New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for a second phase of India’s defence self-reliance drive, stressing that indigenous products must be technologically advanced, cost-effective, operationally superior and globally competitive. Addressing the Indian Navy’s Swavlamban 2026 seminar in New Delhi, he said that the next phase of Aatmanirbharta must build on earlier progress and deliver more ambitious technological capabilities.
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Singh called for a time-bound roadmap to identify critical technologies, domestic industries and resources needed to reduce import dependence. He also stressed that supply-chain security is directly linked to national security, urging authorities to assess vulnerabilities, maintain adequate buffer stocks and prepare for potential disruptions to international supply routes.
Highlighting the role of innovation, the minister pointed to more than 4,000 proposals submitted by startups and micro, small and medium enterprises against 229 Indian Navy challenges under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative. He said that innovators will play a key role in developing advanced indigenous technologies and strengthening India’s defence industrial base.
Singh also advocated a Dual Technology Roadmap to identify technologies that can serve both civilian and military requirements. He called for greater collaboration among the armed forces, industry and research institutions, alongside efforts to develop technologies that can be used across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard.
The minister’s remarks came as India seeks to reduce critical foreign dependencies while strengthening its domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem. The next phase, he emphasised, must deliver more than higher domestic production: it must provide reliable military capabilities, strengthen economic resilience and help Indian defence products compete in global markets.
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