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Even Pakistan is acknowledging India's rise as a powerful nation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday, pointing to recent statements by Pakistani leaders praising India. Singh was speaking at a public rally in Lucknow, where he is the sitting MP and is contesting the seat again in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.
Singh said that India's global standing has changed, and world leaders now believe that the 21st century belongs to India. He also exuded confidence that the BJP-led ruling NDA will win more than 400 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha.
The defence minister's remarks come at a time when India is facing criticism from some quarters over its handling of the Pulwama terror attack and the subsequent airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Pakistan. However, Singh's statement indicates that India's global standing is on the rise, and that even its neighbours are beginning to recognize its growing power.
India's economic growth is one of the main reasons for its rising global profile. The country is now the world's sixth-largest economy, and is expected to become the third-largest by 2027. India's military is also becoming increasingly powerful, and the country is now ranked fourth in the world in terms of defence spending.
India's growing power is also being reflected in its foreign policy. The country is now playing a more active role in international affairs, and is seen as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region. India is also working to strengthen its ties with other major powers, such as the United States, Russia, and China.
Source: Even Pakistan is acknowledging India's rise as powerful nation: Rajnath Singh