Vidushi Gaur/ New Delhi

During his official visit to the United States, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Indian community, emphasizing India's remarkable transformation over the past decade and the deepening ties between India and the US. Singh is in the US from August 23-26 at the invitation of US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin.

In his address, Singh highlighted how India's global perception has significantly improved, stating that the country's stature on the international stage has risen, with the world now paying close attention to India’s opinions. "Earlier, India's views were not taken as seriously as they should have been. Today, when India speaks on global forums, the world listens carefully," he said.

Singh also underscored the economic progress India has made, noting that the country is on track to become one of the world's top three economies by 2027. "The perception of India has completely changed. India is no longer seen as a weak nation; we are now a country that is strong and self-reliant," he added. He pointed out that India's defence exports have grown from Rs 600 crore to Rs 23,000 crore in the last decade.

Had a lively interaction with the Indian community at Washington DC. It’s heartwarming to see how the Indian community continues to cherish and uphold their cultural values and maintain their connection to their roots. pic.twitter.com/4qPFfzNwmX

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 23, 2024

Lauding the strong partnership between India and the US, Singh described the two nations as "natural allies" and expressed confidence that their relationship is "destined" to grow stronger. He credited this partnership with bringing peace, prosperity, and stability to the world, emphasizing that India's relationship with the US is rooted in history and destiny.

Singh also highlighted India's resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that despite the global crisis, India managed to protect its economy and lift 25 crore people out of poverty. He praised the government's efforts to improve the ease of doing business, citing the removal of 40,000 compliances and the exponential growth of start-ups in the country.

The Defence Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and the US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan during his visit. The visit aims to further deepen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, particularly in the area of defence.

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This visit comes against the backdrop of growing momentum in India-US relations, with both nations committed to strengthening their ties across multiple levels.