'India will never bow its head': Rajnath Singh says India among world's powerful nations today

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday that India's economy continues to strengthen, with the country also expanding rapidly in defence production and, in particular, defence exports.

Singh was speaking at the inauguration of the newly redeveloped "Hutatma Smriti Smarak" at Patradevi in Pernem taluka, a site historically tied to Goa's liberation struggle against Portuguese rule. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Union Minister of State Shripad Yesso Naik were among the dignitaries present at the event.

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During his address, Singh also paid tribute to the Goa Liberation Movement, Operation Vijay, and Operation Sindoor, naming satyagrahis Karnail Singh from Punjab, Sahodra Devi from Madhya Pradesh, and Madhukar Damodar Chaudhary from Maharashtra as among those who sacrificed their lives for the cause.

"There is a huge difference between India in 1961 and India in 2026," the Defence Minister said. "There is no need to explain India's standing in the world today. Our armed forces are now equipped with modern technology. All three services are protecting our borders with greater integration."

On the state of the economy, Singh said, "If the West Asia crisis had not occurred, we could have said that in a few days we could become the world's third-largest economy. But this will happen. Today, we are manufacturing on our own soil weapons that we once bought from other countries." He added that India's defence exports now stand at approximately ₹50,000 crore, while overall defence production has crossed ₹1.8 lakh crore.

Referring to Operation Vijay of 1961, Singh said, "When the territorial integrity of a sovereign nation is at stake, and peaceful efforts have reached their limit, every nation has the right to use its capabilities. This national resolve was reflected in Operation Vijay." He said the valour of the armed forces that led to Goa's liberation set an example, and that the same spirit continues today in the form of a modernised military.

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Drawing a parallel with more recent events, the Defence Minister said, "Operation Sindoor is also a major example of this. We do not want to threaten any country in the world, but if anyone threatens us, we have the capability to respond. India will never bow its head. Today, we have warships, fighter aircraft, modern weapons and air power. Goa Liberation Day reminds us that our armed forces remain prepared to defend our sovereignty."

Concluding his remarks, Singh said, "Today, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India stands among the powerful nations. When India speaks on international forums today, the world listens with rapt attention."

With inputs from ANI