Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized India's enhanced defence capabilities during Operation Sindoor, showcasing indigenous technology and self-reliance.
New Delhi, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday stated that Operation Sindoor exemplified India’s “world-class” defence preparedness, attributing the transformation of the country’s defence sector over the past 12 years to the Narendra Modi government’s focus on ‘Nation First’ and ‘Forces First’.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Singh described the operation as a testament to the armed forces’ operational capability and India’s increasing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. He asserted that the operation reflected the government’s “zero tolerance” policy against terrorism and demonstrated India’s ability to strike at terrorists and their supporters wherever necessary. This assertion comes at a time when India faces various security challenges, both from neighboring countries and from internal threats, necessitating a robust and responsive defence strategy.
Operation Sindoor, while not extensively detailed in the public domain, is indicative of a broader strategy employed by the Indian armed forces to enhance their operational readiness and capability. The Defence Minister highlighted the effective deployment of indigenous systems such as Akash Teer, the Akash missile system, and the BrahMos missile during Operation Sindoor, showcasing India’s advancements in technological warfare and domestic defence production. The BrahMos missile, developed in collaboration with Russia, is one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world, representing a significant leap in India's missile technology.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence, Singh announced that another Positive Indigenisation List would be released soon. To date, the armed forces have issued five positive indigenisation lists covering 509 items, while Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) have notified five lists encompassing 5,012 items. This initiative is part of a larger effort to reduce India's dependence on foreign arms and equipment, which has historically been a significant aspect of the country's defence policy.
Singh pointed out the remarkable growth in the sector, noting that India’s annual defence production reached a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, a significant increase from around ₹40,000 crore in 2014. This substantial growth reflects the Indian government's strategic initiatives to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities and encourage private sector participation in defence production. Defence exports have surged from ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to over ₹38,000 crore, indicating a growing confidence in Indian-made defence products on the international stage.
He reiterated the government’s ambitious target of surpassing ₹2 lakh crore in defence production this year and achieving ₹3 lakh crore by 2029, with plans to increase defence exports to ₹50,000 crore by the same year. This ambitious goal aligns with India's long-term vision of becoming a global hub for defence manufacturing, thereby enhancing its strategic autonomy and geopolitical influence.
The Defence Minister explained that the government has moved away from reliance on imported military equipment by bolstering domestic manufacturing and establishing a robust defence industrial ecosystem capable of fulfilling both domestic and global needs. This shift is not only aimed at enhancing operational readiness but also at creating a sustainable defence industry that can innovate and adapt to changing security dynamics.
Regarding defence manufacturing, Singh mentioned that investments worth nearly ₹70,000 crore have been proposed for the defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with approximately ₹10,000 crore already invested, creating job opportunities and enhancing manufacturing capabilities. These corridors are designed to attract private investment, foster innovation, and facilitate the development of a comprehensive supply chain for defence production.
He also emphasized reforms in defence procurement, indicating that 75% of the defence modernization budget has been allocated for procurement from Indian industry. A new Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), expected later this year, will further prioritize domestically designed and manufactured defence systems. This reform is critical in streamlining the procurement process, reducing bureaucratic delays, and ensuring that the armed forces are equipped with the latest technologies.
On the topic of defence innovation, Singh revealed that procurement worth over ₹2,400 crore has been approved from startups and MSMEs, with projects exceeding ₹1,500 crore sanctioned for the development of new technologies. This focus on innovation is crucial in an era where technological advancements are rapidly transforming the nature of warfare.
According to the minister, 676 startups and innovators are currently engaged through the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) platform, with 551 contracts signed as of March 2026. He noted that the number of defence startups has increased from just a few dozen in 2018 to over 2,000, focusing on areas such as drones, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, cybersecurity, and robotics. This burgeoning startup ecosystem is indicative of a vibrant and dynamic approach to defence technology, enabling rapid prototyping and deployment of cutting-edge solutions.
Singh mentioned that the corporatisation of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board has enhanced productivity, accountability, and technological capability, transforming loss-making factories into profitable entities. This move is part of a broader trend towards privatization and efficiency in the public sector, aimed at ensuring that the defence manufacturing base is competitive and responsive to the needs of the armed forces.
Calling India’s youth “technological partners in national security,” he stated that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has evolved into a national innovation platform that connects industry, academia, startups, and scientists. This collaborative approach is essential for fostering an environment of innovation and ensuring that India remains at the forefront of defence technology.
The Defence Minister also noted that India is increasingly becoming a reliable global security partner, with defence diplomacy extending beyond strategic cooperation to include industrial collaboration and integration into global supply chains. This shift is significant as it positions India as a key player in the global defence market, capable of contributing to international security efforts while also benefiting economically from defence partnerships.
Furthermore, Singh articulated the government’s vision for a developed India by 2047, wherein soldiers are equipped with indigenous weapons, scientists are empowered with greater opportunities, young innovators drive technological advancement, and Indian industries compete on a global scale. This vision underscores the government's commitment to not only enhancing national security but also fostering economic growth and technological advancement in the country.
In conclusion, the developments highlighted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the event reflect a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming India's defence sector. By focusing on self-reliance, innovation, and collaboration, the government is positioning India to meet contemporary security challenges while also contributing to global peace and stability. The implications of these initiatives are far-reaching, as they not only enhance India's military capabilities but also bolster its economic prospects, create jobs, and foster a culture of innovation that can drive future advancements in various sectors beyond defence.
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