Rajnath Singh Lauds Indigenous Defence Success in Operation Sindoor, Urges Faster Path to Self-Reliance

New Delhi | October 27, 2025 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday praised the success of Made-in-India defence systems during Operation Sindoor, highlighting how indigenous innovation and military-industrial collaboration have strengthened India’s defence reputation both regionally and globally. Speaking at the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) Annual Session 2025 in New Delhi, themed ‘Defence Self-Reliance: Strengthening National Security through Indigenous Industry’, Singh said the operation’s success reflected the growing capability and confidence of India’s defence ecosystem. Singh commended the performance of advanced indigenous systems such as the Akash missile, BrahMos, and AkashTeer Air Defence Control System, noting that their effective deployment showcased India’s technological strength and operational readiness. He credited not just the armed forces but also the “industry warriors” who design and manufacture these systems, calling Indian industry the fourth pillar of national defence alongside the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Referring to Operation Sindoor as a key learning experience, Singh urged the defence community to use it as a case study for future preparedness. “This incident shows that anything can happen at our borders, anywhere, anytime. We must be ready for all contingencies—and our readiness must rest on our own strength,” he said. Emphasising the changing global landscape marked by instability and rising conflicts, Singh argued that self-reliance in defence is no longer optional but essential. He noted that as the established world order weakens, India must redefine its security strategy to rely primarily on indigenous capability. The Defence Minister praised government initiatives aimed at creating a robust domestic defence ecosystem, urging a shift from assembling imported systems to developing a true manufacturing base under the vision of “Made in India, Made for the World.” He cited programmes such as the Quantum Mission, Atal Innovation Mission, and National Research Foundation as examples of government-backed efforts promoting innovation, R&D, and technological advancement. Highlighting the growth of the defence sector, Singh revealed that India’s defence production has surged from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to ₹1.51 lakh crore in 2025, with the private sector now contributing ₹33,000 crore. Defence exports, too, have risen sharply—from under ₹1,000 crore a decade ago to ₹24,000 crore this year, with projections of ₹30,000 crore by March 2026. He encouraged private players to double their participation in domestic production—from 25% to 50% within the next three years. Singh called for deeper indigenisation of components and supply chains, noting that reliance on imported equipment leads to long-term financial and operational dependency. “When we buy from abroad, we also buy dependence. Indigenous production ensures independence,” he said, stressing that “our soil, our shield” should be India’s guiding defence principle. He also underscored the need for technology-based manufacturing and efficient tech transfers, urging industries to take up challenges under government initiatives like iDEX and ADITI to develop large-scale, end-to-end defence solutions. “If industry, government, and the armed forces work together, we can transform the entire landscape of Indian defence manufacturing,” Singh asserted. The event saw participation from top defence officials, industry leaders, and innovators, including Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, SIDM President Rajinder Singh Bhatia, and SIDM Director General Ramesh K, reaffirming the nation’s united commitment to a self-reliant and future-ready defence sector. Rajnath Singh Applauds Indigenous Defence Power Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the success of Made-in-India systems used in Operation Sindoor, calling it proof of India’s growing self-reliance in defence. Speaking at the SIDM Annual Session in New Delhi, he praised systems like Akash and BrahMos for showcasing India’s technological strength. Singh urged the industry to boost domestic production and reduce dependence on imports, envisioning a defence sector built on “our soil, our shield.” Highlighting record-breaking production and exports, he said true strength lies in innovation, collaboration, and owning the technologies that protect the nation’s future.