Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said India’s defence sector has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, driven by technology, indigenous innovation and increased private sector participation.
Addressing the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, Singh highlighted that defence production has reached ₹1.54 lakh crore, marking a 174 per cent increase in ten years. Defence exports, he added, have grown 34 times to ₹23,622 crore during the same period, reflecting India’s transition from a major importer to an emerging exporter of defence equipment.
He noted that the private sector has played a key role in this growth, contributing around ₹15,000 crore to total defence exports, signalling a shift towards collaborative manufacturing and innovation.
Underscoring government support, Singh said the Union Budget for 2026–27 has earmarked ₹6.81 lakh crore for defence, a 9.5 per cent increase over the previous year. He emphasised that sustained policy reforms and funding mechanisms are enabling faster research, development and deployment of indigenous technologies.
“India has entered a decisive phase in its defence journey, where advanced technologies, real-time data systems and automated platforms are redefining warfare and enhancing operational capabilities,” the minister said.
He highlighted the growing role of sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, space and atomic energy in strengthening defence preparedness. Singh pointed out that India has already made notable progress in quantum-secure communication systems, which are expected to play a crucial role in future warfare.
Calling for stronger synergy between the armed forces, scientific institutions and industry, Singh stressed the need to align operational requirements with research and manufacturing capabilities. He also urged stakeholders to accelerate timelines from design to deployment while ensuring reliability and scalability.
The minister also acknowledged the expanding role of the armed forces beyond national security, including disaster response and humanitarian assistance.
The three-day North Tech Symposium, being held from May 4 to 6, is themed “Raksha Triveni Sangam — Where Technology, Industry and Soldiering Converge.” Organised by the Indian Army’s Northern and Central Commands in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers, the event serves as a platform for collaboration between the armed forces, industry, academia and start-ups.
The symposium features over 280 industry participants and 284 exhibition stalls showcasing cutting-edge technologies across areas such as artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, robotics, cyber and electronic warfare, communication systems and mobility platforms.
Singh expressed confidence that such collaborative initiatives would accelerate India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence and strengthen its position as a leading global defence technology power.
