New Delhi: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has warned that any future terror attack originating from Pakistan will invite a stronger response from India. Speaking at the National Defence Conclave in New Delhi on October 15, 2026, he said that Operation Sindoor, the Balakot airstrikes and surgical strikes showed India’s shift from diplomatic condemnation to proactive action against terrorism.
He also called for stronger defence preparedness, modern technology, and greater public awareness to tackle emerging security threats. His address highlighted India’s focus on protecting national security while continuing to support peace and dialogue.
National Defence Conclave: Rajnath Singh Warns Of A Stronger Response To Terrorism
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India remains committed to peace, but its commitment should not be mistaken for weakness. He stressed that India is fully prepared to protect its sovereignty, integrity and national interests.
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He warned that any further terror attack originating from Pakistan would lead to an even stronger response. According to him, India has adopted a more proactive approach to dealing with terrorism.
The minister also said that since 2014, the operational life of most terrorists had fallen to less than a year, with security forces neutralising many of them within a year of their joining terrorist groups.
National Defence Conclave: Operation Sindoor And Surgical Strikes Show India’s Security Approach
Rajnath Singh described Operation Sindoor, the Balakot airstrikes and surgical strikes as important examples of India’s changing counterterrorism strategy.
He said these operations represented a move away from diplomatic condemnation alone towards action aimed at eliminating terrorism at its source.
The minister added that India continues to favour dialogue, coexistence and peaceful dispute resolution. However, he said the country would not allow its commitment to peace to be viewed as a lack of strength.
India Must Stay Prepared For New Security Threats
Rajnath Singh stressed that India needs greater vigilance and preparedness as security challenges become more complex. He highlighted the growing role of technology in modern conflicts.
According to the minister, terrorism is no longer limited to organised groups. New threats include lone-wolf attacks and what he described as white-collar terrorism, making it harder for security agencies to identify potential attackers. He also referred to the emerging risks associated with hybrid, high-tech and cyber warfare.
Rajnath Singh Highlights The Five Ds Of Security Threats in National Defence Conclave
The Defence Minister described five major forms of threats in the digital age as the “5D Security Threat”:
- Disinformation: Spreading false or misleading information.
- Destabilisation: Creating instability in society or institutions.
- Disruption: Interfering with normal activities and essential systems.
- Deception: Misleading people or security agencies.
- Destruction: Causing serious damage to people, infrastructure or national security.
These threats can affect public trust, national stability and security operations. The minister called for increased awareness and responsible action from citizens to help address such challenges.
Rajnath Singh Highlights Captain Smit Macchar’s Courage in National Defence Conclave
Rajnath Singh referred to an incident involving a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash a passenger aircraft and Captain Smit Macchar, who reportedly risked his life to avert a major terror attack.
He said the incident highlighted the dangers posed by lone-wolf attackers. It also demonstrated how an alert and courageous individual could help prevent a major tragedy. The minister stressed that the fight against terrorism requires not only capable security agencies but also aware and responsible citizens.
India Needs Smart Defence Technology, Says Rajnath Singh
Rajnath Singh called for a modern defence strategy that combines military strength with advanced and affordable technology. He said India must move towards “smart power” to respond effectively to changing security challenges.
He highlighted the importance of combining precision-guided weapons, loitering munitions, human intelligence and artificial intelligence.
The minister also supported the use of cost-effective, agile and adaptable technologies. Such systems can help India respond to emerging threats while improving defence preparedness.
India’s Defence Industry And Indigenous Manufacturing Gain Momentum
Rajnath Singh said India’s growing defence capabilities were supported by reforms in defence manufacturing, procurement and licensing.
He highlighted the expansion of the domestic defence manufacturing base, with more than 500 companies engaged in the sector and hundreds of new industrial licences issued.
The government has encouraged Indian companies to develop and manufacture defence equipment domestically. These efforts aim to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthen national security.
National Defence Conclave: Defence Production Rises To A Record Level
Rajnath Singh said India’s defence production had increased to more than ₹1.78 lakh crore, compared with ₹40,000 crore in 2014.
