Banyan tree of peace can stand only on roots of strength: Rajnath Singh at Aero India

Bengaluru: Amidst China flexing its muscles and Pakistan gathering strength, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday underlined the importance of having a strong military, noting that “the banyan tree of peace can stand only on the roots of strength.”

“Peace can never be achieved in a weak state of security. The banyan tree of peace can stand only on the roots of strength,” Singh said at the inauguration of Aero India 2025, the biennial air show that has emerged as the largest one in Asia.

“I believe that we all have to be strong together, only then we will be able to ensure peace. Only by being strong we will be able to work for a better world order.”

The minister said Rs 6.81 lakh was earmarked for Defence Ministry in 2025-26, of which Rs 1.8 lakh crore would be used to modernise the armed forces. Also 75% of the modernisation budget has been reserved for procurement through domestic sources to deepen the capabilities of India’s Defence Industrial Complex.

Rajnath’s comments come in the backdrop of a new Pentagon report that says China’s People’s Liberation Army has sought to modernize its capabilities and improve its proficiencies across all warfare domains to become a joint force capable of the full range of land, air, and maritime as well as nuclear, space, counter space, electronic warfare, and cyberspace operations. The aim is to achieve “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by 2049.

Moreover, Pakistan, an all weather ally of China, receives extensive support from the communist country, which is adding muscles to its naval fleet, aircraft squadrons and firepower. This leaves India sandwiched between two nuclear-powered nations with strong military.

Drawing a parallel with the Maha Kumbh underway in Prayagraj, Rajnath said, “Maha Kumbh is the Kumbh of introspection, Aero India is the Kumbh of research. While Maha Kumbh is focusing on internal strength, Aero India will centre on external strength. Maha Kumbh showcases the culture of India, Aero India will display the power of India.”

Notwithstanding the hike in the defence purchase, he said in the current environment of global uncertainty, the world would look at India as a big country with peace and prosperity.

“If you assess the history of India, you will find that we have neither attacked any country, nor have we been involved in any great power rivalry. As a big country, India has always been an advocate of peace and stability,” Rajnath said.

The 15th edition of the show will showcase India’s aerial prowess and indigenous cutting-edge innovations alongside state-of-the-art products of global aerospace companies.

In line with the Union government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, the event will also provide a stage to forge international collaborations to fast-track the indigenisation process.