India’s defence sector has undergone a sweeping transformation over the past 12 years, with a strong push towards self-reliance, indigenous manufacturing, technological advancement and military modernisation. Marking the milestone on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country’s defence capabilities have been reshaped by a vision focused on innovation and domestic strength.
In a message on X, the Prime Minister underlined how the sector has evolved into a key pillar of national security while reducing dependence on foreign systems.
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“India’s defence capabilities have witnessed significant transformation over the last decade, guided by the vision of self-reliance and powered by innovation, technology and indigenous manufacturing.”
He added, “This thread gives a glimpse of the strides India has made in the defence sector over the last 12 years. #12YearsOfSurakshitBharat.”
Rajnath Singh highlights security milestones
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the country’s security architecture has witnessed a major shift under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, combining a firm approach against terrorism with efforts to strengthen domestic defence capabilities.
“Under the astute leadership of Prime Minister @narendramodi, India has witnessed a historic transformation in its national security architecture.”
Referring to India’s response to security challenges, he said, “From a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism to decisive actions such as Surgical Strikes, Balakot and Operation Sindoor, India has sent a clear message that its sovereignty is non-negotiable.”
He also stressed the role of self-reliance in strengthening military preparedness.
“Simultaneously, our resolve for Aatmanirbharta in Defence has strengthened indigenous capabilities, modernised our Armed Forces and enhanced preparedness across land, sea, air, cyber and space domains.”
According to Rajnath Singh, “The journey of the last 12 years reflects a strongdefence transformationer, safer, self-reliant and more confident India, ready to safeguard its national interests and emerge as a leading global power.”
Defence diplomacy emerges as a strategic pillar
Alongside military modernisation, India has expanded its defence diplomacy over the last decade, strengthening engagement with major global powers while maintaining strategic autonomy.
Defence cooperation has increasingly moved beyond traditional military exchanges to include technology partnerships, industrial collaboration and joint manufacturing initiatives.
India has also enhanced its presence in regional and multilateral security platforms such as the Quad, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).
Focus on technology and indigenous capability
The government’s defence strategy has centred on boosting domestic manufacturing, building indigenous capability and integrating advanced technologies into national security systems.
According to a government statement, India’s expanding international defence engagements reflect its growing strategic confidence and its emergence as a responsible security partner amid an increasingly complex global environment.
The emphasis on self-reliance, combined with deeper global partnerships and military preparedness across conventional and emerging domains, has become a defining feature of India’s defence transformation over the past 12 years.