He also reported that defence exports had reached an all-time high of ₹39,000 crore, up from ₹686 crore in 2013–14. Indian defence products were reaching nearly 100 countries.
The minister expressed confidence that India could achieve defence production worth ₹2 lakh crore in the current financial year and ₹3 lakh crore by 2029. He also highlighted a target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
Indigenous Defence Equipment And Technology Development
The minister said Operation Sindoor demonstrated the growing capabilities of India’s domestic defence industry. He referred to indigenous systems such as the Akash missile system and BrahMos, along with other advanced equipment.
He said the armed forces had five positive indigenisation lists covering 509 items, with a sixth list being prepared for release.
Defence Public Sector Undertakings had also identified 5,012 items for indigenisation. These included line replacement units, sub-systems, spare parts and components, of which 3,255 had been indigenised.
The government is also supporting start-ups and small businesses through initiatives such as iDEX, iDEX Prime and the ADITI scheme to encourage research, development and innovation in defence technology.
75% Of Defence Modernisation Budget Earmarked For Indian Industry
The Defence Minister said 75 per cent of the defence modernisation budget had been earmarked for procurement from Indian industries.
He also highlighted reforms such as the Defence Acquisition Procedure and the Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured category.
According to him, these measures have strengthened cooperation between the public and private sectors. Start-ups, small businesses, innovators and large companies are increasingly contributing to India’s defence ecosystem.
National Defence Conclave: India’s Defence Export Reforms Improve Global Competitiveness
Rajnath Singh credited several reforms for simplifying defence exports. These included the Defence EXIM Portal, online approvals, the Open General Export Licence, streamlined quality certification and the Green Channel policy.
He said these steps had improved the credibility of Indian defence products and helped domestic manufacturers compete in international markets. The reforms are intended to make defence exports easier while supporting the growth of India’s defence manufacturing sector.
India Strengthens Ammunition Self-Reliance
The Defence Minister said 159 of the 175 ammunition variants used by the Defence Forces were now produced domestically. This represented more than 90 per cent self-reliance in ammunition variants, according to his address.
He also said India exported bulletproof jackets to more than 100 countries. India was the fourth country in the world to establish a national standard for bulletproof jackets aligned with international norms.
Defence Reforms Expand The Role Of Private Companies And MSMEs
Rajnath Singh said India’s defence sector was no longer limited to the public sector. Defence Public Sector Undertakings, private industries, more than 16,000 micro, small and medium enterprises, supply units and innovation centres were contributing to the industry.
He also highlighted the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board, which helped transform loss-making entities into profitable enterprises.
According to the minister, the growing cooperation between public and private organisations was creating a stronger domestic defence industrial ecosystem.
One Rank One Pension And Chief Of Defence Staff
The Defence Minister also highlighted the implementation of the One Rank One Pension scheme and the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff post. He described these measures as important steps towards strengthening India’s defence framework.
The initiatives form part of broader efforts to improve military administration, support personnel and modernise the country’s defence structure.
India’s Long-Term Vision: Viksit Bharat And A Strong Defence Sector
Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that India would become a developed nation, or Viksit Bharat, as it approaches 100 years of independence in 2047.
He said a strong defence sector, greater technological capability and a modern industrial base would play important roles in this journey. His address brought together two key priorities: maintaining peace through strength and building a self-reliant defence industry capable of meeting India’s future security needs.
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FAQs
According to Rajnath Singh, these operations represent India’s shift from diplomatic condemnation to proactive action against terrorism. They highlight India’s approach of targeting terrorism at its source while maintaining its commitment to peace.
Rajnath Singh warned that any future terror attack originating from Pakistan would invite an even stronger response from India. He said India remains committed to peace but is fully prepared to protect its sovereignty and national interests.
Rajnath Singh said India was targeting defence production worth ₹2 lakh crore in the current financial year and ₹3 lakh crore by 2029. He also stated a target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
