PM leading country with firmness, skill through global conflict: Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said India has displayed remarkable political willpower amid the ongoing global economic and geopolitical challenges by signing trade deals with 38 countries. No force in the world could stop the country from becoming a global superpower by 2047, he claimed.

The minister was addressing a programme in Jodhpur after unveiling a statue of former vice president and former Rajasthan chief minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for steering the country through adverse international conditions, he said, “India’s political willpower has been demonstrated recently in the matter of trade tariffs. The world is facing crises in West Asia, yet Prime Minister Modi is leading the country forward with firmness and skill in adverse international circumstances.”

“I can say with confidence that no other country has achieved what India has. Despite global tensions, India has signed trade agreements with 38 countries. This has become a milestone in the history of trade,” he added. Singh claimed that as a result of it, the US had to reduce tariffs. “When adverse situations arise, India emerges stronger. The entire world may be facing difficulties, but India will emerge even more refined from these circumstances,” he said.

“By 2047, no power in the world will be able to stop India from becoming a global superpower,” the defence minister claimed.

Referring to Modi’s recent appeal for moderating fuel use and other specific expenditures, Singh said people were responding positively.

“The prime minister recently told people what they should do —? Avoid purchasing gold for a year, save fuel and reduce the use of vehicles. We have also done that and reduced our convoy strength by more than 50 per cent,” he said. Recalling India’s nuclear tests in Rajasthan, Singh said former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had shown courage despite international sanctions.

“Five nuclear tests were conducted on the soil of Rajasthan when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister and Shekhawat was the chief minister. India emerged as a nuclear power despite global sanctions and challenges,” he said. Praising Shekhawat’s contribution to the BJP and Indian politics, Singh said he played a key role in strengthening the party at the grassroots level.

“The greatest credit for taking the BJP to every household can be given to Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. He strengthened the party at the grassroots level, and his image rose above party politics,” Singh said.

“He did politics not merely to form Governments, but to build society and the nation,” he added. Singh said Shekhawat remained committed to democratic values even during the Emergency.

“He used to say that if democracy did not exist, he would have had no option except farming in Khachariyawas,” Singh recalled. The defence minister said Shekhawat had also been among the earliest leaders to advocate simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

“He believed that simultaneous elections would save time and money and ensure continuity in development works. The foundation for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ discussion was laid much earlier by Bhairon Singh Shekhawat,” he said.

Referring to the late chief minister’s Antyodaya scheme, Singh said it reflected his concern for the poorest sections of society.

“His dream was prosperity in every household. Rajasthan and India are touching new heights of development following the path shown by him,” the defence minister said. He also praised Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, saying the state was progressing rapidly under his leadership.

“I have worked in politics for a long time and can say from experience that no one can claim to turn a state into heaven in two years. But the way Bhajanlal Sharma is trying to take Rajasthan forward, I am confident he will be remembered as a successful chief minister,” Singh said.

Highlighting improvements in rural drinking water supply, he said only 11.68 lakh rural households in Rajasthan had water connections in 2019, which has increased to over 60 lakh rural households by March 2025.

Singh also recalled Shekhawat’s accessible style of politics. “He never allowed the ‘slip system’ to function. Anyone who entered could meet him directly,” Singh said. Calling for healthy democratic traditions, Singh said political differences should not turn into bitterness.

“In politics, there can be differences of opinion, but there should not be bitterness or personal hostility,” he said.

He said that today, some people refuse to tender resignation after losing elections -- apparently referring to former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Sharma, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and other leaders were also present at the programme.