Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has asserted that the ongoing talks between India and China are progressing smoothly and within a positive atmosphere.
Addressing the media during his visit to Ahmedabad to support BJP candidates in the Lok Sabha elections on Sunday, Singh said that India has bolstered its military prowess and seeks amicable relations with neighbouring nations.
“India is no longer a weak India. India has also become a powerful country from a military point of view. We want to maintain good relations with our neighbouring countries,” he was quoted as saying by a national news agency.
The Defence Minister further expressed confidence in India’s burgeoning defence exports, which surged past Rs 21,000 crore in the financial year 2023-24, highlighting a significant increase compared to Rs 600 crore in 2014.
“I understand that we should wait for the outcome of the talks. But I want to assure the countrymen that India has not bowed down anywhere, nor will it ever bow down,” the agency further reported.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to indigenous defence production, Singh outlined plans to boost domestic manufacturing of defence equipment, including missiles, weapons, bombs, and tanks, with current production exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore.
Defence Minister Singh’s remarks come amidst a diplomatic exchange between India and China, reflecting the complexities of their relationship.
Earlier on April 12, in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on stability in bilateral ties, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning had stressed on the importance of maintaining “sound and stable” relations.
The diplomatic exchange stems from PM Modi’s recent interview with a US-based magazine, where he emphasized the importance of resolving border tensions to improve bilateral relations.
In the interview, the Prime Minister also highlighted the ongoing efforts of both countries to engage diplomatically and resolve disputes.
