New Delhi, India
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that maintaining a balance between diplomacy and military capability is essential to India’s national security policy. He stated that India possesses both the “power of reason” and the “logic of power” and that the country will use whichever approach is necessary depending on the situation and the language understood by the other side.
Speaking at a defence-related event, Rajnath Singh said that in the changing security environment, national security can no longer be viewed solely in terms of a country’s geographical borders. Issues such as drones, cybersecurity, and advanced defence technologies have now become subjects of discussion among the general public as well.
He emphasized that strengthening national security requires first understanding how security challenges are evolving. He also stressed the need to continuously enhance India’s defence preparedness.
Soft Power Cannot Replace Hard Power
Rajnath Singh said India’s soft power can complement its hard power, but it cannot replace it. According to him, national security requires sufficient military capability along with diplomatic influence.
He said that in the Indian tradition, power and peace have not historically been viewed as contradictory. However, some leaders after independence treated the two as alternatives to each other.
Without naming any former leaders, Rajnath Singh questioned the strategic approach of the past and said it was not appropriate to assume that other countries would always share India’s commitment to peace.
Shift in Strategic Thinking After 2014
The Defence Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s strategic thinking has undergone a significant transformation. He said India has made it clear that it is capable of using both diplomatic and military capabilities to safeguard its national security.
He added that India has never lacked strategic thinking, but there is a need to adapt that thinking and evolve security policies in response to changing circumstances. According to him, the country’s strategic approach has witnessed a significant shift since 2014.
