India has entered decisive phase in defence journey: Jitendra Singh

India has entered a decisive phase in its defence journey, where technology, indigenous innovation and private sector participation are shaping a new global identity for the country, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday.

Addressing the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, he said warfare is no longer defined by physical strength alone but increasingly driven by advanced technologies, real-time data systems and automated platforms. This transformation has significantly enhanced India’s operational capabilities and global standing.

Advertisement

Jitendra Singh further said that in the last decade, India transitioned from being a major importer of defence equipment to an emerging exporter. He noted that defence production reached ₹1.54 lakh crore, a 174% rise over one decade and export growth rose to ₹23,622 crore, a 34-fold increase over one decade.

The minister said a substantial contribution of around Rs 15,000 cr to total exports came from the private sector, reflecting a major shift towards collaborative defence manufacturing.

Referring to India’s expanding technological base, the minister said sectors such as space, atomic energy, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies are now integral to defence preparedness. He said India has already achieved rapid progress in quantum-secure communication capabilities, which will play a critical role in future warfare systems.

Jitendra Singh said reforms in key sectors have opened new opportunities for industry participation, enabling faster innovation cycles and scaling of indigenous technologies. He added that government support through funding mechanisms and policy initiatives is creating a strong ecosystem for research, development and deployment.

Emphasising the importance of synergy, he said the alignment of operational requirements of the Armed Forces with scientific research and industrial capability is essential for building a resilient and self-reliant defence ecosystem. He called for accelerated timelines from design to deployment, with focus on reliability, scalability and long-term sustainment.

The minister also spoke about the evolving role of the Armed Forces, highlighting their critical contribution not only in national security but also in disaster response and humanitarian assistance, recalling recent instances where timely intervention saved lives.