Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh highlights collective citizen duty in India's national security
On April 11, 2026, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed an event in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, underscoring that national security in India is a collective duty extending beyond the armed forces. He affirmed that while soldiers serve as the first line of defence, the strength of national security also depends on the unity, discipline, and awareness of the Indian people. Shri Rajnath Singh urged citizens to avoid passivity amid global uncertainties and evolving threats. He stated that safeguarding national interests requires coordinated efforts from all sectors of society. Citizens were called on to contribute by complying with laws, rejecting misinformation, and placing the nation's interests above individual gains. The minister highlighted the growing danger posed by misinformation, describing information as a powerful tool in the modern landscape. He emphasized the critical role of the media in disseminating accurate, responsible information and warned against sensationalism that could destabilize society or harm national security. He reiterated the government's uncompromising stance on national security under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s administration. The government is focusing equally on welfare measures and enhancing defence capabilities aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Significantly, Shri Rajnath Singh provided concrete data reflecting progress in India’s defence sector. Defence production reached a record Rs 1.51 lakh crore in the Financial Year 2024-25, while defence exports surged to Rs 38,424 crore in 2025-26—a 62.66% increase from the previous year. The government aims to further boost defence exports to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029-30. These figures demonstrate ongoing efforts towards Aatmanirbharata (self-reliance) in defence through indigenous manufacturing. The Raksha Mantri stressed that Viksit Bharat entails not only physical infrastructure but also fostering a society rooted in shared responsibility and mutual support. He urged adopting the precise team cohesion and spirit exhibited by soldiers in their units to guide the nation’s development. At the event, Shri Rajnath Singh felicitated war heroes and their families, including Gallantry award recipient Subedar Major Retd. (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav, and next-of-kin and Veer Naris of several fallen heroes. He honored their bravery and sacrifice, emphasizing the important morale role played by soldiers’ families in sustaining the armed forces. He paid homage to various war heroes whose valour continues to inspire the youth by instilling values of courage, patriotism, duty, and sacrifice. He highlighted the families of fallen soldiers as invisible pillars of strength, embodying resilience and pride derived from a culture that reveres sacrifice as the highest value. Attending dignitaries included Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Brajesh Pathak, and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Central Command Lt Gen Anindya Sengputa. The event showcased the government’s integrated approach linking citizen responsibility, media’s role, defence industry modernization, and honoring military valor as components of India’s national security framework.
