Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday described Operation Sindoor as a “glowing testimony to India’s growing indigenous prowess,” crediting the government’s unwavering efforts to build a self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem. He was addressing students at the convocation ceremony of Symbiosis Skills and Professional University in Pune.
Singh recalled the challenges faced at the beginning of India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence and underlined how determined leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi helped turn those challenges into achievements. “We pledged to transform the defence sector because, since independence, we had been heavily dependent on other countries for weapons. We lacked the political will and enabling laws to manufacture in India. That required change,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of indigenous capability, the Defence Minister noted that the bravery of Indian soldiers during Operation Sindoor was backed by a large amount of Made-in-India equipment. “The entire world witnessed their courage and our technological strength,” he said.
Singh also credited the private sector for their role in India’s defence growth. He pointed out that annual defence production has surged from ₹46,000 crore to a record ₹1.5 lakh crore in the last decade, with the private sector contributing around ₹33,000 crore. He expressed confidence in achieving the targets of ₹3 lakh crore in defence manufacturing and ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
Urging students to go beyond academic accomplishments, Singh said, “True success lies not merely in acquiring degrees but in applying knowledge meaningfully for the benefit of society.” He emphasised the importance of skill development, stating, “We are no longer in the era of ‘What do you know?’ The world now asks, ‘What can you do?’ Skill is the bridge between learning and doing.”
Addressing concerns around technology and Artificial Intelligence, he reassured the youth that AI would not replace humans, but “those who use AI will replace those who don’t.” He stressed that technology must remain a tool, not a substitute for human values, ethics and sensitivity.
As India enters its Amrit Kaal, aiming to become a developed nation by 2047, Singh told students they were stepping into a decisive phase of their lives. “The next 20–25 years won’t just shape your careers, but also the destiny of the nation. Let your ambition fuel the country’s transformation,” he said.
As part of the event, the School of Defence and Aerospace Technology at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University was inaugurated by the Defence Minister and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in the presence of state ministers and the university’s Vice-Chancellor.