Rajnath Singh, who has held the post of Defence Minister of India since June 2019, stands as one of the most influential leaders of contemporary India, not only within the Bharatiya Janata Party but also across the broader spectrum of national politics. His long career in public service, which dates back to the days when he was an active worker in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is marked by a deep sense of discipline and devotion to the nation. When he took charge of the Defence Ministry on 1 June 2019 after the formation of the second Modi government, it was a moment when India’s defence establishment was undergoing transformation and facing significant challenges. The years that followed were marked by significant reforms, pioneering initiatives and persistent efforts under his leadership to modernise India’s defence sector, as well as strengthen the morale of the armed forces and promote self-reliance in defence production.
Rajnath Singh, right from the beginning of his tenure, emphasised the idea of Atmarbharta or self-reliance in defence. The idea began taking shape in June 2019 itself when he began chairing regular reviews with defence production units and DRDO scientists. His objective was clear: India, which has historically been dependent on foreign arms imports, needed to develop indigenous capabilities so as to maintain strategic autonomy. This approach took more concrete shape during 2020, especially after the Galwan Valley clashes of June 15, 2020. In that tense situation, when India had lost brave soldiers but stood firm against aggression, Singh played a central role in reviewing preparedness, ensuring prompt supplies of critical equipment as well as promoting indigenous projects such as the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Arjun Mk-1A tank and Akash missile systems. The government led by him announced import bans on hundreds of defence items between 2020 and 2022, with clearly specified timelines. The move, initiated in August 2020, was widely recognised as a turning point in India’s defence procurement policy.
The month of September 2019 was significant as Rajnath Singh performed the Shastra Puja during his visit to France to receive the first Rafale fighter jet on behalf of India. On 8 October 2019, on the occasion of Air Force Day, Singh formally took delivery of the aircraft at Merignac. The Rafale deal had already been signed during the first Modi government, but its induction into the Indian Air Force happened under Singh. By July 2020, the first batch of Rafale jets landed at the Ambala airbase, giving the IAF a significant boost in aerial combat capabilities. Singh has consistently highlighted that these recruitments were not only about military strength but also about deterrence and enhancing national security.
In 2019 itself, within a few months of taking charge, Singh approved major reforms in defence recruitment and veterans’ welfare. He oversaw steps taken for the betterment of ex-servicemen, including the expansion of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and simplification of pension disbursement processes. His speeches in November and December 2019 often revolved around honouring soldiers not only in service but also after retirement, ensuring that their sacrifices were honoured in every way possible. On 7 December 2019, Armed Forces Flag Day, he launched several digital initiatives for welfare contributions, further boosting citizen participation in supporting the families of martyrs.
The year 2020 was perhaps the most testing year of his ministerial journey. The COVID-19 pandemic broke out in March 2020 and the armed forces were mobilised in an unprecedented manner for national assistance. Rajnath Singh ensured that the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force contributed to medical facilities, oxygen supply and logistical support. The role of the Army in setting up quarantine centres, transporting essential supplies and setting up COVID hospitals was noteworthy. Singh constantly reviewed operations and encouraged the forces by visiting facilities in April and May 2020. His message was clear: the Army was not only the protector of the borders but also a vital pillar of humanitarian relief during internal crises.
The summer of 2020 saw another significant development: tensions escalated along the Line of Actual Control with China. In June 2020, following the Galwan incident, Rajnath Singh personally visited forward locations in Ladakh, including Leh on 17 July 2020, to boost the morale of the troops. His message to the troops and the nation was firm—that India would not compromise on its territorial integrity. He also held diplomatic and military talks with China, ensuring that India remained firm in the talks, while also building infrastructure along the border. Under his leadership, the Border Roads Organisation accelerated the construction of strategic roads, bridges, and tunnels. For instance, the inauguration of the Atal Tunnel at Rohtang by Prime Minister Modi in October 2020 was part of these efforts, but Singh had been monitoring progress on these strategic projects since early 2019.
Moving into 2021, Rajnath Singh oversaw further reforms in procurement. On 13 August 2021, he launched the second positive indigenisation list of defence items, extending the ban to 108 more systems. By December 2021, the ministry had begun placing orders with Indian industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, and large firms. Singh continued to engage with the private sector, organising defence expos and the Aero India show where he underlined the importance of making India a hub of defence manufacturing. The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, which came into effect in October 2020, was another landmark policy reform under his leadership. The process simplified procurement, prioritised “buy Indian” categories, and encouraged innovation through initiatives such as the Innovations for Defence Excellence (IDEX) programme.
One of Singh’s major achievements came with the announcement of the Agneepath scheme in June 2022. On 14 June 2022, he formally launched the scheme aimed at recruiting young soldiers—called Agnivers—into the armed forces for a period of four years. Its objective was twofold: to make the forces younger and more dynamic, and to provide an opportunity for a larger section of youth to serve the nation. Though the scheme faced opposition in some parts of the country, Singh strongly defended it, stating that it would strengthen the army in the long run and provide trained manpower to society at large after service. He reiterated that the government would provide a number of re-employment and re-skilling opportunities for Agniveers. His detailed addresses in June and July 2022 show how he saw it as a transformational step for India’s military recruitment.
Singh also paid consistent attention to international defence relations. His official visits since 2019 included countries such as Russia, the United States, Japan and France. For instance, during his visit to Moscow in June 2020 and again in September 2020, he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Defence Ministers’ meetings as well as secured emergency defence supplies. On 27 September 2021 he co-chaired the India–Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, highlighting the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific Partnership. Throughout 2021 and 2022, he engaged in defence discussions related to the Quad, strengthening India’s maritime security role. His efforts ensured that India was seen not only as a regional power but also as a reliable partner in the global security dialogue.
His domestic initiatives for soldiers’ families and veterans were equally significant. In 2022 and 2023, Singh launched digital portals that simplify grievance redressal for ex-servicemen and their dependents. On 15 August 2022, as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, he launched programmes to honour martyred soldiers in villages. His constant participation in commemorative events, from Kargil Vijay Diwas to the Republic Day parade every 26 July, always carried the same message: the dignity of soldiers is paramount in national life.
By 2023, the momentum of defence exports under Singh’s leadership had become evident. India’s defence exports, which were modest a decade ago, crossed ₹16,000 crore in 2022₹23. Singh emphasised in several addresses during February 2023, notably at Aero India in Bengaluru, that India was transforming from the world’s largest arms importer to a significant exporter. The finalisation of the export of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines in January 2022 was a milestone and Singh highlighted it as a symbol of India’s global defence credibility. His approach consistently balanced the modernisation of forces with the aspiration to build a domestic industrial base.
On 21 February 2023, Singh inaugurated new production lines at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, focusing on advanced helicopters and trainers. In May 2023, he again launched initiatives for indigenously developed naval systems. He often linked these moves to the broader national vision of becoming a global power by 2047, the centenary of India’s independence. His tenure also saw an acceleration in the participation of women in the armed forces. From 2020 and especially in 2021, Singh oversaw decisions to admit women into the National Defence Academy, grant permanent commissions in various wings, and open up opportunities in the Army Aviation Corps. This progressive approach was widely lauded.
Singh has maintained these priorities in 2024 and 2025 as well. In January 2024, he inaugurated defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, zones created to attract investment in indigenous production. His continued emphasis on connecting India’s youth with defence innovation has inspired many start-ups to enter the sector. The cumulative effect of his policies has been that India has emerged as a confident, self-reliant and respected power in the global military landscape.
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