Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has underscored the critical role of frontier technologies and innovation in modern warfare, calling for greater investment in data, algorithms, and intellectual capabilities. Speaking at the national conference on ‘Opportunities in Defence Manufacturing in the Country’, Singh emphasised that future conflicts will be won not just through physical strength, but through technological and intellectual superiority.
“We need to invest more in frontier technologies, in the intellectual sphere rather than the physical one. Our focus must remain on innovation and cutting-edge technology,” Singh stated, highlighting the shifting dynamics of warfare in the digital age.
The Defence Minister outlined ambitious targets for India’s defence sector, including achieving Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029. To meet these goals, the Ministry of Defence has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, signalling a concerted push towards self-reliance and global competitiveness.
Singh cited significant progress in India’s defence production, which has surged from Rs 46,425 crore in 2014 to Rs 1.5 lakh crore today. The private sector’s contribution has grown to over Rs 33,000 crore, reflecting its increasing role in building a self-reliant defence ecosystem. Defence exports have also seen a remarkable rise, from less than Rs 1,000 crore a decade ago to Rs 23,500 crore today.
“India’s journey toward self-reliance in the defence sector has evolved from policy to practice and from innovation to impact,” Singh asserted. “Self-reliance in defence is no longer limited to policies or declarations—it is now reflected in action, impact, and global recognition.”
Encouraging young entrepreneurs to innovate in defence technology, Singh challenged them to create defence unicorns, stating, “India already has more than 100 unicorns, but none yet in the defence sector. I urge young entrepreneurs to aim to create defence unicorns. It will be a matter of pride not just for you, but for the entire nation.”
Singh stressed that defence preparedness and national security are collective responsibilities, urging state governments to expedite the provision of alternative land to the Defence Ministry and to utilise the Ministry’s online portal for construction-related permissions. He emphasised that there is “no shortage of opportunities” in the defence sector for those with the will, the right policies, skilled manpower, and the determination to innovate.
During the conference, Singh launched two key digital platforms: the Defence Exim Portal, aimed at streamlining export and import authorisations, and SRIJAN-DEEP (Defence Establishments and Entrepreneurs Platform), a digital repository showcasing the capabilities and products of Indian defence industries.
The Defence Minister’s remarks and initiatives underscore India’s strategic focus on leveraging technology and innovation to strengthen its defence capabilities. As the sector continues to evolve, collaboration between the government, private industry, and young innovators will be crucial in shaping India’s future in defence manufacturing and global security.