Dushanbe, Oct 2026 : India’s economic transformation, reform-oriented governance, technological progress and expanding global influence under Prime Minister Narendra Modi are positioning the country to combine prosperity, knowledge and strength with a commitment to global peace, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday.
Addressing members of the Indian diaspora in Dushanbe, Singh highlighted India’s development trajectory and its ambition to contribute to international peace and human welfare. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, he emphasised the country’s guiding philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning “the world is one family”.
“Guided by the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, India aspires to become a nation that combines prosperity, knowledge and strength with a commitment to global peace and the well-being of humanity,” Singh said.
He described India’s policy evolution as a transition from an era of “policy paralysis” to a period of accelerated reforms, driven by clearer policy direction and a focus on development.
“For us, reforms are not a compulsion; they are a conviction,” the Defence Minister said, underlining the government’s emphasis on structural changes and economic modernisation.
Highlighting progress in the defence sector, Singh said India’s defence exports had reached a record Rs 38,424 crore, while domestic defence production had risen to Rs 1.80 lakh crore.
“We’re moving towards manufacturing both ships and chips, strengthening our position in strategic sectors,” he said, referring to India’s efforts to expand shipbuilding capabilities and semiconductor manufacturing.
Singh also underscored the important role played by the Indian diaspora in strengthening relations between India and Tajikistan. Describing people of Indian origin as cultural ambassadors, he said the community served as a vital bridge between the two countries.
He noted that longstanding cultural connections had been reinforced by the popularity of Indian songs, music, literature and cinema among the people of Tajikistan. These people-to-people links, he suggested, remained an important foundation for bilateral friendship.
During the event, Singh felicitated Professor Habibullo Rajabov, a prominent Indologist and the first Padma Shri recipient from Tajikistan, in recognition of his contribution to Hindi literature and education, the Ministry of Defence said.
Earlier on Tuesday, Singh met Tajikistan Prime Minister Qohir Rosulzoda on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe.
“Delighted to meet H.E. Mr Qohir Rosulzoda, Prime Minister of Tajikistan, at the commencement of the SCO Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe. Underlined the longstanding civilisational ties and deep people-to-people links between India and Tajikistan,” Singh wrote on X.
His engagements highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic cooperation, cultural exchanges and strategic partnerships with Central Asian nations.
