Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday emphasized that self-reliance in defence is not just an option but a necessity for India’s survival and progress in an era marked by terrorism, pandemics, and regional conflicts. Speaking at a Defence Conclave themed ‘Warfare in the 21st Century’ in New Delhi, he underscored that dependence on foreign defence supplies is no longer viable, and the government’s focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership is aimed at safeguarding the nation’s strategic autonomy.
Highlighting India’s recent military success, Singh described Operation Sindoor as a testament to the country’s growing indigenous defence capabilities. The operation, executed with precision using homegrown equipment, demonstrated years of strategic preparation and coordination. “India’s victory and Pakistan’s defeat in Operation Sindoor may seem like a brief war, but it reflects decades of defence preparedness,” he said, adding that the operation showcased the strength of India’s armed forces.
Singh also hailed the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, announced by the Prime Minister, as a transformative initiative to provide comprehensive aerial protection to critical locations across India within a decade. The mission gained momentum with the successful test of an indigenous integrated air defence system by the DRDO on August 23, 2025, which hit three targets simultaneously. “This is the first step toward realizing the Prime Minister’s vision,” he said, expressing confidence in the Ministry of Defence’s progress.
The minister highlighted significant strides in indigenisation, noting that all Indian warships are now built domestically. The recent commissioning of stealth frigates INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri, equipped with advanced weaponry and electronic warfare systems, underscores the Navy’s commitment to self-reliance. “These world-class ships will strengthen India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region,” Singh said.
In a major push for indigenous technology, Singh announced that preparations for developing a powerful aero-engine are nearly complete, with visible progress expected soon. He described this as a critical step in overcoming past challenges in advanced defence manufacturing. The establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu was also cited as a game-changer, fostering innovation and manufacturing clusters to drive growth and support the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
India’s transformation from a defence importer to an exporter was another key focus, with Singh noting that defence exports have surged from under Rs 700 crore in 2014 to nearly Rs 24,000 crore in 2025. “This success is driven not only by public sector units but also by private industry, startups, and entrepreneurs,” he said. The Positive Indigenisation Lists, mandating the domestic production of over 5,500 items previously imported, have already resulted in over 3,000 items being manufactured in India.
Singh emphasized that defence is now a pillar of economic growth, with domestic production crossing Rs 1.5 lakh crore, including a 25% contribution from the private sector. “Defence is not just expenditure; it is a driver of jobs, innovation, and industrial growth,” he said, likening its impact to sectors like IT and automobiles.
The minister also highlighted reforms to boost defence manufacturing, including simplified licensing processes, an increased FDI limit of 74%, and a streamlined Make in India framework to encourage private sector participation. The iDEX scheme has empowered youth and startups to innovate in defence, reducing dependence on foreign solutions. “We are telling our youth to showcase their innovation, and the government will support them,” Singh said.
Singh reiterated India’s stance of seeking no enemies but refusing to compromise on its interests. “The welfare of our people, farmers, and small businesses is our top priority. The more pressure the world applies, the stronger India emerges,” he asserted.
Reflecting on global challenges, including terrorism, the Covid-19 pandemic, and conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa, Singh described the 21st century as one of the most unstable. He stressed that self-reliance is India’s only sustainable path forward. The corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board, which turned losses of Rs 3,000 crore in 2019-20 into profits of over Rs 1,600 crore, was cited as a symbol of breaking free from colonial legacies.
Singh also praised the inclusion of women officers in combat roles, noting their contributions in flying fighter jets, navigating ships, and defending borders in challenging terrains. He credited the government’s vision for overcoming technological restrictions imposed after the 1998 Pokhran tests, enabling India to develop advanced systems like aircraft carriers, fighter jets, drones, and missile systems.
Urging the media to exercise caution during conflicts, Singh said, “A small report can boost the morale of millions, but a mistake can cost lives. The media is the fourth pillar of democracy and a watchdog of national security.”