Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister of India

“India to be the 3rd economic power in the World by 2027”

Text of RM’s speech at the ‘Manorama News Conclave 2024’ in Thiruvananthapuram

Namaskaram,

At the outset, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones during the tragic landslides in Wayanad. It was indeed a massive tragedy and I pray that the people affected by this tragedy may recover from this grief and sense of loss.

At the same time, we should offer our gratitude to the brave warriors of the Armed Forces, NDRF, SDRF, other Central & State Government agencies who worked tirelessly to provide immediate rescue and relief to the disaster affected families.

I thank Mr. Mammen Mathew, Jayant Mathew and their entire team for inviting me to this news conclave organized by the ‘Manorama News’ channel of Malayala Manorama Group.

Every year many conclaves are organised by various news channels and media houses in Delhi. I am invited to these events but it becomes difficult to attend them due to paucity of time. But, when Jayant ji invited me to attend this programme in Thiruvananthapuram, I agreed to attend it despite it being scheduled outside Delhi. Because Malayala Manorama Group is not just a media group. It is an institution in itself. It is like a family to me.

I have had a feeling of respect and admiration for this institution ever since I came in contact with this group. This is why despite this programme being scheduled far away from Delhi, I am present amongst you today in this conclave.

As you know, media plays an important role in a democracy. Like the legislature and the executive branches, media is also an important pillar of democracy which gives the voice to the people. At Media platforms, both news and analysis are needed. It is this platform where the exchange of ideas takes place.

Malayala Manorama Publications Group is one of the most prestigious, largest and oldest media groups in our country. It is well known that Malayala Manorama, The Week and Manorama Yearbook are among the best-selling and most-selling publications in the country.

Year after year, Malayala Manorama has recorded growth in terms of circulation. It has not only established itself as a credible brand but has also maintained that credibility. This is no ordinary feat. I congratulate the Malayala Manorama Publications Group for this achievement.

The theme of today’s Conclave is ‘Change Makers’. I believe that the biggest reality of today’s India is the change. Today, people can see and feel India changing in a positive direction. All of us are witnessing this ‘positive’ and ‘Epochal’ change.

It is said that “Change is the only Constant”. Although this was said centuries ago, it is as relevant today as it was 2500 years ago. Just like backwater rots, a stagnant country and society also get surrounded by many problems.

Our country has witnessed many “Epochal Changes” in the last ten years. From economic reforms to major social transformation, from cultural revival to significant political changes, India has witnessed major changes in the last ten years. The citizens of our country have played the most important role in this change along with the government.

Before Shri Narendra Modi Ji became the Prime Minister in 2014, the country was standing at a crossroads. Before 2014, there was a feeling of despair and disenchantment among the people of India. Something new and good seemed like a distant dream.

When Shri Narendra Modi Ji became the Prime Minister, he was able to see and understand this feeling of despair and disenchantment. Without wasting time, he started working to bring positive changes in the lives of Indians. It is usually seen that when a new government comes to power, it focuses on big things alone, but he started paying attention to small things also.

You all must remember when Modi Ji spoke about cleanliness in his first Independence Day speech as Prime Minister. Many were surprised that why he was talking about cleanliness on such a special occasion. He had said that every Indian needs to do “Shram-daan” for cleanliness.

He led by example. He picked up the broom and started the revolution of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The entire country followed him and the path shown by him. Wherever possible, everyone moved towards making India clean. This was a momentous ‘Behavioural Change’. This was proof of the awakening of collective consciousness in India.

In the same speech on Independence Day, he promised to provide toilet facilities in every household to end open defecation. This was to ensure not just the good health and hygiene of citizens but also women’s safety and dignity of life.

Since 2014, more than 11.70 crore household toilets have been built. Today, there is hardly any house in the country which does not have access to a toilet.

Friends, you are aware that the nationalisation of banks took place in 1969. Several decades had passed since and many poor and marginalised people did not have bank accounts. Then our government came up with Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). It changed the meaning of banking for the poor in the country. On 28th August the scheme has successfully completed 10 years since inception.

Earlier, common people especially poor and marginalised sections of society had to stand for hours in queues at banks to get their accounts opened.  But during the last 10 years the banks went to the poor and opened their accounts. PMJDY was an extensive outreach program where bank officials went to the remotest parts of the country to open accounts for the people who were not part of the formal banking system. And, the result of this initiative has been phenomenal as 53 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened in the last 10 years. These accounts have more than Rs 2 Lakh 30000 crore as deposits, although they were supposed to be zero balance accounts. This is the kind of confidence poor people have shown in Jan Dhan Yojana.

Our government started different campaigns to fulfil the basic needs and necessities of citizens. For example, even after seven decades of independence, there were about 18000 villages in the country where the facility of electricity was elusive. Today in India, you will hardly find a village which has not been electrified.

