Military, economic growth India's priority, became 5th largest economy from 14th: Rajnath Singh in Assam

Tezpur: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (September 29) while addressing army jawans in Assam’s Tezpur said that India has come has earned the title of 5th largest economy from the 14th position in the last 14 years and has exponentially grown in its military combative powers. The defence minister is on a three-day visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh till September 30 He is accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command Lieutenant General RP Kalita along with other senior officers.

Applauding India’s economic and defence growth, Singh, while motivating the army jawans said, “India was a country that was 12th largest economy 14 years ago but at present, it has emerged as the 5th largest economy. Along with that, India is also getting empowered in terms of military power as well.”

"Strengthening India's military prowess has been the Government's top priority ever since it came to power in 2014, with a focus on equipping the Services with state-of-the-art weapons/equipment through an 'Aatmanirbhar' defence industry,” he added.

Rajnath Singh joins Army jawans for a song

During his visit to an army station in Assam, the defence minister was caught on camera sharing a gala time with the soldiers. He also joined the army jawans for the iconic song ‘Sandese Aate Hain’ from the film border.

In the video, which has surfaced online, the jawans of the Indian Army can be seen singing the song as the defence minister joins them along with some top officials.

Defence Minister’s crucial visit to Assam

During his visit to Assam, defence minister Singh monitored the status of infrastructural development along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) as well as the Indian Army’s combative and operational preparedness. He was briefed by General Officer Commanding, 3 Corps Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, and other senior officers.

Countering the rising Chinese threat, India is escalating and keenly monitoring military support along the LAC.