Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the NDTV Defence Summit 2024
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh acknowledged the role of the media in highlighting shortcomings of the government, which helps in taking corrective steps.
At the 'NDTV Defence Summit 2024', Mr Singh said the government and the media are two important parts of society.
"Whenever we come up with a scheme, the media highlights both its merits and demerits. Whenever the media highlights any demerit, this government acknowledges it and tries to rectify it," Mr Singh said.
"The way NDTV has expanded its reach among the public and how it has won the trust of the common people, I want to congratulate the NDTV network," the Defence Minister said.
Leaving aside the "dark chapter" of the Emergency, in the history of India's democracy, there can "never be seen any restriction" on the freedom of the press, said the Minister.
"In the history of democracy of this country, if we set aside the dark chapter of the Emergency, there can never be seen any restriction on the freedom of the press," he said.
"If we leave aside that dark period (of Emergency), then whether our government or governments led by any other party, everyone has maintained the freedom of the press," he said.
The media is known as the fourth pillar of democracy, Mr Singh said, adding that it "works as a link" between the government and people, and they both connect to each other.
He said the media and the government have to catch the pulse of "social consensus". Giving an example, Mr Singh cited the US government's view of China as a threat, and how the American media also see China from the same view.
"The government works towards the direction where its people expect it to go," the Defence Minister said.