There was a time when the gender ratio in the country was deteriorating rapidly. In states like Haryana, it was reaching a dangerous level. Our government resolved to change this situation. PM Modi ji started the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign from Haryana. Gradually, this turned over a new leaf.

‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme helped in improving the gender ratio as well as ensured women empowerment. Today, Indian women are playing an active role in every sphere. The development paradigm today is not only women’s development but also women-led development. The government has brought the historic Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam which paves the way for 33 per cent reservation for women in parliament and state legislatures.

Friends, after independence, women were denied agency and opportunity to be active contributors to the development of this country. But the situation is now rapidly changing. For example, you can see that the share of women is increasing in the armed forces of the country.

When I was the Minister for Home Affairs, I issued an advisory to all the states to fill up one-third vacancies with women in the security forces. Today, the participation of women has increased in all police forces and paramilitary forces.

Now, many obstacles to the entry of women into the Armed Forces have been removed. In all three wings of the armed forces, we have ensured increased participation of women. Women are also being given admission to “Sainik schools”. One of the most prestigious military training institutes, the National Defence Academy, has also been opened for women. You will be surprised to know that now hundreds of thousands of young girls participate in the NDA entrance exam from all over the country.

For a long time, women of the country were looking forward to get a permanent commission. Now, the permanent commission for women in the Armed Forces has been allowed. The army has decided that eligible and meritorious women officers will be given a ‘permanent commission’. What can be a better example of women’s empowerment than this!

Today, our government is marching ahead with the vision of women empowerment and women-led development. This is not just a slogan for us. We have taken concrete steps towards this. Our commitment is showing results and women empowerment is a reality today.

Women’s health, women’s safety and women’s welfare are a priority for us. We have taken many steps to ensure these. In the last ten years, many schemes have been started where women’s issues are at focus.  Also, we have ensured that capabilities and talent are harnessed for the development of the nation.

The practice of triple talaq was a big issue for our Muslim sisters and daughters. In our country, ending a sacred institution like marriage by simply saying talaq three times could not be justified in any way. But this was practised unabated and unchallenged. Our government showed the will and determination to end this evil practice. This came as a big relief to Muslim women.

Friends, considering the atrocities and crimes against women in the country, despite all the changes, it seems that a lot remains to be done. Our government has adopted a strict attitude towards crimes against women, but many states are not making sincere efforts in this direction. The recent heart-wrenching incident in Kolkata is very tragic and disgraceful.

We have amended the law to provide for the capital punishment for heinous crimes like rape. This law should be implemented with strictness.

Friends, when we think of change, I believe that the biggest change that has come in the last ten years is in the governance and the government’s approach, perspective and attitude towards it.

Before 2014, citizens had accepted that any leader could not bring any change in the governance of our country. After witnessing ten years of our government, people believe that a leader with the right intention and strong willpower can bring immense positive change.

In the last decade, we have given priority to good governance. We have changed the casual and perfunctory approach towards governance. If we see the policymaking of our government as a whole, we will see some foundational principles in it. Those principles are – stability, consistency, and continuity. Every policy and programme of our government is founded on these principles to ensure good governance.

It is said that when the efficacy and efficiency of a government are to be judged, see how it performs in a crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, every government in the world was tested and many governments failed miserably.

During COVID-19 Pandemic, no one had any idea how to deal with the dual challenge that Corona was presenting for human lives and the economy. Our government did exceptional work during the Pandemic.

Our government ensured that life-saving resources and medicines were timely and promptly available. During lockdown, the government ensured food security by making the free-of-cost ration available for the poor. Then the Made in India vaccines were taken as a priority. We ensured the availability of these vaccines to each citizen promptly without any delay.

Our government addressed the trifecta of challenges related to health, wealth and livelihood. The government sent money directly to women’s bank accounts. Financial help was given to street vendors and MSMEs. Agriculture support was given to farmers to ensure that they did not face any difficulty.

During the pandemic, many other countries were forced into making decisions where the negative after-effects on their economy were huge. But we resolved to turn adversity into an opportunity.

Our government made decisions with prudence, courage and skill. And the results which came out were appreciated by the world. The same policies which were being questioned were lauded and commended. Today, when other economies are struggling, the Indian economy is more resilient and in a better position and growing at a good pace.

India’s economy has undergone unprecedented changes. Before 2014, India’s economy was among the ‘Fragile Five’. Today it is being recognised all over the world as one of the ‘Fabulous Five’. The Indian economy has become one of the fastest-growing large economies today.

During the last fiscal year, India’s economic growth rate was 8.2 per cent. It was more than the previous financial year’s growth rate of 7 per cent. It is also better than the projections and estimates of many economic experts and agencies.

For two consecutive years, India has been the fastest-growing economy out of all the world’s major economies.

According to the estimates of domestic and foreign agencies, this will continue in the year 2024-25 as well.

