Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s world-class defence preparedness and reflected the transformation of the country’s defence ecosystem under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the past 12 years.
Addressing an event in New Delhi, the Defence Minister said the successful execution of the operation underscored the government’s commitment to the principles of ‘Nation First’ and ‘Forces First’, while highlighting the growing strength of indigenous defence capabilities.
“Operation Sindoor is testimony to India’s up-to-date, up-to-the-mark, and up-to-the-standard defence preparedness, sharpened by the transformation of the defence sector through Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s sustained efforts in the last 12 years, guided by the spirit of ‘Nation First’ and ‘Forces First’,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath at an event in New Delhi on July 18, 2026. He described Op Sindoor as a reminder of the unmatched valour of the Indian Defence Forces, which gave a befitting reply to terrorists and their patrons, reflecting the Government’s clear ‘zero tolerance’ stance against terrorism. He emphasised that ‘zero tolerance against terrorism’ is not merely a statement but a line of action, reiterating that India has the capability to strike against terrorism not only at its doorstep but also by entering where it resides.
Singh credited India’s expanding indigenous defence manufacturing base for enabling the armed forces to successfully execute technologically intensive operations. He noted that systems such as the Akash Teer, Akash missile system, and BrahMos played a significant role during Operation Sindoor alongside other advanced military platforms.
“Advanced systems such as Akash Teer, Akash missile system and BrahMos were effectively used during the operation alongside various other state-of-the-art equipment. This is due to the foundation laid over the past 12 years,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s push towards self-reliance, the Defence Minister said five Positive Indigenisation Lists issued by the armed forces now cover 509 items, while another five lists issued by Defence Public Sector Undertakings include 5,012 items. He announced that another Positive Indigenisation List would soon be notified to further accelerate indigenous defence production.
“As we move forward with determination and a systematic approach towards building a self-reliant and empowered defence sector, another Positive Indigenisation List will soon be notified to further accelerate this vision,” he said.
Singh said India’s defence manufacturing and exports have witnessed unprecedented growth during the past decade. Defence production reached approximately ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025–26, compared to nearly ₹40,000 crore in 2014, while defence exports increased from ₹686 crore in FY 2013–14 to over ₹38,000 crore.
He said the government has set ambitious targets of crossing ₹2 lakh crore in defence production this year, ₹3 lakh crore by 2029, and achieving ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by the same year.
“Our defence production target is to surpass the figure of Rs 2 lakh crore this year and Rs 3 lakh crore by 2029. Our goal is to ensure that defence exports reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. Given the current pace of progress, I am confident that we will succeed in achieving the targets,” he said.
The Defence Minister said the government has fundamentally shifted India’s approach towards defence procurement by reducing dependence on imports and strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.
“Since 2014, it has been our endeavour to strengthen defence preparedness through indigenous production of advanced weapons and technologies, with focus on minimising import dependence. We’ve built a defence industrial ecosystem within the country to fulfill domestic as well as international requirements,” he said.
Describing Aatmanirbharta in defence as one of the government’s most significant reforms, Singh said India has transformed itself from being primarily a defence importer into an emerging producer capable of meeting domestic requirements while expanding exports.
“A nation’s true strength is not measured solely by the size of its military. It depends on its ability to cater to its own needs during times of crisis and providing the soldiers with state-of-the-art weaponry to boost their morale. If a country relies on other nations for weapons, ammunition, navigation systems, missiles, radars, drones, and other warfare-related necessities, its strategic and military autonomy becomes constrained. We’re continuously striving to change this situation,” stated Shri Rajnath Singh.
He also highlighted reforms aimed at improving defence exports, including the Defence EXIM Portal, online approvals, the Open General Export Licence, streamlined quality certification, Green Channel policy, and self-certification mechanisms.
Referring to the Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Singh said the projects have emerged as key pillars of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
“Investments worth approximately Rs 70,000 crore have been proposed for these two defence corridors, with around Rs 10,000 crore already invested. This has created new employment opportunities for the youth. The UP Defence Industrial Corridor, in particular, has emerged as a powerful example of the success of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” he said.
The Defence Minister further said that 75 per cent of the defence modernisation budget has been earmarked for procurement from Indian industry, with the forthcoming Defence Acquisition Procedure expected to provide further impetus to indigenous production.
“Seventy-five percent of the budget allocated for defence modernisation has been earmarked for procurement from Indian industries. Under the new Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), priority is being given to mechanisms such as ‘Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed & Manufactured’. This new DAP, to be unveiled this year, will provide fresh momentum to domestic defence production,” he said.
Emphasising the role of innovation, Singh said initiatives such as iDEX, iDEX Prime, and the ADITI scheme have significantly expanded opportunities for start-ups and MSMEs in defence technology.
He said procurement worth over ₹2,400 crore has been approved from start-ups and MSMEs, while projects exceeding ₹1,500 crore have been sanctioned for new technologies. According to him, 676 start-ups and innovators have participated through iDEX, with 551 contracts signed by March 2026, while the number of defence start-ups has crossed 2,000.
“676 start-ups and innovators have been engaging through iDEX, with 551 contracts signed as of March 2026. Today, start-ups across the country are working on drones, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, cybersecurity, robotics, and cutting-edge defence technologies. From only a few dozen start-ups in the defence sector in 2018, the number today has crossed 2,000,” he added.
The Defence Minister said achieving self-reliance requires a transformation in national mindset, policy, industry and innovation.
“When the industry transforms, production increases; and when production rises, the nation gains self-confidence. It is a cycle; without setting it in motion, it is impossible to make India’s defence capabilities self-reliant,” he said.
Highlighting reforms in the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board, Singh said corporatisation has improved efficiency, accountability and production.
“The objective was to increase output, and enhance accountability. The decision was taken to bolster national security, while safeguarding the interests of the employees. The results are evident today. These factories have transformed from loss-making entities into profit-making units,” he said.
He described India’s youth as technological partners in strengthening national security and said DRDO has evolved into a national innovation platform connecting scientists, academia, industry and start-ups.
The Defence Minister also said India is increasingly emerging as a credible global security partner, with its defence diplomacy now extending beyond strategic cooperation to include industrial collaboration, technology partnerships and integration into global supply chains.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Indonesia, Singh said the acknowledgement of India’s welfare initiatives by the Indonesian leadership reflected the country’s growing global influence.
“There was a time when India, in its pursuit of a development model, would attempt to emulate the US, Europe, or Russia. The situation has now changed. Today, India has reached a stage where other nations are following its policies. This marks the beginning of a new era,” he said.
He added that the Prime Minister’s visits to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand have significantly strengthened India’s strategic, economic and cultural engagement across the Indo-Pacific region.
Concluding his address, Singh expressed confidence that by 2047 India would emerge as a modern, self-reliant and globally trusted defence power.
“This is the India of ‘Amrit Kaal’ which does not shy away from challenges but creates opportunities, which not only ensures its own security but also makes constructive contributions to global peace and stability. When the nation marks the centenary of its independence in 2047, the world will view India not merely as the largest democracy, but also as a highly reliable, modern, and self-reliant defence power,” Shri Rajnath Singh said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a secure and self-reliant India through indigenous defence technologies, innovation and globally competitive industry.
“Our aim is to create a nation where soldiers wield indigenous weapons and technologies, scientists have access to new opportunities, youth possess the power of innovation, and industries have the capacity to compete globally. This is the resolve for New India; this is the path to Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he stated.
