Rajnath Singh urges IFS trainees to advance India’s defence exports vision

New Delhi, Feb 25: Rajnath Singh on Wednesday underscored the government’s resolve to expand the capacity of India’s indigenous defence industry for both domestic production and exports, asserting that Indian diplomats will play a pivotal role in realising the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

Addressing the 2025 batch of Indian Foreign Service (IFS) trainee officers at South Block in New Delhi, the Defence Minister said India has moved “a long distance” from being one of the world’s largest importers of defence equipment to becoming a manufacturer and exporter of platforms across land, air and maritime domains.

He highlighted the steps taken by the government to promote the absorption of niche technologies in the defence sector and strengthen domestic capabilities, stating that the global community is closely watching India’s growth trajectory and increasingly looking to it for leadership.

Emphasising the importance of defence diplomacy, Rajnath Singh told the trainee officers that their role abroad would be crucial in projecting India’s capabilities and fostering strategic partnerships. He urged them to conduct their duties with honesty and integrity, reminding them that they represent the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.

The Defence Minister also encouraged the young diplomats to remain open to new ideas, cultures and perspectives while carrying forward India’s civilisational values. Congratulating them on joining the prestigious service, he wished them success in their careers.

Prior to the interaction, the 55-member batch, comprising 53 Indian trainees and two officers from Bhutan, was briefed by Ministry of Defence officials on defence diplomacy initiatives, the defence budget, tri-service integration and defence acquisition processes.