In the last ten years, India has become the fifth largest economy from the 11th largest economy. Morgan Stanley estimates show that India will become the third-largest economy in the world by 2027.

All the developed countries of the world including America had to go through a bad phase of inflation. But, despite the fast pace of growth, inflation is well under control in India. Recent data released in July show that the retail inflation rate has been recorded at 3.54 per cent, the lowest in the last five years.

Friends, the work-speed in the country has increased manifold. To ensure, ease of doing business, more than 40,000 compliances have either been scrapped or simplified.

Whereas earlier it used to take 600 days to get environmental clearance, it now takes less than 75 days.

Before 2014, the number of startups used to be less than 1000. Now it has increased to more than one lakh. Today, India is the third largest startup ecosystem in the world and every 10th unicorn of the world is in India.

India’s startup ecosystem is expected to receive around $1 billion in new funding this year, 25% higher than last year.

Now, India is the second largest manufacturer of mobile phones in the world. Mobile phone manufacturing has increased 5 times during the last decade. About 2 lahks Gram Panchayats in our country have been connected with optical fiber.

You are aware of the fact that today almost every Indian city and town has 5G connectivity. Everyone is surprised by the speed with which it has expanded in just two years.

The VP of renowned telecom company Ericsson has stated that India has left behind many European countries in the 5G rollout. Today, India has the highest number of 5G users after China and America.

While 5G connectivity is now being rolled out in the rural areas of India, our government started to work towards bringing 6G to the country.

Friends, I remember when our Prime Minister talked about promoting Digital India and digital transactions, a senior minister in the UPA government had publicly said that the Indians were not ready to do digital transactions.

Today the entire scenario has changed. It is a fact that almost half of the real-time digital transactions happening in the rest of the world today happen in India alone. In the last fiscal year 2023-24, there were almost 131 billion UPI transactions in India. In July 2024, for the third consecutive month, transactions worth Rs 20 lakh crore have taken place.

The digital revolution in India has strengthened the economy. As held by United Nations General Assembly President Dennis Francis, in his address to the 78th session of the UNGA, the mobile revolution in India has brought 80 crore people out of poverty.

Under the leadership of Modiji, the government has increased the digital infrastructure. With the help of JAM Trinity, the delivery system in India has not only changed but has been completely transformed. With the help of new technology, the government has transparently identified the right beneficiaries and provided the benefits of every scheme to citizens without any discrimination.

You will be surprised to know that for a long time, there were about 10 crore fake beneficiaries in records. Some beneficiaries were never born. 10 crore such fake names were removed from the records. Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme was started. It has made certain that every single penny reaches directly to the bank accounts of the right beneficiaries.

Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme has resulted in saving about Rs 3 lakh crore from falling into the wrong hands.

Friends, Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modiji, our work ethic has also changed. Our speed and scale have increased. If I ask you, how do you set targets in your organisation? Generally, people set their targets keeping in mind the achievements of last year. For example, if earlier they were at 10, now they will go to 12, 14, 16. If there is a growth of 8-10 percent, then it is considered good.

This is what I call the “curse of incremental thinking”. We decided that we have to work at a much faster speed and on a much larger scale than the previous governments. And today the world is seeing its results.

There are many sectors where the work done in the last ten years is manifold more than the work done in the last seventy years. That is, seven decades of work is less than that done in the last decade. For example, before the year 2014, about twenty thousand kilometres of railway line were electrified, whereas in 10 years of our government, we have electrified more than 40 thousand kilometres of railway line.

During the almost seven decades before 2014, around 18 thousand kilometres of four or more-lane National Highways were built. In the 10 years, we have built around 30 thousand kilometres of such highways. Just think about it for a moment- 18 thousand kilometres in almost 70 years and 30 thousand kilometres in just 10 years. If we had continued to work with the same old incremental thinking, then the outcome would have been the same as that of the previous governments.

In the decades since independence till 2014, less than 250 km of metro rail network was constructed in India. In the last 10 years, more than 650 km of new metro rail network has been built. Till 2014, 3.5 crore families in India had tap water connections. In the year 2019, Prime Minister Modi Ji started the Jal Jeevan Mission. Since then, tap water connections have been provided to more than 12 crore households in the rural areas of India.

Friends, India is a welfare state. It is our priority to make the lives of citizens easier and to improve their quality of life. Naturally, we made new schemes, but we also ensured that the benefits of these schemes reached every eligible beneficiary.

As soon as we formed the government in 2014, we started working in mission mode to end poverty. The result is in front of us. In the last 10 years, 25 crore people have come out of poverty. These figures by Niti Aayog depict the rapidly changing situation in this country. This is not a small achievement.

Many political leaders and Prime Ministers have talked about eradicating poverty. Some of them ruled this country for long but poverty was not eradicated. For the first time in the history of India, poverty eradication has happened in a defined manner. The people of the country have shown their trust by mandating the third term to our government.

