India is focusing on indigenisation, innovation, and global leadership not only to secure its borders but also to position itself as a key player in the international defence ecosystem, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday (April 17, 2025).
Speaking at a defence conclave organised by The Week, Mr. Singh stated, “Today, while India’s defence sector is moving ahead on the path of self-reliance, it is also ready to play a very important role in making global supply chains resilient.” He added, “The day is not far when India will not only emerge as a developed country, but our military power will also emerge as the number one in the world.”
Mr. Singh outlined the goal of reducing import dependency by building a defence industrial complex that meets domestic requirements and enhances export potential. Noting that India currently exports defence products to approximately 100 countries, he set export targets of ₹30,000 crore for the current year and ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
While highlighting technological advancements in the defence domain, the Minister acknowledged that manufacturing aero engines remains a significant challenge. He pointed to progress on the indigenous Kaveri engine project, developed for aircraft and Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), and ongoing discussions with global firms such as Safran, General Electric, and Rolls-Royce aimed at developing domestic capabilities in this sector.
The push for domestic defence manufacturing serves the dual purpose of ensuring national security and strategic autonomy while insulating the sector from global supply chain disruptions, Mr. Singh explained. “Our defence capabilities are like a credible deterrence, to maintain peace and tranquillity. Peace is possible only when we remain strong,” he stated.
Addressing the evolving nature of warfare, Mr. Singh cautioned that future conflicts are likely to be more violent and unpredictable. He highlighted the emergence of cyber and space as new battlegrounds, alongside the increasing importance of narrative and perception warfare globally.
Detailing the ongoing indigenisation drive, Mr. Singh referred to the five Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs) issued by the armed forces and another five by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), which reserve specific items for procurement from domestic sources. He stated that the Services’ lists include 509 major equipment, weapon systems, and platforms, while the DPSU lists cover 5,012 items, including strategically important Line Replacement Units, sub-systems, spares, and components.
The Minister highlighted the growth in domestic defence production from ₹40,000 crore in 2014 to over ₹1.27 lakh crore currently. “This year, defence production should cross ₹1.60 lakh crore, while our target is to produce defence equipment worth ₹3 lakh crore by the year 2029,” he added.
Published - April 17, 2025 09:29 pm IST
