NEW DELHI: Defence minister
Rajnath Singh
on Sunday expressed optimism about the ongoing talks between India and China, stating that they are progressing smoothly and in a positive atmosphere.
He emphasized that India will never compromise its stance. During his visit to Ahmedabad to support BJP candidates in the Lok Sabha elections, Singh highlighted India's military strength and its desire to foster good relations with neighbouring countries.
"India is no longer a weak India. India has also become a powerful country from a military point of view. We want to maintain good relations with our neighbouring countries," he said in response to
Rahul Gandhi
's criticism of the Modi government's handling of Chinese aggression.
Singh urged everyone to be patient while awaiting the outcome of the talks, assuring the nation that "India has not bowed down anywhere, nor will it ever bow down."
Last month, India and China amid border tensions discussed ways of achieving complete disengagement and resolving the issues along the Line of Actual Control in the Western Sector.
India has maintained that the situation remains abnormal at the LAC and that it will not consider normalising ties with Beijing till complete disengagement is achieved.
The minister also expressed confidence in the growth of India's defence exports, which surpassed Rs 21,000 crore in the financial year 2023-24. He noted the significant increase from Rs 600 crore in 2014 and predicted further growth in the future.
"In 2014, we exported Rs 600 crore defence items, but now the figure has crossed Rs 21,000 crore, and I can say that it is going to increase," he said.
Rajnath reaffirmed Modi government's commitment to promoting indigenous production of defence items, including missiles, weapons, bombs, and tanks, by Indians. He highlighted the achievement of defence production exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore.
(With agency inputs)
English (US) ·