New Delhi, January 21 (MNN):Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh on Wednesday emphasized that national security requires not only economic strength but also a strong and effective military. He stated that economic power alone is insufficient to safeguard a country’s sovereignty, adding that a nation may be economically strong but cannot be secure without military strength.

Addressing the 22nd Subroto Mukerjee Seminar in Delhi, organized by the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPSS), the Air Chief cited the examples of Venezuela and Iraq to underline that economic strength by itself cannot guarantee national security. He noted that even if a country is economically powerful, it cannot ensure its safety without a robust military.

Referring to India’s history, Air Chief Marshal Singh pointed out that despite India and China together controlling nearly 60 percent of the world’s GDP at one point, India was colonized due to a lack of adequate military strength. “We must understand that military power ultimately stands as the final arbiter of national power. A country may be economically strong, but it may still not be secure,” he said.

He added that Venezuela and Iraq are recent and significant examples, showing that while economic importance matters, the decisive factor is the use of military power. He referred to the recent crisis in Venezuela, noting that relations have been extremely tense since a major U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, during which U.S. forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who now faces narcoterrorism charges in a federal court in New York.

The Air Chief also recalled the U.S. invasion of Iraq, known as Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began in March 2003 with a U.S.-led coalition. He said the invasion was carried out on the basis of false claims about weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and alleged links to al-Qaeda, resulting in the overthrow of Saddam Hussein’s government.

Air Chief Marshal Singh concluded by quoting a verse by Ramdhari Singh Dinkar on forgiveness and strength, highlighting the need for a strong military and the resolve to use it when required.