Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on four-day visit to US, says India & US can together ensure global peace & prosperity

Highlighting India's rapid development and progress, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged the Indian diaspora in the US to serve as ambassadors for the country and help enhance its global perception. Singh, who began his four-day visit to the US on Thursday, said that India and the US are together a formidable force that can "ensure peace, prosperity and stability in the world".

While interacting with the Indian diaspora in Washington on Thursday, Singh described India and the US as natural allies "destined to be strong partners". This collaboration is growing continuously, he said. 

Singh also said that India’s stature has grown on the global stage under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Earlier, India’s words at international fora were not heeded; but today, the whole world listens carefully," said the Union minister. 

The PM Modi-led government wants to make a strong, secure and prosperous India," he said. 

Mentioning that before 2014, India was among the "fragile five" nations, a term coined by investment firm Morgan Stanley, he said that today the country finds itself among the "fabulous five"  economies of the world. He also mentioned that a recent report by the US-based firm states that India will become the third largest economy by 2027.

Singh also highlighted that the government has successfully brought 25 crore people above the poverty line. As per the latest data, retail inflation in India has eased to a five-year low of 3.54 per cent while foreign exchange reserves have soared to an all-time high of $675 billion.

Enumerating various steps taken by the government to achieve ‘aatmanirbharta’ (self reliance) in defence, he said that consistent efforts are being made to ensure that state-of-the-art defence items are manufactured on Indian soil by domestic companies.

Singh also acknowledged that India's defence exports have risen to more than Rs 21,000 crore, from Rs 600 crore before 2014. Due to the measures taken to promote innovation, the number of start-ups in the country has rapidly increased to 1.20 lakh from around 400 in 2014, he said.

He urged the Indian community in the US to work with honesty and dedication, in line with the spirit of 'vasudhaiva kutumbakam' (the world is one family).

His four-day visit to the US is expected to further deepen and broaden the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.