Rajnath Singh Warns “Peace Is an Illusion,” Calls for Constant Vigilance
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a pointed address on July 7 at the Defence Accounts Department’s Controllers’ Conference in New Delhi, stating that “peace time is an illusion,” and that India must remain perpetually ready to face sudden disruptions—even during periods of calm.
Peace Illusion
Singh underscored the unpredictability of global affairs, citing recent regional operations like Operation Sindoor as reminders that threats can materialize swiftly. He highlighted the success of India’s home-grown defence platforms—such as surface-to-air missile systems and drone-defence mechanisms—which have garnered international attention.
Defence Preparedness
Framing defence spending as a form of economic investment with broader multiplier effects, Singh noted that global military expenditure reached around $2.7 trillion in 2024. He emphasized that the Defence Accounts Department should evolve from a strict gatekeeping role to a dynamic facilitation model, boosting speed and flexibility during procurement and financial processes.
Indigenous Arms
A major focus of his speech was boosting India’s domestic defence manufacturing. Singh applauded the growing capacity to produce critical systems—previously imported—under the “Make in India” initiative. He called for scaled-up production of key technologies, such as high-powered engines and dual-use platforms, supported by the newly announced ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation fund.
