"BRIDGE Initiative paves way for actionable partnerships, transformative dialogue": Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], February 11 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday pointed out that challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime, humanitarian crises, and climate-induced disasters require a united response, as these issues transcend borders.
Addressing the Defence Ministers' Conclave at Aero India in Bengaluru, the Defence Minister highlighted the importance of the 'Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement (BRIDGE) initiative in shaping global defence partnerships, emphasising the shared mission of uniting nations through meaningful collaboration based on mutual respect and trust while addressing global security challenges and fostering international cooperation for long-term resilience and growth.
"The challenges we face, from terrorism and cybercrime to humanitarian crises and climate-induced disasters, transcend borders. They demand a united response. The BRIDGE initiative represents our commitment to transforming dialogue into actionable outcomes, fostering partnerships that are resilient, adaptable and forward-looking," Singh said.
The Defence Minister further emphasised India's policy of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) in the Indian Ocean Region, focusing on maritime security, economic development, and the Blue Economy.
"It is my firm belief that the evolving global security scenario demands innovative approaches and stronger partnerships. India's engagements on the global stage exemplify our commitment to fostering security and growth for all," he said.
"In the Indian Ocean Region, we have embraced the policy of SAGAR, 'Security and Growth for All in the Region,' and are focusing on key areas such as maritime security, economic development and the Blue Economy," he said.
He further highlighted India's commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities to ensure international order and peace and explained that the government has been actively working to transform India's defence capabilities to meet evolving security challenges.
"India believes that international order and peace cannot be ensured from a position of weakness. And towards this, we have been working very hard to bring about a transformation in our defence capabilities. We have put in place a very conducive policy regime, which encourages investment and production of an entire range of modern, state-of-the-art land, maritime and air systems," the Defence Minister said.
According to Singh, the BRIDGE initiative revolves around the "Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement," which encapsulates the essence of India's shared mission to unite nations through meaningful collaboration based on mutual respect and mutual trust.
Aero India is a crucial platform that drives forward the government's vision of a strong, capable, secure and self-reliant India.
Organised in a total area of over 42,000 sq meters and with the confirmed participation of over 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies, the event is set to be the biggest-ever Aero India to date.
The 15th Aero India started on February 10 and will conclude on February 14. February 10th to 12th have been reserved as business days, with the 13th and 14th set as public days for people to witness the show.