PLA: Indian forces fought PLA with utmost bravery; forced them to go back: Rajanth on Ladakh row

New Delhi: The unprovoked aggression by China in Ladakh is a reminder that the future of the Indo-Pacific region is uncertain, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said. He urged the industry to step forward into defence manufacturing and cut import dependency.

The minister, who was speaking at the FICCI annual summit, said the armed forces have shown exemplary courage in repelling the PLA that have set an example for generations to come. Singh said that import dependency in critical areas remains a matter of concern, while referring to the Himalayan threat.

“It’s not a very comforting fact that as one of the largest armed forces of the world, we are so import-dependent in critical areas. While we have made some important strides in defence production, a lot more can and must be done,” the minister said, urging industry to realign business after studying recent reforms made when it comes to defence manufacturing.

Raising a larger point, the minister also alluded to Beijing’s increased aggression across the region. “The unprovoked aggression on our Himalayan frontiers is a reminder of how the world is changing, how existing agreements are being challenged, how power is being asserted not just in the Himalayas but across the Indo-Pacific. And how uncertain the future of the region and world could be in this backdrop,” he said.

Singh said he did not want to dwell on a comparison on military strengths with China but said that when it comes to soft power, India has been way ahead, quoting a Chinese scholar who said India culturally dominated its neighbour for over 2,000 years without sending across a single soldier.

“There can be a serious debate on who owns more military might but when it comes to soft power there is no scope of ambiguity. India is far ahead of China when it comes to leading the world with ideas,” he said.

The minister said India has always been at the strategic forefront of global security and urged the industry to stand shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces guarding the border. “Can we use our economic strength to our advantage, forge the right partnerships, bring the right technology for our armed forces? Can we be at the forefront of military production – lethal or non-lethal – like our soldiers on the border,” he asked.

Speaking on the recent reforms, the minister said domestic production has been incentivised, doors opened for the private sector –– the aim is to make defence equipment in India for the world. “Defence has huge implications for India’s endeavours to promote research and development, innovation and its efforts to secure a place in global supply chains. Of particular relevance is the fact that whatever we achieve together in the defence sector has enormous spin-off benefits for the economy in general,” he said.

The minister themed his address around the “Inspired India” theme, saying that the bounce back of the economy and the way soldiers were not deterred from their duties by the virus are signs that India has innovators and enterprising youth who made sure that India is “back on track, with new vigour”.