New Delhi: Operation Sindoor highlighted India’s modern defence capabilities and growing self-reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on July 18, 2026. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, he said the operation demonstrated how India’s investment in indigenous defence technology, manufacturing, and innovation has strengthened national security. He also announced ambitious targets of ₹3 lakh crore in defence production and ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
What Did Rajnath Singh Say About Operation Sindoor
Rajnath Singh described Operation Sindoor as proof of India’s improved military preparedness and technological strength. He said India’s armed forces successfully used advanced Made-in-India defence systems, including Akash missile systems, BrahMos missiles, drones, radars, and other modern equipment. According to him, these achievements are the result of continuous investment in indigenous defence manufacturing over the past 12 years.
India Defence Production Reached a Record High
The Defence Minister said India’s defence manufacturing sector has grown rapidly. He shared that defence production reached a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025–26, compared with nearly ₹40,000 crore in 2014. The government has now set two major goals:
- Defence production to reach ₹2 lakh crore in 2026
- Defence production to reach ₹3 lakh crore by 2029
These targets aim to make India one of the world’s leading defence manufacturing nations.
India Defence Production: ₹50,000 Crore Target in Defence Exports by 2029
India’s defence exports have also reached a new milestone. According to Rajnath Singh, defence exports crossed ₹38,000 crore in FY 2025–26, the highest ever. The government now plans to increase defence exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2029, supported by stronger domestic manufacturing and increasing global demand for Indian defence products.
India Defence Production: Government Reforms Are Helping Defence Companies
The Defence Minister said the government has introduced several reforms to make defence manufacturing easier and more competitive. Major reforms include:
- Defence EXIM Portal
- Open General Export Licence
- Green Channel policy
- Online approvals
- Self-certification
- Simplified quality certification
These reforms have reduced paperwork and helped Indian companies expand into global defence markets.
Defence Corridors Are Creating Jobs and Investments
Rajnath Singh highlighted the success of defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. He said:
- Investment proposals worth around ₹70,000 crore have been received.
- Nearly ₹10,000 crore has already been invested.
These projects are creating employment opportunities and strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
India Defence Production: Defence Startups and MSMEs Are Driving Innovation
India’s defence innovation ecosystem is growing quickly. The Defence Minister said:
- Defence procurement worth over ₹2,400 crore has been approved for startups and MSMEs.
- Projects worth more than ₹1,500 crore have been sanctioned for new technologies.
- 676 startups and innovators are working through the iDEX programme.
- 551 contracts have been signed under iDEX.
- India now has more than 2,000 defence startups, compared with only a few dozen in 2018.
He said startups are developing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, robotics, cybersecurity, and quantum technology.
India Is Becoming a Trusted Global Defence Partner
Rajnath Singh said India is no longer manufacturing defence equipment only for its own needs. He said the country is becoming a trusted defence partner for many nations through defence diplomacy, technology partnerships, industrial collaboration, and stronger global supply chains.
Vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat Is Strengthening India Defence Production
The Defence Minister said the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat is transforming India’s defence sector. He added that scientists, engineers, startups, MSMEs, industries, and young innovators are working together to build a modern and self-reliant defence ecosystem.
According to him, this transformation will help India become one of the world’s most reliable defence powers by 2047, when the country celebrates 100 years of independence.
Read also: Operation Sindoor Success Proves India’s Missile Strength, Says Rajnath Singh at DRDO Event
