Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has declared that India is entering a “golden era of defence innovation,” crediting the nation’s young entrepreneurs and innovators for transforming India from a buyer into a builder, creator, and global leader in cutting-edge defence technologies. Speaking at the Indian Navy’s Swavlamban 2025 seminar in New Delhi, Singh addressed start-ups, MSMEs, academia, and industry partners, urging them to stay proactive and future-ready amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
Singh emphasised the importance of a strong, self-reliant domestic supply chain to ensure strategic independence and cost efficiency. He asserted that the indigenisation movement in India is not just a policy-driven initiative but a result of the hard work of all stakeholders. “If India is rising as a maritime power today, it is due to the contribution of our innovators along with the Navy,” he said.
The defence minister called on the private sector to adopt a profit-plus approach, which encompasses monetary profit, nationalism, a sense of duty, and strategic responsibility. “Our goal should not be limited to economic activity; it should be treated as a national mission,” he stated. Singh urged the private sector to increase its contribution to defence manufacturing to 50% or more in the coming years.
Highlighting the long-term financial burden of maintaining and repairing imported defence equipment, Singh stressed the need to minimise import dependency. “If we strengthen local manufacturing of components and subsystems, our indigenous content will increase rapidly. This will not only enhance capability but ensure cost efficiency, reliability, and strategic independence,” he said. He underscored that defence innovation, indigenous design, advanced manufacturing, and strategic autonomy will become core strengths of India’s development.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi noted that Swavlamban has grown significantly since its inception, evolving from 800 participants in its maiden edition to 3,000 last year. He highlighted that the Indian Navy owns a significant share of 35% of the 565 iDEX challenges announced so far. The products developed by start-ups and MSMEs through these challenges have not only strengthened the Navy’s capabilities but have also expanded opportunities for procurement by the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Central Armed Police Forces, reflecting an integrated whole-of-defence approach.
Singh’s vision for a self-reliant and innovative defence sector aligns with broader geopolitical trends, where nations are increasingly focusing on domestic manufacturing and technological sovereignty. This shift could position India as a key player in the global defence market, fostering collaboration and competition that drives innovation.
As India continues to invest in its defence capabilities, the collaboration between the private sector, start-ups, R&D labs, and government institutions will be crucial. The emphasis on indigenous design and advanced manufacturing is expected to spur growth in the domestic defence industry, creating high-skilled jobs and fostering a culture of innovation.
The Swavlamban 2025 seminar underscores the importance of a collaborative approach to defence innovation. By leveraging the strengths of various stakeholders, India aims to build a robust defence ecosystem that not only meets its strategic needs but also sets a global benchmark for excellence. This collective effort is poised to shape the future of India’s defence sector, ensuring that the nation remains at the forefront of technological advancements and strategic autonomy.