Defence capabilities will determine future of countries: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

Nagpur: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said defence capability will determine the future of any country in the world.

Citing the global scenario, Gadkari said that the defence capabilities will define a country’s power, and not wealth.

"Wealth will not decide a country's power in future; instead, power will be determined by the strongest defence capabilities of a country in the world," he said while addressing a Nag Bhushan award distribution function.

"We have also experienced the truth that where there is power and if the leadership is not right, we have seen what happens," he added, apparently referring to the global situation.

Citing the history, culture, and heritage, the BJP leader said we are neither authoritarian nor expansionist.

The 2025 Nag Bhushan Award was presented to Solar Group chairman Satyanarayan Nuwal, a Padma Shri awardee, for his outstanding performance in the defence sector and dedicated selfless social service.

Gadkari lauded Nuwal for Solar Group's capabilities, noting that missiles and drones will determine the strength of a country.

Gadkari underlined the importance of technology in the contemporary world and also welcomed privatisation in defence production.