Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, 30 June declared that India's international standing has undergone a fundamental shift under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, telling delegates at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) in Vadodara that the world now listens when India speaks on global platforms.

Key Remarks at the Valedictory Session

Addressing the closing session of the VGRC, Singh drew a pointed contrast between India's earlier reception at international forums and its current stature. “You yourselves must have experienced that earlier, when India spoke at international forums, its views were not given the seriousness they deserved. But today, when India speaks on international platforms, the entire world listens attentively to what India has to say. This is today's India,” he said.

Singh attributed this transformation squarely to Prime Minister Modi. “If the credit for this goes to anyone, it goes to Narendra Modi, who was born in Gujarat, grew up on the soil of Gujarat, was born to a Gujarati mother, and has carried India's flag proudly across the world,” he added.

Gujarat as India's Growth Engine

The Defence Minister described Gujarat as more than a geographic entity, calling it “a spirit” that has consistently shaped the country's direction. He invoked the state's historical legacy, noting that it gave India Mahatma Gandhi, who demonstrated the path of truth and non-violence, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man who unified a fragmented nation.

According to Singh, Gujarat has emerged over the past two decades as the “growth engine” of India's economy, driven by industry-friendly policies, infrastructure development, and an entrepreneurial culture that converts challenges into opportunities.

Vibrant Gujarat: From State Summit to Global Movement

Reflecting on the origins of the Vibrant Gujarat initiative, Singh noted that the summit was launched in 2003 under Modi when he was Gujarat Chief Minister. What began as a state-level investors' event has since evolved into a platform with global recognition.

“What began then has now become a broad-based movement linked to the resolve of Viksit Bharat 2047. At that time, perhaps no one imagined that a state-level investors' summit would acquire global recognition and establish its own global identity,” Singh said.

Defence and Aerospace: Industry Interactions

Earlier in the day, Singh attended a seminar on defence and aerospace industries, where he met representatives from Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen and Toubro, MSMEs, start-ups, and academic institutions. He praised their contributions, saying, “I can say that your work is incredible and highly commendable.”

The minister said discussions reinforced the importance of fostering private enterprise and innovation in India's defence manufacturing ecosystem. The conference exhibition also showcased sectors including mobility, exports, handicrafts, women artisans, tribal products, and heavy industries.

What Comes Next

Singh's remarks signal the Centre's continued push to position Gujarat — and by extension India — as a destination for high-value manufacturing and strategic investment. With the full Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit cycle continuing to draw international delegations, the VGRC valedictory underscores the government's intent to link state-level enterprise to the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.