Page 2 - HTLS 2020 Day 3 highlights: Bhupesh Baghel on state of Congress

On the third day of the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2020, Union defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke about various issues, including the LAC stand-off, Bihar Assembly election and coordination between different government departments while speaking to Prashant Jha, Editor, Views at Hindustan Times.

In the second session, State Bank of India Chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara spoke to Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC TV-18. He talked about the state of the country's economy during Covid-19 pandemic and the road ahead.

The third and final session of the day was held with Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel. He spoke to Sunetra Choudhury, National Political Editor, Hindustan Times.

HTLS is being held virtually for the first time due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. The virtual Summit brings together global leaders to draw a blueprint for what lies ahead for India and the world. This year, the live discussions are spread over four weeks starting November 19, 2020; every Thursday and Friday.

The Hindustan Times Leadership Summit was launched in 2003 to enhance the level of discourse on critical issues, encourage interaction among leaders in important areas and present international quality thought platforms aimed at solutions. The last 17 summits have been outstanding successes with attendance by leaders from India and across the world. The audience comprised of senior politicians, bureaucrats, diplomats, business executives, thinkers, commentators and analysts. Over the years, the summit has become one of India's most prestigious and eagerly awaited fora.

06:42 PM IST

'Rafale has increased our air defence'

Defence minister Rajnath Singh said that Rafale has been a big boost as far as India's air defence is concerned.

06:40 PM IST

'No interference from PMO'

Defence minister Rajnath Singh said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never interfered in the functioning of government departments. "I have been the home minister, and am now handling the defence portfolio. I am telling you that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has never interfered in the functioning of government departments. Since he is the leader, you need to talk to him. And he gives his inputs. But there has been no interference," Singh said at HTLS.

06:36 PM IST

'There was no difficulty, it's clear majority in Bihar'

Defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke about the Bihar Assembly election, in which the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) emerged victorious. He also said that it's a big thing that people trusted NDA again after so many years. Speaking about chief minister Nitish Kumar, Singh said that there has been no taint on Kumar which is a big thing.

06:29 PM IST

Rajnath Singh on China and LAC stand-off

"Talks have continued, and we will continue to have dialogue to resolve border stand-off with China. But I believe countries should not be expansionist."

06:25 PM IST

Rajnath Singh on handling home and defence portfolios

"As home minister, I had to focus on internal security. But as defence minister, I have to focus on borders. And I can say that there is great coordination between both these aspects of security."

06:24 PM IST

Rajnath Singh on LAC stand-off

"There is 'perceptional difference' regarding LAC with China, problem arises when agreed protocols are violated."

06:23 PM IST

'No compromise on India's security'

"I want to assure everyone that under PM Modi's administration, there will be no compromise on India's border, self-respect and sovereignty," said defence minister Rajnath Singh.

06:19 PM IST

'India faces the challenges of hybrid war'

Union defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Hindustan Times Leadership Summit that India faces the challenge of hybrid war. "It's a new type of war, in which not only state but non-state actors also take part," said Singh. "This is a big challenge for us. The way wars are fought has changed over the years, but those who conspire against India have not changed their ways," he added. The minister also said that there is a need to understand new age challenges like cyber warfare.

06:13 PM IST

Rajnath Singh said India is not a soft target anymore

And this has been made possible due to the policy changes done by our government at the Centre, said Rajnath Singh.

06:13 PM IST

Paradigm shift in India's naval security, said Rajnath Singh

The 26/11 attackers came through sea. But now, Indian Navy and Coast Guard have created a security network along India's coast, defence minister Rajnath Singh said.

06:12 PM IST

'India's response action against terror is 360 degrees'

We not only control the infiltration, but can also give befitting reply to terrorists across the border, says Rajnath Singh remembering the 2016 surgical strikes. This is a sea change from the policy India followed during previous governments, he added.

06:09 PM IST

Another 26/11 is nearly impossible: Rajnath Singh

Defence minister Rajnath Singh said that the BJP government at the Centre has designed the nation's security policy in such a manner that another 26/11 is nearly impossible.

06:07 PM IST

Rajnath Singh on 26/11

"Today's day is very important as far as national security is concerned. 26/11 gave a new direction to our security policy, the incident challenged our sovereignty."

05:30 PM IST

Virtual session

It is the first time that HTLS is being held virtually owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.