On Monday, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced that the country does not believe in either creating or becoming a "client or satellite state" in its relationships with other nations, signaling a desire for more equal partnerships.
Speaking at an Ambassadors' Conference in New Delhi, Singh rejected a hierarchical world order, in which some states are considered superior to others.
Instead, the minister emphasized the importance of "sovereign equality and mutual respect" in India's defense industry partnerships.
Singh added that, as the current chair of the G-20 nations, India will work to build consensus and shape the agenda for a more secure, prosperous and sustainable world order. In this regard, India's vision for its G-20 Presidency could be an opportunity to showcase the country's "3 D's: Development, Democracy, and Diversity."
The Defense Minister also highlighted India's efforts to enhance its defense manufacturing capabilities, particularly in emerging areas such as drones, cyber tech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and radar.
According to Singh, India is committed to supporting existing partnerships and forming new bonds for future growth and aims to move beyond a simple buyer-seller relationship to a model of co-development and co-production.
“It is our endeavour to transcend the relation of buyer and seller to a co-development and co-production model, irrespective of whether we are a buyer or a seller,” the minister emphasized.
In addition, Singh urged the diplomats to participate in the 14th Aero India air show, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru, Karnataka from February 13 to 17.
The minister pointed out that India's defense exports have grown eight-fold to around $1.5 billion over the past five years, and the country is now exporting to more than 75 countries.
He expressed confidence that the Indian aerospace and defense manufacturing sector is prepared to meet future challenges and seize emerging opportunities.