New Delhi, 7 July 2025 — Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh addressed the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) at its Controllers’ Conference. He emphasized finance agility, operational preparedness, and proactive facilitation in defence.
Operation Sindoor Highlights India’s Indigenous Strength
Rajnath Singh noted that the “valour displayed during Operation Sindoor & the demonstration of domestic equipment further increased global demand.” He warned that financial errors can directly impact operational readiness and urged DAD to move from being controllers to facilitators.
Modi’s Reforms and Aatmanirbharta Vision
He credited Prime Minister Modi’s leadership for shifting defence strategies toward self-reliance. “Most equipment we once imported is now made in India,” he remarked, highlighting structural reforms in planning, finance, and innovation.
Capitalising on Global Defence Spending
Global military expenditure hit US $2.7 trillion in 2024. Singh called this a massive export opportunity for India’s defence industries under the Aatmanirbharta initiative. “Decisions must be swift so we can start manufacturing larger engines here,” he asserted.
Treating Defence Spend as Economic Investment
Mr Singh said, “Defence spending should be termed an economic investment with multiplier impact.” He encouraged incorporating defence economics, including social impact assessments, into planning and evaluations.
RDI Scheme and Capital Procurement Shift
He applauded the ₹1 lakh crore RDI Scheme and urged DAD to fast-track start-up and MSME funding. He also noted that the Defence Acquisition Council now approves weapon procurement via the capital route.
Adopting ‘Alert, Agile, Adaptive’ Culture
The new DAD motto – Alert, Agile, Adaptive – reflects the evolving defence landscape. Singh recommended self-introspection over external audits. He said, “Improvements through internal evaluation create living organisations.”
Preparedness Amid Peace-Time Illusions
He stressed that “Peace time is nothing but an illusion.” Sudden changes in global events require agile financial and operational systems ready to shift swiftly.
Digital Procurement and Transparency Measures
Mr Singh lauded Government e-Marketplace (GeM) purchases over ₹2 lakh crore through FY 2024–25. He urged financial officers to maximize GeM use for transparency and efficiency.
SPARSH Platform for Pensioners
The SPARSH platform now serves over 32 lakh defence pensioners. “Crores of rupees are disbursed through SPARSH every month,” he said, emphasising that veterans’ welfare is a duty, not a favour.
Upcoming Digital Finance Systems
He highlighted plans for a Comprehensive Pay System and Centralised Database to support real-time decision-making. He urged the DAD to adopt faceless, time-bound payment systems to fuel private sector defence participation.
Precision and Consequences in Financial Processes
“If you make even a small mistake… soldiers do not get necessary resources on time,” he warned. He praised DAD’s full utilisation of last year’s capital budget and urged continued fiscal discipline and efficient resource deployment.
Conference Launches and Leadership Presence
The conference featured the launch of the Vision Document, Mission Statement, new motto, Market Intelligence Report 2025, and updated Defence Accounts Code. Attendees included CDS Gen Anil Chauhan, Navy Chief Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief ACM AP Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DRDO Secretary Dr Samir V Kamat, Advisor S G Dastidar, and CGDA Dr Mayank Sharma.
