Jaisalmer: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on November 3 stressed the need to modernise India’s armed forces through advanced technology, adequate financial resources and new military formations, while chairing the Ministry of Defence’s Consultative Committee meeting in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The meeting focused on the modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces amid evolving global security challenges.
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Singh highlighted the growing role of drones, missiles and air defence systems in contemporary warfare, emphasising that military preparedness must evolve alongside emerging threats. He identified financial resources, technological advancement and human resources as three essential pillars of modernisation, adding that the armed forces must adapt their organisational structures to changing operational requirements.
Highlighting the government’s financial commitment, Singh noted that the defence budget for 2026–27 stands at ₹7.85 lakh crore, including a capital outlay of ₹2.19 lakh crore for modernisation and capital procurement. He also pointed the growth of domestic defence manufacturing, with production reaching a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025–26 and exports approaching ₹40,000 crore. The government targets ₹3 lakh crore in defence production and ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029.
The Defence Minister cited the Indian Army’s newly introduced Asni, Bhairav and Shaktibaan platoons as examples of organisational adaptation to modern operational requirements. He also highlighted DRDO’s ongoing development and testing of new weapons, missiles and systems, alongside the growing participation of private companies, large industries and micro, small and medium enterprises in defence manufacturing.
Singh underscored that modernisation extends beyond acquiring new equipment to developing indigenous technologies, improving operational readiness and reducing strategic dependence on foreign suppliers. He called for a defence ecosystem in which Indian industry develops capabilities aligned with the armed forces’ long-term requirements, strengthening India’s strategic autonomy and future combat preparedness.
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