Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday lauded India’s growing influence on the global stage while addressing members of the Indian diaspora during his two-day official visit to Morocco.
“I am delighted to note that you can sense the rise in stature of India before the international community… Earlier, when India spoke on an international forum, it wasn’t taken as seriously as it should have been. Today, when India speaks on an international forum, the entire world takes note of it and listens… Despite all geopolitical and global challenges, India is one of the fastest-growing major economies,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister also highlighted India’s emergence as a hub for startups and innovation. “India is becoming a global hub of startups and innovations. There were 500 startups in India in 2014, and it has risen to 1.60 lakh now. From 18 in 2014, the number of Unicorns in India has risen to 118 today,” he said.
Singh emphasised the government’s focus on women’s empowerment through legislative initiatives. “We have introduced Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. If you want to return from Morocco to India and contest elections, you are entitled to a 33% reservation in the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and Vidhan Sabha. The number of seats has been increased in Parliament,” he noted.
During his visit, Singh is scheduled to hold talks with Moroccan Defence Minister Abdeltif Loudiyi to further strengthen bilateral defence and strategic cooperation. India and Morocco are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the defence sector.
Rajnath Singh arrived in Morocco on Sunday, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Defence Minister to the country. He was received at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport by the Head Wali of the Military Command of Casablanca and Indian Ambassador Sanjay Rana. Members of the Indian community, including the President of the Indian Association, welcomed him warmly.
