Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged India to maintain a constant state of preparedness for potential ‘war-like situations’, reflecting on the unexpected challenges the nation faces along its borders. Speaking in New Delhi on Monday, Singh’s comments came in light of a recent four-day military conflict with Pakistan that underscored the necessity for vigilance in national security.
“This conflict illustrates that crises can arise unexpectedly,” Singh remarked, placing emphasis on the need for a robust security strategy going forward. He called for an introspective approach to military readiness, stating, “Operation Sindoor should serve as a case study from which we can learn and chart our future course.”
Highlighting the decisive actions taken during Operation Sindoor, Singh noted that India’s military response was firm and demonstrated the country’s capability to protect its borders. “Our forces are fully prepared to defend the country’s borders,” he reassured the nation.
Singh stressed the importance of self-reliance in defense capabilities. He pointed to India’s indigenously developed weapons systems, such as the Akash missile and BrahMos, which were pivotal during the operation. “We need to be ready for a war-like situation, and our preparedness must rest on our own foundation,” he asserted.
Singh’s dedication to promoting domestic manufacturing reflects a larger strategy for indigenisation within India’s defense sector. He reiterated that the government is creating a level-playing field for defence manufacturing, so that India moves beyond merely assembling foreign products to creating world-class, genuinely manufactured military equipment.
“We are striving to ensure that defence equipment is not merely assembled in India but genuinely manufactured here, embodying the spirit of ‘Made in India, Made for the World’,” Singh proclaimed. This vision aligns with the government’s commitment to bolster the national economy through the defence sector.
In terms of fiscal growth, Singh revealed impressive statistics regarding India’s defense production. It has escalated from a mere ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to a staggering ₹1.51 lakh crore today, with contributions from the private sector amounting to ₹33,000 crore. Notably, defense exports have also surged to nearly ₹24,000 crore, with expectations to reach ₹30,000 crore by March 2026.
Through these strategic moves and innovations, Singh painted a comprehensive picture of India’s defense policy, reinforcing that vigilance, preparedness, and self-reliance are imperative to navigate the complexities of modern warfare.
