Rajnath Singh

Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister, Government of India
Birth DetailsJuly 10, 1951 | Bhabhuara, Chandauli, UP
NationalityIndian
LeaguePolitician
EducationMSc Physics, Gorakhpur University
Rajnath Singh's Journey so far ...
  • Rajnath Singh went to a local school in his village in Uttar Pradesh's Chandauli district. He then joined Gorakhpur University from where he completed his MSc in Physics. His first job was that of a lecturer of Physics at Mirzapur's K.B. Post-Graduate College
  • He joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and was its secretary for the Gorakhpur division from 1969 to 1972. He joined the RSS and became its general secretary of Mirzapur division in 1972
  • Singh began his political career at the age of 24 with the Jan Sangh in 1975, and was first elected to the UP Assembly in 1977 from Mirzapur
  • He was appointed as State Secretary of UP BJP in 1983 and in the following year became the State President of the BJP's youth wing (BJYM). In 1988 he became the National President of the BJYM
  • In 1988, he was elected to the Upper House of the UP Legislative Council and became the Education minister of the state in 1991. During his tenure, he introduced the Anti-Copying Act and Vedic Mathematics in the syllabus
  • He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1994 and also became the party's chief whip in the Upper House. In 1997, Singh became the president of UP BJP and played a crucial role in saving the state government during political crises
  • In November 1999, he became the Union Minister for Surface Transport and initiated the National Highway Development Programme (NHDP), a dream project of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee
  • In October 2000, Rajnath took oath as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and remained in the post till 2002. In May 2003, he was given the charge of the Union Agriculture Ministry by PM Vajpayee. He introduced projects like Kisan Call Centre and Farm Income Insurance Scheme
  • In 2004, he was appointed as National General Secretary of the BJP and in the following year became the party's president. Rajnath Singh served as BJP president from 2005 to 2009, and briefly again from 2013 to 2014 following the resignation of Nitin Gadkari. After he took charge as Union minister, Amit Shah took his place
  • As the party president, he toured the country highlighting the failures of the UPA government. During his presidentship, Narendra Modi was anointed as the BJP's PM candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls
  • In 2014, Singh contested the Lok Sabha polls from the Lucknow constituency and won comprehensively. He was sworn-in as the home minister in the Modi cabinet and played an effective role as number 2 to PM
  • As home minister, he led the effort on Jammu & Kashmir, first managing a difficult alliance and then changing course after the alliance broke. During his stint, Singh was able to contain Maoist violence and squeeze their operational areas. He also took certain administrative decisions which allowed paramilitary forces to enjoy greater autonomy in financial matters and liberalised visa regimes. Apart from that, he was also tasked by Modi to help him fight political problems, including those related to farmers
  • He again contested from Lucknow in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and won from there. He was sworn-in as the Defence Minister in Modi Cabinet 2.0 in 2019
  • As Raksha Mantri, he initiated various reforms particularly involving women. Some of them include induction of women in the corps of military police and increasing the tenure of women officers in SSC from 10 to 14 years
  • After the Galwan clash in 2020, Singh personally conveyed his appreciation and compliments to the Army personnel from the Bihar Regiment for displaying exemplary grit and courage in valiantly fighting the Chinese troops


Before you go ...
  • Rajnath Singh is sought after as a leader who understands farmers’ issues
  • Even after several decades in politics, the teacher in him is alive and he loves interacting with students and youth of India
  • The veteran politician has also written a book on Unemployment - Its Reasons and Remedies

Last Updated: 27/09/2021

Rajnath Singh News

  • India's economy achieved a strong 7.7 percent growth in financial year 2025-26. This performance accelerated to 7.8 percent in the fourth quarter. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted this resilience, attributing it to the 'Reform, Perform, Transform' mantra. India continues to lead as the world's fastest-growing major economy amidst global uncertainty. This growth strengthens aspirations for Viksit Bharat.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh states India's global standing has improved significantly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlights the nation's economic achievements and success in controlling inflation amidst global uncertainties. Singh also emphasized the importance of tree plantation for environmental conservation and prosperity. He participated in the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (A Tree in the Name of Mother) campaign in Lucknow.
  • Defence ministry has doubled financial powers for field commanders. This move aims for faster procurement and efficient operations. Army commanders can now approve up to 100 crore rupees. Service chiefs have a limit of 125 crore rupees. These enhanced powers will support procurements worth 1.25 lakh crore rupees this financial year. This reform will also boost indigenisation and joint procurements.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a significant increase in financial powers for field commanders, more than doubling them to Rs 100 crore per project. This move aims to enhance operational efficiency, expedite contract conclusion, and boost indigenous defence capabilities. The revision also includes provisions for joint service procurement and decentralizes decision-making for goods and services.
  • India and Australia will develop a defence cooperation agreement. This follows their second Defence Ministers' Dialogue. The countries aim to boost maritime security and expand military exercises. Defence industry collaboration and science technology exchanges are also planned. Training cooperation will see an Indian instructor at an Australian college. Both nations support Indo-Pacific maritime surveillance initiatives.
  • India and Australia are set to enhance their defense ties. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles will co-chair a dialogue in New Delhi. The meeting aims to strengthen strategic and military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Discussions will focus on interoperability, industry partnerships, and co-development. This engagement underscores the growing maturity of the bilateral defense relationship.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Nausena Shaurya Vatika in Lucknow. He stated the Indian Navy confined Pakistan's navy to ports during Operation Sindoor. The museum showcases naval achievements and inspires citizens. India's defence manufacturing and exports have significantly increased. Uttar Pradesh has transformed under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has officially launched the book 'Operation Sindoor', a documented chronicle of extraordinary heroism featuring accounts from 100 dedicated participants. This pivotal operation not only marked a significant achievement but also led to an expedited ceasefire with Pakistan.
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated India will be the world's largest weapons exporter within 25 to 30 years. He inaugurated an ammunition manufacturing unit in Shirdi. The government aims for the private sector to contribute 50 percent to defence production. Singh emphasized the private sector's role in producing advanced weapon systems.
  • India and South Korea have strengthened their defence ties. MoUs were signed in key areas like defence cyber, training, and UN peacekeeping cooperation. Defence Ministers Rajnath Singh and Ahn Gyu-back held extensive discussions in Seoul. They reviewed existing cooperation and explored expansion in industry, maritime security, and emerging technologies. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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