Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh stated that the Government’s recent decision to nullify Article 370 and reorganize Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh—has ended long-standing discrimination faced by the region for the past 70 years.
He was addressing the annual general body meeting of the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses) in New Delhi.
Key remarks by the Defence Minister
- The groundwork for resolving the Jammu & Kashmir issue was laid during the Government’s first term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- The decision will have security implications, and neighbouring countries may attempt to disturb peace
- India’s Armed Forces are fully prepared to address any emerging threats
Strategic and security outlook
Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for deeper analytical work on emerging security challenges, urging IDSA to:
- Conduct multi-dimensional analysis of defence and security issues
- Address new-age threats such as cyber and space warfare
- Study and streamline defence procurement processes
Foreign policy and neighbourhood focus
He reiterated India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, highlighting engagement with neighbouring countries across land and maritime borders. He cited:
- Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Maldives
- His own visit to Mozambique
Other developments
- Rajnath Singh was unanimously elected President of IDSA
- He also planted a sapling at the institute premises during the visit
- IDSA Director General Shri Sujan R. Chinoy briefed him on the institute’s work and research activities
The address underscored a strategic shift in India’s defence
