Rajnath Singh Advocates Indigenous Defence Production at Delhi Dialogue 2026

At the Delhi Defence Dialogue 2026, held on November 3 at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored the critical role of indigenous production in ensuring India's military preparedness in the 21st century. He stated, "Military preparedness is intrinsically linked to technological and industrial capabilities," emphasizing that self-reliance in defence must be viewed as a quest for technological sovereignty. This approach aims to prevent India's critical defence requirements from being dependent on external sources.

Singh articulated that true self-reliance encompasses not just the ability to manufacture defence platforms but also the knowledge to design, improve, and sustain them throughout their lifecycle. He remarked, "Self-reliance is not a retreat from the world; it positions India better for global collaborations."

The theme of this year's dialogue, "Defence Reforms, Aatmanirbharta, Collaborations and Exports," reflects India's ambition to achieve a developed nation status by 2047, termed Viksit Bharat. Singh described these four elements as interconnected dimensions essential for India's strategic autonomy. He stated, "Reforms must create an enabling institutional environment, Aatmanirbharta must strengthen indigenous technological capabilities, collaborations must accelerate access to advanced technologies, and exports must provide the scale and competitiveness required for a sustainable industrial ecosystem."

According to Singh, these elements are mutually reinforcing pillars of India's quest for self-sufficiency. He emphasized that reforms represent the nation's willingness to change, while Aatmanirbharta symbolizes its determination to innovate. Collaborations reflect India's confidence in partnering globally, and exports demonstrate its readiness to compete in international markets.

Singh highlighted the evolving nature of warfare, noting that recent global conflicts have transformed battlefields beyond traditional domains into cyberspace and the digital realm. He stated, "The distinction between conventional and unconventional warfare is increasingly blurring, with inexpensive drones and autonomous systems challenging sophisticated military platforms." This shift necessitates rapid innovation and the ability to manufacture at scale, making it crucial for India to enhance its technological and industrial capabilities.

He pointed out that the ability to replenish military capabilities is as vital as possessing advanced weapon systems. Singh's remarks underscore the urgency of developing a robust domestic defence industrial base to meet these challenges.

To bolster India's defence manufacturing capabilities, Singh outlined several initiatives undertaken over the past decade. These include the establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors and the corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board into seven Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). These reforms aim to enhance autonomy, efficiency, and competitiveness in defence manufacturing.

Singh reiterated the government's commitment to fostering greater private sector participation in developing and manufacturing advanced defence platforms. He stated, "Opportunities for private participation in programmes such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, propulsion systems, ATAGS, artillery ammunition, and shipbuilding will accelerate indigenous development and expand manufacturing capacity."

As India strives for self-reliance in defence, Singh emphasized the importance of international partnerships based on co-development and shared innovation. He noted that collaborations with global players will not only enhance India's technological capabilities but also position it as a competitive player in the global defence market.

He concluded by stressing that the four pillars of defence reforms, Aatmanirbharta, collaborations, and exports must progress together. Singh warned that self-reliance without reforms and international collaborations would limit India's technological horizons and global competitiveness.

The dialogue concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders in the defence sector to work collaboratively towards achieving these ambitious goals, ensuring that India is well-equipped to face the challenges of modern warfare and secure its strategic interests.