New Delhi, India
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that India’s national security can no longer be viewed solely through the lens of traditional geographical boundaries. With the global security environment changing rapidly, the nature of threats is also evolving, making it essential for the country to continuously strengthen its defence preparedness for future challenges.
Speaking at a defence-related event, Rajnath Singh said that while a country’s physical borders may be clearly defined, security threats no longer have fixed boundaries. Therefore, he emphasized the need to develop national security strategies from a broader perspective.
He said that if India wants to strengthen its national security, it must first understand how security challenges are evolving. Alongside conventional military threats, technological and cyber-related challenges have also become increasingly important.
Drones and Cybersecurity Also Critical
Rajnath Singh said that defence and security issues are no longer limited to military experts. Topics such as drones and cybersecurity have also become subjects of discussion among the general public, demonstrating how rapidly modern technology is transforming the nature of national security.
The Defence Minister said India must understand these emerging challenges and strengthen its defence capabilities and strategic preparedness accordingly.
Balancing Hard Power and Soft Power
Rajnath Singh described India’s hard power and soft power as complementary to each other. He said soft power cannot replace military strength; rather, both can be used together to protect and advance national interests.
Referring to a statement by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajnath Singh said India had once been in a situation of strategic isolation. He emphasized that the country’s strategic thinking must evolve in response to changing circumstances.
He also said that India’s strategic thinking has undergone a significant transformation since 2014, with greater emphasis now being placed on viewing national security through the lens of future challenges and emerging threats.
