India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has issued a compelling call for the nation's defence establishment to adopt a forward-looking, proactive stance in today's rapidly changing global security environment. Speaking at the Indian Navy's 'Swavlamban 2025' seminar on Tuesday, the minister emphasized that reactive measures are no longer sufficient for national security.
The Imperative for Proactive Defence Posture
Rajnath Singh declared that India must remain "proactive, ahead of the curve and future-ready" in defence matters. He highlighted the critical importance of this approach given the constantly evolving geopolitical landscape and rapidly changing global dynamics. The minister stressed that adopting a reactive approach to defence preparedness is not viable in the current international scenario.
The defence minister's comments come at a time when global security challenges are becoming increasingly complex, requiring nations to anticipate threats rather than merely respond to them. His emphasis on being "future-ready" underscores the need for continuous innovation and adaptation in military strategy and technology.
Profit-Plus Approach for Defence Companies
In a significant message to Indian defence manufacturers, Singh introduced the concept of a "profit-plus approach" to accelerate the reduction of India's dependence on arms imports. While acknowledging that profit motivation is legitimate for private sector companies, he outlined a broader vision for the defence industry.
"The common perception has often been that the private sector is profit-driven. There's nothing wrong with that. But the profit-plus approach means that along with monetary profit, there should also be nationalism, a sense of duty, strategic responsibility, and the sentiment of doing something big for the country," Singh explained during his address.
This approach represents a strategic shift in how the government views the role of private companies in defence manufacturing. It combines commercial viability with national security objectives, creating a framework where businesses can thrive while simultaneously strengthening India's self-reliance in defence.
Strengthening Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The minister's comments at the Navy seminar reinforce the government's ongoing efforts to boost indigenous defence production under initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. By encouraging private sector participation with a renewed sense of national purpose, the government aims to create a robust defence industrial ecosystem.
The 'Swavlamban 2025' seminar itself focuses on self-reliance in defence manufacturing, making it an appropriate platform for such significant announcements. The Navy's initiative aligns with the broader national objective of reducing import dependency and building domestic capabilities in critical defence technologies.
This renewed emphasis on indigenous manufacturing comes as India continues to face complex security challenges across its borders and in the maritime domain. The minister's vision of a proactive defence sector supported by ethically-driven private industry represents a comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges while building long-term strategic autonomy.
