Rajnath Singh: ‘No Permanent Friends Or Enemies, Only Interests’ Amid Trump Tariffs

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday underlined India's push for aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence production and said that India's foreign and security policies are guided by national interest. Speaking at the NDTV Defence Summit 2025, Singh declared, "There are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests." His remarks came in the backdrop of rising trade tensions with the United States and a visible thaw in India-China relations.

The minister pointed to major progress in indigenisation, citing the commissioning of two Nilgiri-class stealth frigates - INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri - built domestically. "In the spirit of self-reliance, the Navy has resolved that all future warships will be made in India and not purchased from abroad," Singh said. He also announced that the indigenous Sudarshan Chakra defence system would soon be unveiled.

Rajnath Singh described the current global environment as unstable, both in trade and security. He referred to the 50 per cent levy on Indian imports imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, saying that the world is facing a "war-like situation in trade." He noted that developed nations are turning increasingly protectionist but stressed that India will not compromise on its people's interests. "India does not consider anyone an enemy, but will never compromise national interest," he said.

The remarks came on the same day Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, following a two-day visit to Japan.

Reiterating that aatmanirbharta has become a necessity, Singh said, "External dependence in defence is no longer an option. Self-reliance today is vital for both economic security and national security."

The minister also highlighted India's growing confidence in indigenous capabilities. He said the success of Operation Sindoor, India's precision strikes after the Pahalgam terror attack, demonstrated the effectiveness of domestic defence technology.

India's defence exports, he added, have shown a dramatic rise over the past decade. "From less than ₹700 crore in 2014, our defence exports have now reached nearly ₹24,000 crore," Singh said, describing the shift as proof of India's transformation from a major importer to an emerging exporter of defence equipment.