New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that in today’s era of terrorism, pandemics and regional conflicts, self-reliance in Defence is not merely an option but a condition for survival and progress.
“It is not about protectionism, it is about sovereignty and national autonomy,” the Defence Minister said at a Defence Conclave with the theme ‘Warfare in the 21st Century’ here today, a Defence Ministry statement said.
He said many developed nations are resorting to protectionist measures with situations of trade war and tariff war becoming increasingly serious. Self-reliance in Defence should not be confused with isolation, he added.
“This is not protectionism. It is about sovereignty. When a nation of youth, energy, technology and possibilities moves towards self-reliance, the world pauses and takes note. This is the strength that enables India to withstand global pressures and emerge stronger,” he said.
Hailing Operation Sindoor as a shining example of India’s growing indigenous Defence capabilities, Rajnath Singh said the precise strikes carried out by the armed forces on their targets using indigenous equipment demonstrated that no mission can be successful without vision, long preparation and coordination.
“Operation Sindoor may appear to be a story of a war of a few days, India’s victory and Pakistan’s defeat, but years of strategic preparation and Defence preparedness have played a long role behind it,” he said, adding that India’s forces, through years of hard work and reliance on indigenous equipment, executed the operation effectively and decisively.
The Minister described the ‘Sudarshan Chakra Mission’ as a game-changing initiative for India’s future security. The mission envisions providing complete aerial protection to critical locations across the country within the next decade, using both defensive and offensive technologies.
Citing lessons from Operation Sindoor, Rajnath Singh underlined the growing importance of air defence in modern warfare.
He further mentioned that DRDO successfully tested an indigenous integrated air defence weapon system on August 23, which hit three targets simultaneously. He expressed confidence that although full implementation will take time, the Ministry of Defence has already moved decisively forward in this direction.
“All our warships are now being built in India. The recent commissioning of stealth frigates INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri, equipped with advanced weaponry and electronic warfare systems, reflects our Navy’s resolve not to buy any warship from abroad. These ships are world-class and will enhance India’s strength in the Indian Ocean Region,” he said while highlighting the indigenisation milestones such as complete self-reliance in warship construction.
The Minister announced that the Government has taken up the challenge of developing and manufacturing a powerful indigenous aero-engine, an area where India had faced limited success for a long time. He pointed out that preparations for this critical project are now almost complete and the work will soon be visible at the ground level.
Stressing its importance, he underlined that earlier the question used to be whether India could build such advanced systems, but today the question has changed to how quickly they can be deployed.
He highlighted the Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as key steps towards indigenisation and innovation. He noted their positive impact and potential for expansion, stating they will drive growth and boost India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence sector.
On the economic role of Defence, the Minister underscored that the sector has become a pillar of growth. “Domestic Defence production has crossed Rs 1.5 lakh crore with 25 percent from the private sector. Defence is not mere expenditure, it is Defence Economics, a driver of jobs, innovation and industrial growth. Like IT or automobiles, Defence today is a growth multiplier,” he added.
On an international stage, Singh reiterated that India seeks no enemies but will not compromise its interests. “We do not consider any country our enemy. But the welfare of our people, farmers, small businesses and common citizens is our top priority. The more pressure the world applies, the stronger India emerges,” he said.
Rajnath reminded the audience that indigenous technological advances from aircraft carriers and fighter jets to drones, radar and missile systems had overcome the restrictions imposed after Pokhran 1998. “Today, the world knows India has the capability to decisively defeat its adversaries within minutes. These achievements are proof of our technological and industrial strength,” he said.
The Minister said, “Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence is not a slogan but a roadmap for India’s security, sovereignty, and progress. In the coming years, India will not only fulfil its own needs, but also become a reliable partner for the world. This vision will establish India as a decisive power in the 21st century.”