Four things were always kept in mind by our government.

First, productive expenditure in the form of the highest capital expenditure,

second, unprecedented investment in welfare schemes,

third, end of wasteful expenditure and

fourth, financial discipline.

We firmly believe that we should invest not only in the present but also in the future of the country. Our mantra has been that money saved is money earned. For example, we have saved a lot by completing projects on time.

Previously, between laying the foundation stone of a project and its inauguration, governments used to change. For the first time in this country, such a government has come which is not only ensuring the completion of old important projects but also completing the new ones in mandated minimum time.

Let me give you an example. The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor project was started in 2008. If the previous government would have timely finished this project, its cost would have been Rs 16,500 crore. But by the time it was completed, the cost increased to more than Rs 50,000 crore.

Bogibil Bridge of Assam also has the same story. The project was started in the year 1998 with an estimated cost of Rs 1100 crore. No previous government could finish the project. We completed its work in 2018. But the cost has already increased to five thousand crores. There are many such examples. The taxpayers’ money had no value in the eyes of previous governments. We changed this thinking.

Completing projects in a time-bound manner has become an identity of our government. Even P Chidambaram, who was the finance minister in the previous government, accepts this feat and considers this a big success story of this government.

Friends, the first condition for a strong economy is that it should be self-reliant in every sector. There were many sectors which were neglected. Let’s take the defence sector for example. In the 1960s, fighter aircraft Marut and MBT Vijayanta were being made in India, but despite this, India could not create a production base and a strong ecosystem for defence equipment and defence-related R&D. Due to this, defence imports were relied upon for a long time to meet our growing defence needs.

This situation changed after 2014 when the work of making the defence sector self-reliant started. There was a time when about 65-70 per cent of defence equipment was being imported into the country. Today, this has changed. Now only 35 percent of defence equipment is being imported. The remaining 65 per cent of the equipment is being manufactured in India.

Apart from this, now we are also exporting defence equipment made in India. In the year 2023-24, India’s defence export has crossed Rs 21000 crore. Our target is to increase defence exports up to 50000 Crore by 2029.

Five Positive Indigenisation Lists of 509 items by the armed forces and 5012 items by Defence PSUs have been released. The positive Indigenisation list includes items and products which will not be imported and only be made in India and by Indians. Defence production of our country has crossed Rs 1.27 lakh crores. Our target is to reach 1.75 lakh crores in this fiscal year. By 2029 we want to achieve 3 lakh crore worth of defence production in India.

To enhance the manufacturing capacity in the Defence Sector, two Industrial Corridors were set up: one in Uttar Pradesh and the other in your neighbouring state Tamil Nadu. And you all will be glad to know that the government is providing many support measures for industries to establish base in the two corridors.

Today the world sees India in a different light. India’s stature and respect for our country have increased in the whole world. Recently, PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji was on a visit to Ukraine. A few days ago, he also went to Russia. He is the only leader in the world who is listened to by both Russia and Ukraine, who are at war with each other. Not only this but when he was in Ukraine, Russia again stopped the attacks.

During this time, I was also on a visit to America. Earlier America was not ready to join hands with India on matters related to defence. Today both the countries have signed many defence cooperation related documents. This is the change I have been talking about.

You will be happy to know that we have made remarkable progress in our engine making capabilities. Now GE-141 engines will be made in India. During my US visit I had fruitful discussions with US companies and they are excited to joint Make in India Initiative.

Today India has become the biggest voice of the Global South. Every country considers and listens to India’s opinion on significant issues. Earlier, when the Prime Minister of the country used to visit other countries, India did not get the respect it should have gotten.

Recently when Modi ji went on a visit to Russia, President Vladimir Putin himself bestowed upon him Russia’s highest civilian honour. With this, Russia has joined the 16 countries that have given their country’s highest civilian honour to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji. These countries also include Muslim countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Maldives and Bahrain.

In the last ten years, the respect for India and Indians has increased all over the world. Today, the world’s top leaders praise Modi Ji. Some call him “the boss”, some call him a great leader. We have seen a scene when the President of a country even touched his feet out of respect.

There is no sector left where there has not been positive change in the last ten years. If I talk about all the significant changes of last ten years, it might take more than a day. The things I discussed are just a trailer. But after watching this trailer, you must have understood how the last ten years have been dedicated to change.

The last ten years will go down in history as the decade of Change and our Prime Minister and our government will always be recognised as the biggest ‘Change Makers’.

Finally, I just want to say that India is on a cusp of major change, a change which will usher India into an age of unprecedented development, prosperity, social harmony and growth. And, the energy behind that will be the change makers be it an individual, those in government or civil society.

With these words, I once again thank Malayala Manorama Media Group for inviting me to this event. Thank You. Nanni!