New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday emphasized the collective responsibility of the entire nation, including states and union territories, in strengthening India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. Speaking at the National Conference on “Opportunities of Defence Manufacturing in the Country” at Vigyan Bhawan, Singh called for enhanced collaboration to build a resilient and self-reliant defence sector.
Collective Responsibility for National Security
Singh underscored that defence and security are not the duty of any single institution but the shared commitment of all Indians. Highlighting the link between defence self-reliance and India’s sovereignty, he recalled the successful coordination among states during Operation Sindoor as an example of effective partnership.
Surge in Defence Production and Exports
The Defence Minister highlighted impressive growth in India’s defence industry, noting that production has surged from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to over ₹1.5 lakh crore in 2025 — a historic high. He praised the private sector’s expanding role, contributing over ₹33,000 crore to defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Defence exports also recorded a significant jump from less than ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to ₹23,500 crore in 2025, signaling India’s evolution from a major importer to a trusted global exporter of defence systems.
Ambitious Targets for the Future
Singh outlined the government’s goal to reach ₹3 lakh crore in defence manufacturing and ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029. He stressed that true self-reliance means being confident in India’s ability to meet defence needs independently during crises.
Policy Reforms to Boost Defence Manufacturing
At the conference, Singh released a comprehensive Compendium of State Policies on Defence and Aerospace Manufacturing, designed to align and synchronize efforts between the Centre and states. The document will help foster both competition and cooperation to attract more defence investments.
He also detailed key reforms such as simplified quality assurance through self-certification, the launch of a Centralised Defence Testing Portal, and the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) to develop advanced testing facilities. Frameworks like the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 and Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 are being continuously updated to encourage innovation.
Embracing Emerging Technologies
Singh emphasized the increasing importance of frontier technologies — Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity, and Space Technology — in modern warfare. He urged greater intellectual investment in these areas to elevate India’s defence capabilities.
Launch of Digital Platforms for Defence Sector
The Defence Minister launched two digital initiatives:
- The revamped Defence Exim Portal to streamline defence export-import authorizations, increase transparency, and simplify processes.
- SRIJAN-DEEP, a digital directory of Indian defence industries to facilitate faster decision-making and collaboration between industry and defence establishments.
Support for MSMEs, Startups, and Inclusivity
Highlighting government support for MSMEs and startups, Singh pointed to automated cash management tools and simplified payment systems easing liquidity issues. He also spoke about initiatives promoting inclusivity, such as allocating 25% of Defence R&D budgets to industry, MSMEs, startups, and academia, expanding the Border Roads Organisation budget, and increasing the number of Sainik Schools under partnership models.
Singh further emphasized the importance of empowering women in the Armed Forces through the Nari Shakti initiative.
Coordinated Defence Land Management
Singh stressed the importance of cooperative defence land management across states. An online portal has been launched to expedite public utility projects on defence land, helping prevent disputes and ensuring security over approximately 1.8 million acres of defence land across India.
Commitment to Transforming India into a Defence Innovation Hub
Organized by the Department of Defence Production (DDP), the conference aimed to raise awareness among states and union territories about government initiatives for defence manufacturing. The event also featured the release of the iDEX Coffee Table Book: Shared Horizons of Innovation, showcasing successful startups, MSMEs, and innovators in the defence sector.
Singh reaffirmed the government’s dedication to building a strong, self-reliant defence industry, stating, “Together, we can transform India into a global hub of defence innovation, manufacturing, and export.”
The event was attended by senior defence officials including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, service chiefs, Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat, and representatives from central and state governments.
