“India is entering a golden era of defence innovation, and its foundation is being laid by our innovators and young entrepreneurs who are integrating economic strength, strategic thinking and technological advancements,” said defence minister Rajnath Singh while addressing start-ups, MSMEs, academia, industry partners & venture capitalists during the fourth edition of the Indian Navy’s Swavlamban seminar in New Delhi on November 25.
Stressing on the need for India to remain proactive, ahead of the curve and future-ready as it cannot adopt a reactive approach in today’s rapidly evolving world and constantly shifting geopolitical landscape, he credited the innovators for coming forth with path-breaking solutions and helping the nation emerge as a builder, creator and leader and not merely a buyer.
Singh asserted that the indigenisation movement being witnessed in the country today isn’t just due to policy, but the hard work of all stakeholders, and as a result, India is making giant strides towards becoming a technology exporter from an importer. “If India is rising as a maritime power today, it is due to the contribution of our innovators along with the navy,” he said.
Sharing insights on the emergence of new dimensions in the field of defence and national security, Shri Rajnath Singh exhorted the private sector to adopt a profit-plus approach and come up with platforms and systems that become symbols of the world’s trust in India. “A profit-plus approach encompasses monetary profit, nationalism, a sense of duty and strategic responsibility. Our goal should not be limited to economic activity; it should be treated as a national mission. The private industry must expand its role and move forward at a new pace in production, technology, design and innovation, keeping national interests in mind,” he said. He also urged the private sector to strive to increase its contribution in defence manufacturing to 50 per cent or more in the coming years.
Highlighting the long-term financial burden of maintenance, repair, overhaul, and spare parts supply for defence equipment imported from foreign countries, Singh emphasised the need to minimise import dependency and create a strong & self-reliant domestic supply chain. “If we strengthen local manufacturing of components and subsystems, our indigenous content will increase rapidly. This will not only enhance capability, but ensure cost efficiency, reliability, and strategic independence. This is possible only when the private sector, start-ups, R&D labs, and government institutions move forward with a shared vision,” he said, underlining that, in the future, defence innovation, indigenous design, advanced manufacturing, and strategic autonomy will all become core strengths of development.
