Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday credited the ‘Make in India’ initiative for the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, highlighting indigenous defence production as a cornerstone of India’s national security strategy.
Speaking at the inaugural plenary session of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Business Summit, Singh said the Indian Armed Forces would not have been able to carry out effective strikes against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) without the country’s strengthened domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.
Describing ‘Make in India’ as crucial for security and prosperity, the defence minister said that the use of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor has proved that India “has the power to penetrate any armour of the enemy.”
“We destroyed terrorist hideouts and then targeted military bases. While we could have done much more, what we demonstrated was a powerful example of coordinated strength and strategic restraint,” he added.
Singh also noted that, for the first time, private sector firms would be part of India’s ambitious fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme – a project approved by him earlier this week.
The defence minister emphasized that India has redefined its approach to terrorism, forcing Pakistan to recognize that the business of terrorism is no longer cost-effective – it now carries a heavy price. He reiterated that India’s engagement with Pakistan will now be limited strictly to discussions on terrorism and PoK.
Reaffirming India’s sovereignty over PoK, Singh said, “We believe that people living in PoK will, sooner or later, voluntarily reunite with India.”
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is committed to its resolve of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Most of the people in PoK have a deep connection with India. There are only a few who have been misled,” he said.
Singh noted that the government has prioritized indigenization, strategic autonomy, economic resilience, and policy clarity. He urged Indian businesses to align with national interests. “If securing company interests is your karma, then safeguarding national interests should be your dharma,” he told industry leaders.
Singh highlighted India’s rise as a global economic force, stating that under PM Modi, the country has become the world’s fourth-largest economy.
“It is not just a matter of the economy growing in size; it is also about the world’s ever-increasing trust in India and its trust in itself,” he said.
He pointed to a significant transformation in India’s defence sector over the past decade.
“10-11 years ago, our defence production was approx. Rs 43,000 crore. Today, it has crossed the record figure of Rs 1,46,000 crore, with a contribution of over Rs 32,000 crore by the private sector. Our defence exports, which were around Rs 600-700 crore 10 years ago, have surpassed a record figure of Rs 24,000 crore today. Our weapons, systems, sub-systems, components, and services are reaching around 100 countries. Over 16,000 MSMEs, associated with the defence sector, have become the backbone of the supply chain. These companies are not only strengthening our self-reliance journey, but are also providing employment to lakhs of people,” he said.
Singh noted that India is now manufacturing not just fighter jets and missile systems, but also preparing for next-generation warfare. “Our progress in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Defence, Unmanned Systems, and Space-Based Security is being recognised globally,” he said.
“India has the potential to emerge as a global hub for engineering, precision manufacturing, and advanced technologies,” he added.
The event was attended by top defence and industry officials, including Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen N.S. Raja Subramani and CII President Sanjiv Puri.