Rajnath Singh’s ‘Panipat Syndrome’ Jibe: India’s Shift To Indigenous Defence & Proactive Strategy

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at Aaj Tak Suraksha Sabha, said India’s defence policy has moved from being “reactive” to “proactive”. Referring to the term “Panipat Syndrome”, Singh said India was earlier criticised for waiting until threats reached its doorstep before taking action. He highlighted the government’s defence modernisation, indigenous production and exports, citing BrahMos, Akash, Pinaka, Tejas, Arjun and INS Vikrant among India’s indigenous capabilities. Singh also said defence production has risen to around ₹1.8 lakh crore, while exports have reached ₹38,500 crore. He further highlighted increased border infrastructure spending and India’s growing role in global diplomacy.