India is now "a voice of balance and responsibility" in a rapidly evolving global environment, "with countries across the Indo-Pacific and the Global South viewing us as a reliable partner," thanks to its economic growth, technological prowess, and moral foreign policy, according to Union defense minister Rajnath Singh on Friday.
Singh stated on the last day of the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 that "the world benefits in several ways when India advances on the path of strength, security, and development."
"First, a stable India supports a stable world economy." Second, many countries can learn from India's digital public infrastructure for inclusive, transparent, and safe government. Third, India sets an example for others with its moral attitude to cutting-edge technology, including cyber, AI, and space.

At the ceremony, Singh also introduced Project Ekam, a strategic endeavor to create domestic AI solutions for the armed forces. According to the defense ministry, it aims to offer total control over data security, customized solutions for military jargon, operational concepts, and certain data sets. According to a release, "the project will be a game-changer for the defense forces because it has developed the framework and platform for deployment and hosting of all open-source and indigenous AI models running on state-of-the-art Al applications."
According to Singh, India is influencing international conversations with a feeling of accountability, strategic autonomy, and confidence. The nation has gained international trust thanks to its groundbreaking reforms and its steadfast support for respect for national sovereignty and rules-based order.

According to him, geopolitical uncertainties and difficulties like terrorism, cross-border support for extremist forces, attempts to change the status quo, maritime pressures, and even information warfare necessitate ongoing attention to detail and a clear sense of purpose. He continued by saying that reforms are increasingly becoming a strategic requirement rather than a choice since they make institutions more flexible, the armed forces more agile, and the country more confident in its ability to control its own destiny.
President Droupadi Murmu praised the army for redefining capabilities, reorienting doctrines, and restructuring institutions to be future-ready and mission-capable across all domains during his speech on Thursday at the same occasion.

"To promote security and connectivity, we are bolstering border and maritime infrastructure. By implementing new platforms, technology, and structures, we are modernizing our forces. The defense minister stated, "We are reforming procurement procedures to guarantee speed, transparency, and accountability."
According to him, India is creating a defense industrial ecosystem through Atmanirbharta that promotes industry, fosters innovation, and lessens reliance on outside sources. "We are investing in R&D, deep-tech capabilities, and start-ups that will influence future battlefields. We are making sure that the welfare and interests of our soldiers, veterans, and their families continue to be at the forefront of our decision-making.

The strongest foundation of the country's resilience, according to Singh, is the military forces. He added that their capacity, preparedness, toughness, and restraint are what enable India to address its neighbors' problems while promoting regional stability. Singh stated, "India believes in peace and dialogue, but we do not compromise when it comes to the sovereignty and security of the people."
He went on to say that military modernization and reforms are investments in India's long-term future rather than merely administrative duties.