'For global good': Rajnath Singh pitches new world order under India's guidance - what will it look like?

NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday pitched for a new world order under India's guidance, where "power is guided by responsibility" and driven by a commitment to the "global good."Speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders' Forum 2025 in New Delhi, Rajnath said, "We have always envisioned a global order where power is guided by responsibility, purpose is rooted in the well-being of all and partnership is the natural state of relations between nations...Indian ethos does not see global order as a contest for dominance, but as a shared journey towards harmony, dignity, and mutual respect for all.""In our tradition, the measure of strength is not in the ability to command but in the capacity to care; not in the pursuit of narrow interest but in the commitment to the global good..." he added.The senior BJP leader stressed that only India can lead the creation of a fairer international system."We must also acknowledge that the contemporary global order has given unprecedented prosperity to some countries, while it has also given a large portion of the world's population only inequality, insecurity & uncertainty...In such a scenario, it is essential that we build a new rules-based world Order," he noted."A Global Order where there is equality. Equal opportunities for all. Cooperation instead of Conflicts. Collaboration instead of Competition. I believe that such a world order can only be built under the leadership of India," he added.Further, Pointing to India's economic rise, Rajnath cited economist Jagdish Bhagwati, saying, "Earlier, the World Bank used to tell India what to do, but now, India tells the World Bank what to do. This statement reflects India's journey over the past 11 years from being a dependent economy to becoming a self-reliant and globally competitive economic powerhouse."After highlighting the impact of global supply chain disruptions, Rajnath said India has emerged as the only credible alternative to China. "Today, when many countries are significantly affected by global supply chain disruption, India can strengthen global supply chains. Today, the big countries of the world talk about China Plus. I ask you, which country other than India can do this work? I am sure that when you answer, you will say that only India can do this work," he said.Explaining the philosophy behind Atmanirbhar Bharat, Singh added that self-reliance is not about isolation but about contributing to the global good. He added, "When we talk about a self-reliant India, it is not merely a policy of import substitution, but behind it lies a sentiment of Global Good. Behind it is the sentiment of providing the world with a Robust Supply Chain. Today, there is a sense of hope and confidence about India across the entire world."The defence minister also underlined India’s push in emerging technologies saying, "The government has launched the India-AI mission to strengthen the country's AI capabilities, under which models will be developed to meet India's needs. We want India to become a Global-AI-Hub. Our government has advanced the work on semiconductors in mission mode. As Prime Minister said in his Independence Day address, by the end of this year, 'Made in India' semiconductors, made by the people of India, will enter the market.""I would like to appeal to all foreign companies and investors to come and invest in India's vibrant defence manufacturing ecosystem. We will provide you with all the necessary clearances and offer hand-holding support. Our Make in India is not limited to India only. When you Make in India, you will make for the world. India's thinking is oriented towards development and peace. For us, development in isolation is not enough; rather, collective development is more important," he added.