New Delhi: The effective use of Made-in-India equipment by the Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor bolstered India's reputation both regionally and internationally, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while urging the domestic industry, especially the private sector, to further accelerate the pursuit of self-reliance by focusing on innovation and R&D; technology-based manufacturing, production of individual subsystems and components, and dominating the supply and maintenance chains.
Defence Minister was addressing the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) Annual Session, organised on the theme ‘Defence Self-Reliance: Strengthening National Security through Indigenous Industry’, in New Delhi on October 27, 2025.
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Singh further highlighted the success of systems such as the Akash missile, BrahMos, and AkashTeer Air Defence Control System during Operation Sindoor. "The credit of the operation’s success goes to the brave Armed Forces as well as 'Industry warriors' who worked on the front lines of innovation, design, and manufacturing," he said, asserting that industry stands as a vital pillar alongside the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
He cautioned, “Although we gave a firm response with a firm resolve and our forces are fully prepared to defend the country’s borders, we must continue to introspect. Operation Sindoor should serve as a case study from which we can learn and chart our future course. This incident has shown us that anything can happen at our borders, anywhere, at any time. We need to be ready for a war-like situation, and our preparedness must be based on our own foundation.”
Rajnath Singh stressed that indigenisation is essential for tackling the uncertainties and shifting dynamics of global security. "The established world order is weakening, and conflict zones are increasing in many regions. It has, therefore, become necessary for India to redefine its security and strategy," he noted. He championed government initiatives such as the Quantum Mission, Atal Innovation Mission, and the National Research Foundation, highlighting their role in developing a culture of innovation and R&D.
Citing tangible progress, he observed, “Our defence production, which was only around Rs 46,000 crore in 2014, has now increased to a record Rs 1.51 lakh crore, of which Rs 33,000 crore has been contributed by the private sector. Our defence exports, which were less than Rs 1,000 crore 10 years ago, have touched a record approx. Rs 24,000 crore. I’m confident that defence exports would reach Rs 30,000 crore by March 2026.”
Defence Minister called for greater private sector involvement, technology-based manufacturing, and effective technology transfers, urging, "We must ensure that ‘our soil, our shield’ becomes our first choice." Senior MoD officials, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs attended the session.