"Country going through phase of transition; moving towards developed country": Rajnath Singh on Army Day

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], January 15 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday emphasised the indispensable role of the Indian Army in both external and internal challenges and highlighted that the nation is undergoing a significant phase of transition, marking a crucial period in the nation's development.
Addressing a gathering on Army Day in Pune, Defence Minister Singh reiterated the invaluable contribution of the Indian Army, noting that their role extends far beyond protecting the nation from external threats.
He acknowledged the Army's critical involvement in managing internal challenges and crises, reinforcing the respect and gratitude the nation holds for its armed forces every single day of the year.
"This is the soil where brave sons like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj and Bajirao were born. This is the land which is remembered for the sacrifice of Mother Tarabhai, this is the land where Bal Gangdhar Tilak awakened the consciousness of independence and therefore, organising Army Day event at this holy place is a very important event for all of us," said Rajnath Singh.
"I believe that 365 days belong to the army. There is not a single day where we do not feel gratitude towards you or when we do not feel respect towards you. The role of our army is not limited to just forces, the army protects us from external challenges, at the same time we see the role of army in internal challenges and crises as well. Our country is currently going through a phase of transition. This transition is important because we are now moving rapidly towards becoming a developed country," said the Defence Minister.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his address on Army Day, underscored the pivotal role of the Indian Army in the nation's progress towards becoming a developed country by 2047, a vision set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Singh stated that every section of society will contribute to this goal, but the strength of the defence system is paramount, as a strong army is essential for the nation's security and growth.
The Defence Minister further emphasised that the army's contribution will remain significant until India achieves its target of development.
He acknowledged the army's legacy of defending the nation, stressing that India has always fought for peace and progress, engaging in conflicts only when they were imposed.
"PM Modi has set a target of making us a developed nation by 2047. If we assess this target, we will find that every section of the society will contribute in making us a developed nation. The defence system will be strong only when our armies are strong. The army's contribution is as much part for the goal of a developed nation by 2047," said Singh.
"We have always chosen "budh" instead of "yudh.". We have fought only when the war has been imposed on us. The army has proved many times that peace is not our weakness but a symbol of our strength," said Rajnath Singh.
On Army Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recited an excerpt from renowned poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar's verses to honor the Indian Army's courage and dedication.
"Kshama shobti us bhujang ko, jiske paas garal ho, uska kya jo dantheen vishheen, vineet, saral ho," recited Rajnath as a tribute to the armed forces, emphasising their unwavering commitment to the nation.
Singh noted that the poem perfectly reflects the Indian army's essence: "We have the power, but we always remain on the side of consensus."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his address on Army Day, highlighted the evolving nature of modern warfare and the need for the Indian Army to adapt to future challenges.
He warned that conflicts in the coming years will become more violent, unpredictable, and increasingly involve unconventional and asymmetrical methods.
With technological advancements rapidly reshaping the landscape of warfare, Singh emphasised that the Indian Army must be prepared to face these multi-spectrum challenges.
"When we talk about modern warfare for the Indian Army, I believe that in the coming days, conflicts will become more violent and unpredictable, and the use of unconventional and asymmetrical methods is increasing. With the increasing development of technology, the picture of future wars is also going to change. Therefore, the army has to be prepared to face these multi-spectrum challenges, and that is why the focus should be on both holistic capacity building and reforms," said Rajnath Singh.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also laid the foundation stone of the Army Paralympic Node (APN) here today and exuded confidence that the node will inspire the disabled soldiers of the Indian Army.
"I had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone of the Army Paralympic Node (APN) here today. I am confident that this node will inspire the disabled soldiers of the Indian Army and they will bring laurels to India in the Paralympics, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Para Games. I also got the opportunity to launch the Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan application, through which citizens of our country will be able to visit India's historical battlefields with ease," said Singh.
Rajnath Singh said that the Defence Ministry has declared 2025 as the year of reforms.
"Under this, we will try to make reforms to modernise the army. The Defence Ministry is making all efforts from its side to bring about reforms, but I suggest that you (army troops) should also discuss at your level what improvements can be made," said the Defence Minister.