Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged the domestic industry, especially the private sector, to further accelerate the pursuit of self-reliance by focusing on innovation and Research and Development, technology-based manufacturing, production of individual subsystems and components, and dominating the supply and maintenance chains.
“The effective use of Made-in-India equipment by the Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor bolstered India’s reputation both regionally and internationally,” Singh said.
Addressing the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers’ (SIDM) Annual Session, organised on the theme ‘Defence Self-Reliance: Strengthening National Security through Indigenous Industry’, here on Monday, the Defence Minister said that the world witnessed the power of Akash missile system, BrahMos, AkashTeer Air Defence Control System and other indigenous equipment/platforms during Operation Sindoor, and the credit of the operation’s success goes to the brave Armed Forces as well as “Industry warriors” who worked on the front lines of innovation, design, and manufacturing. He described the Indian industry as one of the most important pillars of defence alongside the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
“Although we gave a firm response with a firm resolve and our forces are fully prepared to defend the country’s borders, we must continue to introspect. Operation Sindoor should serve as a case study from which we can learn and chart our future course. This incident has once again shown us that anything can happen at our borders, anywhere, at any time. We need to be ready for a war-like situation, and our preparedness must be based on our own foundation,” he added further.
The Defence Minister further emphasised that the present-day global uncertainties call for an in-depth assessment of every domain, with ‘indigenisation’ being the only way to deal with the challenges emanating from the constantly-evolving defence sector and the nature of warfare. “The established world order is weakening, and conflict zones are increasing in many regions. It has, therefore, become necessary for India to redefine its security and strategy,” he said.
“We’re striving to ensure that the defence equipment is not just assembled in the country, but a real manufacturing base is established to create the equipment embodying the spirit of ‘Made in India, Made for the World’. Numerous initiatives such as the Quantum Mission, Atal Innovation Mission, and the National Research Foundation have been taken to develop a culture of innovation and R&D. Our industry must accomplish what has not yet been achieved in the country,” he said.
To further increase indigenisation, Singh urged the industry to strive towards dominating supply chains and maintenance chains while focusing on indigenous manufacturing of individual subsystems and components, and not just complete platforms.
“In today’s times, when we purchase major equipment from abroad, its maintenance, repair, overhaul, and spare parts management have significant financial implications throughout its life cycle. This puts a strain on our resources and perpetuates dependence on other countries. As a platform contains a large number of components and inputs, indigenous manufacturing of these subsystems can help increase our indigenous content. We must ensure that ‘our soil, our shield’ becomes our first choice,” he said.
The union minister further added that the objective should not be merely to assemble in India, but rather develop technology-based manufacturing within the country. “We must ensure that any technology transfer is effective and also serves as a means of empowering our indigenous industries,” he said