Suryaa National Desk: Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stated that producing critical defense knowledge and technology indigenously is essential for strengthening the nation's military readiness in the 21st century. Speaking at the Delhi Defence Dialogue 2026, organized by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi, he emphasized that India must develop the capacity to independently produce, upgrade, and maintain military equipment rather than relying solely on procurement.
The Defense Minister noted that modern warfare is evolving rapidly, with military operations expanding into space and cyber domains alongside land, air, and sea. He observed that low-cost drones and autonomous systems are challenging large, expensive military systems. He stated that strategic autonomy can only be maintained through rapid innovation, large-scale manufacturing, and dominance in indigenous technology.
Rajnath Singh called on private industries, startups, and academic institutions to contribute to increasing domestic defense production. He highlighted that the government is encouraging private participation in the development of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, artillery guns, missile systems, and naval shipbuilding. Due to government reforms, India's defense production has reached approximately Rs 1.78 lakh crore, and defense exports have expanded to over 80 countries.
The Minister clarified that self-reliance in the defense sector does not mean isolation from the world, but rather achieving technological sovereignty. He reaffirmed that the government's primary goal is to make India a global defense hub by promoting joint research and production with foreign partners. He announced that the country is moving toward a target of Rs 3 lakh crore in defense production by 2029.
