India's Defence Evolution: Rajnath Singh Sets Rs 3 Lakh Crore Production Goal Post-Operation Sindoor

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasized that Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to India’s advanced defence readiness, bolstered by the government's commitment to prioritizing national and military interests. Speaking at an event in New Delhi on July 18, 2026, Singh described the military operation as a significant indicator of India's enhanced defence capabilities, technological advancements, and increased self-reliance in defence manufacturing, achieved through consistent reforms over the past twelve years.

Singh highlighted the decisive actions of the Indian Armed Forces against terrorism and its supporters, reiterating the government's strict zero-tolerance stance on terrorism. He stressed that India’s commitment goes beyond words, showcasing a proven ability to act decisively against terrorist threats to protect national interests.

He remarked, "Operation Sindoor serves as a testament to India's up-to-date defence preparedness," noting the operation demonstrated the unmatched bravery and professional competence of the Indian Armed Forces. This also validated the transformative changes within India’s defence sector.

Singh pointed out that Operation Sindoor was not only a military success but also demonstrated the integration of indigenous defence technologies into modern warfare. The operation utilized advanced systems like the Akash Teer air defence system, Akash missile system, and BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, alongside several other cutting-edge military platforms and technologies.

Describing the operation as a model of technological warfare, Singh stated that its success reflected the government’s growing confidence in Indian defence industries and indigenous capabilities. These achievements are attributed to the emphasis on domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imported defence equipment over the last twelve years.

Singh outlined the progress under the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative within the defence sector. He reported that five Positive Indigenisation Lists from the Armed Forces now include 509 defence items, and five additional lists by Defence Public Sector Undertakings cover 5,012 items for indigenous procurement. Another Positive Indigenisation List will soon be announced to further advance India’s self-reliance in defence.

Highlighting the transformation of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, Singh mentioned that annual defence production reached a record high of approximately Rs 1.78 lakh crore during the 2025-26 fiscal year, compared to Rs 40,000 crore in 2014. Defence exports also saw significant growth, rising from Rs 686 crore in FY 2013-14 to over Rs 38,000 crore currently.

The government has set ambitious targets to exceed Rs 2 lakh crore in defence production this financial year and reach Rs 3 lakh crore by 2029. Defence exports are expected to reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2029, marking India’s growth as a credible supplier of advanced defence systems globally.

Singh stated that these accomplishments represent a fundamental shift in India’s strategic approach—from relying on foreign defence equipment to becoming a producer and exporter of advanced military technologies. He asserted that true strategic autonomy is achieved only when nations can independently meet their defence needs during crises.

Singh noted that defence modernization and self-reliance are being pursued through comprehensive policy reforms aimed at strengthening India’s defence industrial ecosystem. Initiatives include simplifying defence exports with mechanisms like the Defence EXIM Portal, online approval systems, and other streamlined processes.

He described the Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as transformative initiatives to promote indigenous defence manufacturing. Proposed investments in these corridors total approximately Rs 70,000 crore, with nearly Rs 10,000 crore already invested, creating substantial jobs and integrating Indian industries into global defence supply chains.

The Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor, specifically, has been successful in realizing the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, enhancing advanced defence manufacturing and strengthening India’s indigenous industrial capabilities.

In defence acquisitions, Singh revealed that 75% of the budget for defence modernization is allocated for procurement from Indian industries. The upcoming Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) will strengthen domestic defence production by emphasizing procurement methods like "Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured".

Singh stressed that innovation and technological advancement are central to India’s defence transformation. Through initiatives like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), iDEX Prime, and the ADITI scheme, procurement approvals worth over Rs 2,400 crore have been granted to start-ups and MSMEs, with projects over Rs 1,500 crore sanctioned for developing emerging defence technologies.

As of March 2026, 676 start-ups and innovators have engaged with the iDEX framework, leading to 551 contracts. Currently, over 2,000 start-ups contribute to India’s defence ecosystem across areas such as artificial intelligence, drones, cybersecurity, and other advanced military applications.

Singh noted that India’s defence innovation ecosystem now includes Defence Public Sector Undertakings, private industries, over 17,000 MSMEs, and numerous supply units. The Defence Research and Development Organisation has evolved into a national innovation platform fostering collaboration among scientists, industry, academia, and technology enterprises.

Reflecting on India’s rising international stature, Singh observed that the country is increasingly becoming a dependable global security partner, not just fulfilling domestic needs but engaging in defence diplomacy, industrial collaboration, and technological partnerships in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions.

He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent engagements with Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand as examples of India’s expanding strategic influence. These interactions have strengthened ties in areas like the BrahMos missile system, uranium supply, trade, and cultural initiatives, solidifying India’s role as a regional and global partner.

Singh stated that India’s defence diplomacy now encompasses technical collaboration, industrial partnerships, and integration into global supply chains. This transformation is attributed to the collective efforts of soldiers, scientists, engineers, innovators, industries, MSMEs, and the youth of India.

Concluding his speech, Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a self-reliant and developed India that is secure and technologically advanced. He expressed that New India's vision includes soldiers equipped with indigenous technologies, scientists empowered by new opportunities, and industries capable of global competition.

"Approaching the centenary of India's independence in 2047, the world will recognize India not just as the largest democracy but as a self-reliant defence power," Singh concluded, expressing confidence that continued investments in innovation and military modernization will achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047.