singh added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Jammu:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday praised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his efforts to reduce the distance between the hearts of the people of the union terrorirorty and Delhi, and asserted that the BJP government treats Delhi and Kashmir equally.

Mr Singh was addressing the ninth armed forces veterans’ day rally at the Tanda Artillery brigade in Akhnoor sector near here.

“Kashmir was treated differently (by previous governments) in the past as a result our brothers and sisters in the region could not get connected with Delhi as it should have been. I do not want to go into the past as our government’s biggest achievement is that we have been working to bridge ‘dil ki duri’ (distance between hearts) between Kashmir and the rest of the country.

“I congratulate Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for taking the right steps to help overcome the little bit of gap (which is still there),” the defence minister said.

The defence minister slammed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq for his remarks against India, and said that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK.

He also extended Makar Sankranti and New Year greetings to the veterans, and said their presence in Akhnoor demonstrates that “we are treating Akhnoor or for that matter Kashmir the same way as Delhi in our hearts.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

India’s aim to become a global manufacturing hub for defence has taken a leap in the last decade with a ten-fold rise in defence exports, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Sharing the numbers, he said India’s exports have crossed a record Rs 21,000 crore, up from Rs. 2,000 crore ten years ago.

Mr Singh went on to say that India has set a target for annual defence exports to cross Rs. 50,000 crore within the next five years. He was addressing officers at the Army War College in Mhow Cantonment in Madhya Pradesh.

“Our defence exports, which were around Rs 2,000 crore a decade ago, have crossed the record figure of Rs 21,000 crore today. We have set an export target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029,” Mr Singh said.

The defence minister’s speech focused on the evolving nature of warfare globally. He emphasised on how the mastering of frontier technologies is essential in today’s era of technology.

Elaborating on his statement, Mr Singh said “Unconventional methods of warfare – like information warfare, Artificial Intelligence or AI-based warfare, proxy warfare, electromagnetic warfare, space warfare, and cyber-attacks are posing a big challenge.” He stressed on the need for the military to be well-trained and equipped to fend off such attacks.

Speaking about challenges at a global level, Mr Singh said that some officers will in future be sent s defence attaches. They must ensure that national interests are secure at the global level. “When you take up this post of defence attaches, you should imbibe the government’s vision of ‘aatmanirbhar Bharat’. Only through self-reliance can India strengthen its defence capabilities and gain more respect on the world stage,” he said.

Stressing on the importance of a strong economy and a robust national security, the defence minister said “Economic prosperity is possible only when full attention is paid to security. Similarly, the security system will be robust only when the economy is strong. Both complement each other.”

Upon his arrival at Mhow Contonment, Rajnath Singh was briefed about significance of the Army War College in training and empowering military leaders for war-fighting across the entire spectrum of warfare.

Mr Singh was also apprised about the global footprint that the institute achieved via training of officers from friendly countries and contributing immensely towards military diplomacy.

(Inputs from PTI)
 

Bhopal:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said today that India a “not a very lucky nation in terms of security and urged soldiers to keep a sharp eye on internal and external foes. Addressing army personnel at the two-plus Century old Mhow cantonment in the Indore district of Madhya Pradesh, he said, this is because “our northern border and western border continuously face challenges”.

“We also face challenges on the internal front,” said the minister, who is on a tour of the state.

“In the backdrop of this, we can’t sit quiet, unconcerned. Our enemies, whether internal or external, remain active always. In these circumstances, we must keep a close eye on their activities and take appropriate and timely effective steps against them,” the minister told the soldiers.

To make Bharat a developed and self-reliant country by 2017, the role of the army is very crucial, he added.

“As the country’s defence minister, I would like to tell you that we should be alert always. This patch of time, though often referred to as peacetime, struck me deeply when I arrived and witnessed the discipline and dedication with which you are undergoing training. Your regimen is no less than that of a war,” he told the gathering.

Mhow cantonment, 25 km from Indore, is home to three premier training institutes – Army War College, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering and Infantry School – other than the Infantry Museum and Army Marksmanship Unit.

Earlier, he and the Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, paid floral tributes at the memorial of Dr BR Ambedkar, the chief architect of India’s Constitution. The memorial has been built at his birthplace in the Kali Paltan area of Mhow cantonment.

(With inputs from PTI) 

New Delhi:

As Rajnath Singh and his top delegation of defence personnel continue their Russia visit, there are talks of a mega defence agreement between Moscow and New Delhi being in advanced stages. The deal – reportedly worth $4 billion will give a massive boost to India’s air defence infrastructure.

The equipment being discussed by both sides is the advanced ‘Voronezh’ series radar which is manufactured by Russia’s Almaz-Antey Corporation, which is a specialist organisation for manufacturing anti-aircraft missile systems and radars.

The Voronezh radar is a very-long-range early warning radar system with a range well over 8,000 kilometers. It is capable of identifying and tracking threats like ballistic missiles, fighter jets, and ICBMs. Should India acquire it, the advanced radar system will be able to detect any air threat from anywhere in China, South and Central Asia, and most of the Indian Ocean region.

The Voronezh radar can detect more than 500 objects simultaneously. While its overall range can go up to 10,000 kilometers, it’s vertical range exceeds 8,000 km and horizon range is over 6,000 km. Moscow claims that the Voronezh radar system can even track stealth aircraft. Due to its massive vertical range, it can provide complete data about ICBMs and situational awareness of near-Earth objects in space.

According to a report by Russia Today, talks between Moscow and New Delhi have been on for a while and last month, a team from Almaz-Antey even visited India to interact with possible offset partners who will be part of the project.

In another report by The Sunday Guardian, there is a push under the ‘Make in India’ initiative for at least 60 per cent of the radar system to be manufactured locally, for which offset partners are being sought in India.

Should the deal be finalised, the advanced radar system will likely be set up in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district, and the designated location for it has also reportedly been surveyed. Chitradurga is already home to some of India’s most advanced and top secret defence and aerospace facilities.

The radar system, once acquired, will significantly improve India’s threat-detection and surveillance capabilities in Asia and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It will also enhance India’s air defence infrastructure to fulfil its needs amid ever-growing regional and global challenges.

On day 2 of his visit today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov will co-chair a top-level meeting on military-technical cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow. India and Russia share a special, privileged, and strategic defence partnership.

Mr Singh will also take stock of the deliveries of the two remaining S-400 Triumph missile systems that New Delhi is yet to receive. India had signed a deal in 2018 for Russia to supply its advanced S-400 missile systems.