Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has underscored the transformative role of emerging technologies in shaping the future of warfare, emphasising that artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and quantum computing will dominate the battlefields of tomorrow. Speaking at the ‘Raksha Navachar Samvaad’ event in New Delhi, Singh asserted, “The battlefield has changed. The wars of tomorrow will be fought with algorithms, autonomous systems and AI.” He highlighted technologies such as drones, anti-drone systems, quantum computing, and directed-energy weapons as pivotal in redefining modern warfare, citing India’s recent Operation Sindoor as a testament to this evolution.
Organised by the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative under the Ministry of Defence, the event brought together innovators, startups, officials, and industry leaders to discuss advancements in defence technology. Singh’s remarks reflect a broader strategic shift in India’s defence posture, one that increasingly prioritises indigenous innovation and self-reliance.
India’s push for indigenisation has gained significant momentum, with domestic capital acquisitions rising from Rs 74,000 crore in 2021–22 to Rs 1.2 lakh crore in 2024–25. Singh described this as more than a fiscal shift, calling it “a change in mindset, from dependence to confidence.” He also noted that India’s public procurement policy reserves at least 25% of annual defence procurement for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), with over 350 items specifically earmarked for them. This policy framework is designed to foster a robust ecosystem of domestic defence manufacturing and innovation.
Singh challenged India’s startup ecosystem to set ambitious goals, urging innovators to create the country’s first defence-sector unicorn. “We have over 100 unicorns today, but none in defence. Let the first emerge from among you, it will be a matter of national pride,” he said. Since its launch in 2018, iDEX has supported over 650 startups and facilitated the procurement of prototypes worth over Rs 3,000 crore, marking a significant step in democratising defence innovation in India.
The minister outlined several reforms aimed at supporting startups and MSMEs in the defence sector. These include the upcoming Defence Procurement Manual (DPM-2025), which will provide five-year assured orders (extendable by an additional five years), and ongoing updates to the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) to streamline trials and procurement processes. He also highlighted schemes such as the Technology Development Fund, the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme, and self-certification provisions as part of a broader strategy to strengthen innovation in the defence ecosystem.
“Our aim is to make India not only a defence manufacturer but also a defence innovator for the world,” Singh said. He acknowledged the contributions of Indian startups such as Refi M. Fibre and Gravity Systems, whose technologies were used in Operation Sindoor and are now gaining global recognition, including at the Dubai Airshow 2025. Strategic partnerships with agencies such as the Department of Science & Technology, DPIIT, and financial institutions are being formed to provide end-to-end support to defence startups, from early-stage ideas to full-scale production.
Singh concluded by stating that defence manufacturing has become a key sector for private investment, R&D, and job creation under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He asserted that with continued innovation and collaboration, India is well-positioned to become a leader in defence technology.
The event also featured panel discussions on topics such as scaling defence startups, bridging the gap between innovation and production, and accelerating self-reliance through R&D partnerships. Senior officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat, and Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, were also present.