Defence Secretary Urges India To Project Hard Power Alongside Soft Power

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh emphasised the need for India to bolster its hard power alongside its soft power to navigate a shifting global landscape marked by competitive populism and economic protectionism. Speaking at the Southern Command Defence Tech 2025 seminar (STRIDE 2025) in Pune on September 12, 2025, Singh highlighted how geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, have disrupted globalisation and free trade. These factors, coupled with rising nationalism and populist leadership, are driving economic fragmentation and weakening multilateral institutions.

Singh stressed that projecting hard power—military and strategic capabilities—is increasingly vital for India to secure its interests in a world where strategic deal-making demands strength. “The trend of competitive populism and economic protectionism requires us to back soft power with hard power,” he said, underscoring the importance of military readiness to complement India’s cultural and diplomatic influence. This approach aligns with India’s growing global stature as it seeks to assert itself amid complex international dynamics.

To meet the capability enhancement needs of India’s armed forces, Singh called for greater collaboration between academia, research institutions like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the private and public sectors. Such partnerships are essential for developing cutting-edge defence technologies to strengthen national security, he noted. The seminar, hosted by the Southern Command, aimed to foster innovation and synergy in defence technology.

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Singh’s remarks reflect India’s strategic pivot toward balancing diplomatic soft power with robust military capabilities, positioning the country to address emerging global challenges effectively. As geopolitical tensions persist, India’s focus on integrating hard power is seen as critical to maintaining its influence and security in an increasingly fragmented world.

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